Glossary of caving and speleology
Wikimedia list article
There are a number of terms that are used in connection with caves, caving and speleology. The following is an incomplete list.
A
Airbell
An enclosed air space in a flooded tube between the water and the roof
Anthodite
Main article: Anthodite A speleothem (cave formation) composed of long needle-like crystals situated in clusters which radiate outward from a common base.
B
Belly crawl
A passage that is very low.
Biospeleology
Main article: Biospeleology A branch of biology dedicated to the study of organisms that live in caves and are collectively referred to as troglofauna.
Boneyard
An intricate maze of limestone with many holes where material has dissolved away.
Boulder choke
Main article: Boulder choke A collection of large rocks or rubble that obstructs the passage of a cave or mine. In order to progress through passages, cavers often need to negotiate or clear boulder chokes.
Buffoon
Also called a speleo-buffoon or cave-buffoon, a derogatory term referring to cavers who are unprepared and make poor decisions.
C
Cave conservancy
Main article: Cave conservancy A specialized land trust that primarily manages caves or karst features in the United States.
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