Question 1: Today’s image features the vast Hang Sơn Đoòng cave. Which country are we in?
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Cambodia
Correct Answer: Vietnam
Fact: The world’s largest natural cave by volume, Hang Sơn Đoòng stretches over more than 3 miles in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. Its main passage is 660 feet high and 490 feet wide, large enough to comfortably house a Boeing 747 jetliner or a 40-story skyscraper.
Question 2: What is the study of caves called?
- Speleology
- Meteorology
- Archaeology
Correct Answer: Speleology
Fact: Speleology is the scientific study of caves and other karst features, including how they form, what they are made of, and what lives in them. The ‘father of modern speleology’ was Frenchman Edouard-Alfred Martel (1859-1938), who explored thousands of caves himself and introduced the idea of speleology as a separate area of scientific study.
Question 3: What is spelunking?
- Exploring caves as a hobby
- Studying cave paintings
- Collecting cave minerals
Correct Answer: Exploring caves as a hobby
Fact: Spelunking, also known as caving or potholing, involves exploring caves, often with helmets, lights, ropes, and other safety equipment. In pursuing this thrilling, but potentially dangerous activity, spelunkers can encounter tight squeezes, underground rivers, large chambers, and intricate rock formations.