A
new group of cavers, mostly from Colorado, emerged on the scene in
the spring of 1990. From the start this group proved to be enthusiastic
and dedicated, devoting one weekend each month to the exploration
of Wind Cave. They became the first caving group to concentrate
on
cave inventory. Inventory involves describing passageways and rooms
and noting their contents. Presently, over 50% of the known
cave has
been inventoried.
September of 1991 brought the greatest discovery
in Wind Cave during recent times. A tight crawl named Silent Struggle
led to the discovery of the Southern Comfort Zone. The Southern Comfort
Zone is the most westerly and southerly part of the known cave. This
area contains one of the largest and most beautiful rooms in the cave.
It contains a large slope with the largest amount of flowstone found thus far in Wind Cave. The
Southern Comfort Zone has directed cavers to the furthest known reaches
of Wind Cave to an area called Cosmos. An experienced caver can reach
this place after about five hours of hard travel. Even in Cosmos air
movement can be felt. Moving air means more cave beyond. The explorers
of today are still asking "Just how big is Wind Cave anyway?"
No one knows for sure, but a study measuring the airflow at Wind Cave's
natural entrance indicates that the known cave may account for less
than 5% of the overall cave. Many Wind Cave explorers can probably
empathize with Alvin McDonald's statement when he wrote: "Have
given up the idea of ever finding the end of Wind Cave."
The exploration of Wind Cave continues in earnest. While
over 113.05
miles (181.936
kilometers) of the cave have been explored and mapped, literally hundred
of passages exist that have yet to be explored. Many of the unexplored passages
are probably dead ends. But, if the pattern holds true, other passages will
lead to the exciting discovery of some larger rooms. Sometimes exploration
has led to discoveries that have gradually helped us to understand some
the cave's geologic story. Other discoveries have only resulted in more
questions. Wind Cave's full story will probably remain a mystery. One thing
is certain, many of the features of Wind Cave are irreplaceable, formed
over perhaps millions of years and sometimes by processes that long-ago
ceased. For this reason alone, Wind Cave deserves the efforts of each of
us to protect it. |
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