What does spelunking mean? In simple terms, it means cave exploration. Spelunking is rooted in a Latin word spelunca, meaning cave. Technically, it is derived from the word Speleology that means "scientific study of caves". Speleologists are scientists involved in the study of caves. They are the ones responsible for studying cave forms, origin, ecology etc. Edouard Martel first launched cave research and study in France.

How do spelunkers and cavers differ from each other? For some, they are somewhat similar in sense. But technically, there is only a minor difference, which separates them. Some cavers also call themselves spelunkers and vice versa. While others, don't consider themselves as both. Actually, spelunkers are those people who are responsible for the scientific discovery of caves while cavers are just those people who are fond of discovering the caves by just traveling around. Their activities greatly differ from each other.

What are their activities? Both of them follow a predetermined or prepared plan of activities or itineraries. They also both have objectives and expected outputs. But how do they really differ?

Spelunkers or speleologists follow a more formal, written and approved course of work regarding their study, while cavers also follow a list of activities, but for the sole motive of pleasure and enjoyment. They pay for amusement. However, spelunkers get paid for their contributions to science. Students of speleology, also come to caves for educational purposes.

Important Caves

Some caves which are of great importance in spelunking are Colossal Cave Mountain Park of Arizona, USA; Cumberland Caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park; Desert Caves of Saudi Arabia; and many others. These caves and caverns are explored for history research, wildlife conservation as well as art appreciation and some other discoveries.

Spelunking in the Cave

Caves cater different features for spelunkers. Caves were formed through intense water flow and pressure on rocks and landmasses like mountain or hillsides. Through time, several rock formations were sculpted forming different shapes and structures. They are commonly known as stalactites and stalagmites. These structures are one of the objects of research for some spelunkers.

As cave progresses, it can eventually form into caverns. Different rooms inside also form, as water thrusts on the rocks. And as it improves in formation, living creatures, of both plants and animals, inhabit the area. And so on... and so forth. This evolution would be one of the reasons why spelunking has paved its way forward.