Our planet is a place of amazing miracles and unusual mysteries. It would seem that a person has mastered even the most remote corners of the Earth, but at the same time has not discovered all its secrets. In addition to the 8 wonders of the world known to all, there is a huge number of man-made and natural objects that amaze the imagination and minds of all mankind. Among them is the world's largest cave, a unique formation with its own ecosystem. Let's talk about where it is located, when it was discovered and what distinguishing features it has.
Shondong: size statistics
Shondong is the largest cave in the world. A similar statement by local residents was supported by facts obtained by a research expedition from England in 2009. According to dry statistics, the formation has a volume of about 38.5 million cubic meters, a height of about 200 meters, and a width of about 150 meters. Falling into something like thisthe underworld, willy-nilly, any person can be confused by the grandeur, size and scope.
Discovery history
The unofficial history of the cave begins in 1991, it was from this period of time that the local population mentioned its presence, until that date no information was provided. At the same time, one should not forget that the underground grotto of colossal dimensions was formed by the water element for at least two million years in a row. Evidence of the significant age of the cave are huge stalagmites, as well as other bizarre stone formations.
How to get to the cave?
Where is the largest cave in the world? Vietnam, Quang Binh province is the address you will have to follow to visit it. Not far from the border with Laos, in these places, there is a national natural park called Phong Nha - Kebang, and it is here that a unique natural formation is located. Finding the entrance to the cave is quite difficult, this is due to the fact that it is located in a rather wild area, in the realm of mountains and jungles. Perhaps this fact explains the fact that for a long time the underground formation was not discovered and was not explored even after the discovery at the end of the 20th century. Descent into the ground is carried out by ropes, which is also a rather serious obstacle and test.
The beauty and features of Shondong
What is the biggest cave in the world famous for? Photo educationamaze with amazing beauty and scale. First of all, most travelers are fascinated by the underground river, which flows in the bowels of the earth and in solid rocks for several kilometers. On its shores, the most desperate daredevils even pitch tents, but you won’t be able to enjoy the silence far from civilization either. The splashing of water and the howling of the wind in the depths of the cave create a chilling atmosphere worthy of any horror movie.
Besides the river, Son Doong also has its own green spaces, jungles, which may include indigenous people. So, here there are various insects and snakes, a little less often birds and even monkeys. A unique feature of the local ecosystem is the unique underground climate. Habitual fogs and clouds are found even underground, which in itself is very unusual and intriguing. In fact, the explanation is quite simple, a significant temperature difference between the surface and the underground leads to the formation of clouds and other similar phenomena.
You can visit Son Doong at any time, except for the rainy season. During this period, the caves are filled with water to a dangerous level, which means that visiting them can be extremely dangerous for the life of researchers.
Other main title contenders
At different times, the title of the world's largest cave claimed:
- Cueva del Fantasma (due to the significant volume inside the dungeon, two helicopters can land at the same time, in addition, the beauty of these placesgives a rapid waterfall).
- Majlis al Jinn (located in the state of Oman and rightfully takes second place, second only to Sondong in size, its height at some points is approximately 150 meters).
Unique world dungeons
Now that you know the name of the largest cave in the world, you can talk about other unique underground kingdoms that are popular with lovers of extreme recreation and unity with nature. So, the list of the most interesting formations can include:
- Mexican cave of crystals. Officially discovered in 2000. Its distinctive feature is the presence of colossal selenite crystals that fill the entire volume of the cave. In addition, the air temperature is extremely high in its bowels, and it is rather problematic to be there.
- Waitomo Cave. Located in New Zealand and certainly can be appreciated by romantics from all over the world. On its ceiling, travelers can see real stars, the effect of luminous dots is created by firefly larvae that live on the stacks and the roof of the cave.
- Gongchong Cave in China is known primarily for the fact that an educational institution was equipped in its bowels, where lessons were held with children.
- Fingal's Cave in Scotland will appeal to connoisseurs of music, amazing acoustics reign under its vaults, and vertical natural bas alt columns give it greatness and harmony.
- CaveThe reed flute in China has been greatly ennobled by man. Modern lighting makes the bowels of the underworld truly magical, and even fabulous. The name of the formation is explained by the reeds that grow in these places.
- Botovskaya cave is considered the longest in Russia. It is located in an abandoned region in the Irkutsk region and has not been fully studied to date.
- Romanian Movile is the most unique. The amazing thing is that it is an absolutely closed ecosystem, different from the rest of the world. During the study of the cave, rare representatives of the world of flora and fauna were found.
Realm of ice
The world's largest ice cave is located in New Zealand and has a complex name Isriesennvelt, its area is approximately 300 square kilometers, which allows it to be the absolute champion in its category in size. Beautiful and cold ice formations are found in Iceland (Vatnaekul is forbidden to visit during the warm season due to high risks of melting and collapse), in Russia (a grotto in the Mutnovsky volcano), in Austria.
Cave movie
Delight and inspiration - that's what the biggest cave in the world evokes in people. Sanctum, a 2011 science fiction film about a cave, tells the story of a group of explorers descending into the depths of unexplored dungeons. A fierce struggle with a dangerous and unknown element leads to very deplorableconsequences, reminding viewers not only of the beauty of the caves, but also of the threat to life lurking in their unknown.
The world's largest cave is currently located in Vietnam, but research to understand our world is carried out regularly and systematically, which means that unique finds will not keep you waiting. It is likely that very soon we will get acquainted with new natural phenomena, no less fantastic and beautiful than those already known to mankind.
