Lechuguilla Cave, USA

Lechuguilla cave is the deepest in the territory of the United States. One of their mines has the depth of 489 meters. The length of the underground galleries is more than 222.5 kilometers. The lime cave was discovered in 1914. The cave has the same name as the canyon where its natural entrance was found. Lechuguilla attracts numerous researchers thanks to the variety of crystalline mineral formations.

The research of the great system of underground vaults was commenced relatively recently, in 1986. Some calcite information found at depth is truly unique. In some of the large rooms of the cave one can see the so-called 'chandeliers' - the plaster formations with the size of 6 meters. The scientists have determined that such a variety of the mineral formations of the cavity is due to the influence of sulfuric acid.

Under the web of the underground galleries is the large petroleum deposit, which has evaporated the hydrogen sulphide for many years. The latter has mixed with the water and the sulfuric acid has formed, which has etched the limestone. The main drawback of the strange formations is their fragility, for this reason Lechuguilla is closed to visitors. The location of the entrance to the cave is kept secret. Those who have ventured to the secret entrance into the cave should take into account that Lechuguilla is one of the most dangerous caves in the world. In their tunnels, there are constant explosions because of the evaporation of sulfur-containing gases, and the most beautiful plaster formations can fall from any awkward movement. Next - Sac Actun