What are Caves?
Caves are natural holes or opening extending from the surface of the earth to the underground, big enough for a person to enter that are formed over millions of years by various geological processes. They include any natural pit, sinkhole, subterranean passage, and other features extending from a cave entrance. Caves are major components of karst landscape which is typically made up of a soluble bedrock such as limestone dissolved by acidic surface water and/ or groundwater.
Caves provide life support systems such as freshwater, food and shelter needed by humans and other species. They are important sites of biodiversity as they are irreplaceable homes for unique, rare and even unknown flora and fauna. Caves are also vital source of groundwater, and may contain rivers, pools and even waterfalls.
