A recent scientific expedition expanded the known length of the world’s third-longest cave from 410 kilometers to 437 kilometers, scientists involved in the work said on Thursday. The project, which began in early October, involved professionals from China, France, Portugal and Belgium.
The discovery was announced after the completion of the 23rd joint international scientific expedition in Shuanghe Cave in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. Shuanghe is the longest known cave in Asia and the longest dolomite cave in the world.
The latest research has established that the Shuanghe cave network has 115 connected openings, an increase from the 107 that had previously been recorded. It also led to new discoveries of animal fossils, including two giant pandas.
Jean Bottazzi, the French speleologist who led the most recent expedition, said they used 3D laser scanning to improve measurement accuracy. They also found a large underground river, the study of which could lead to a further extension of the cave’s known length.
French speleologist Anne Cholin describes Shuanghe as a special cave system of great value for paleontology and the study of ancient climate change.
Explorations of the deep sea, outer space and caves are scientific ways of understanding the planet we live on, she said. “We look forward to constantly expanding the limits of human knowledge.”
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/expedicao-estende-comprimento-conhecido-da-caverna-mais-longa-da-asia/
