Spooky Month: Caves with Brennan Lee Mulligan!

Oct 1, 2024

Join writer and storyteller Brennan Lee Mulligan as he takes a thrilling plunge into the eerie world of caves. Discover what defines a cave and the fascinating processes behind their formation. Delve into dangerous caves like Optymistychna and learn about extraordinary underground finds, including giant selenite crystals. Explore cave ecology with blind olm salamanders and find out why these dark spaces are perfect for aging your favorite cheese. Brennan also shares insights on his upcoming projects and performances!

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INSIGHT

How Most Caves Form

Most caves are solution caves formed when water dissolves soluble rocks like limestone, gypsum, and salt.
Other major types include lava tubes, glacier/ice caves, and tectonic-created openings.

INSIGHT

Cave Etymology Is About Hollows

The English word "cave" derives from Latin cavum through Old French, originally meaning a hollow or cellar.
Related words like cavity share that same root about empty spaces.

ANECDOTE

Gypsum Cave's Grim Irony

The Optymistychna Cave in Ukraine is largely gypsum, a very soft mineral prone to collapse, making it unusually dangerous.
Its name meaning "optimistic" contrasts darkly with the real hazard of falling gypsum blocks.

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