Gourgouthakas (Greek: Γουργούθακας; from "small cutting on rocks, in which rain water is collected and from which animals drink water") is a cave located in the Lefka Ori mountains on the Greek island of Crete. It is the deepest cave in Greece, with an explored depth of 1,208 metres (3,963 ft),[2] and is the 43rd deepest in the world in 2010.[3]
| Gourgouthakas | |
|---|---|
| Location | Greece |
| Coordinates | 35°19′56″N 24°05′00″E / 35.3321681°N 024.0834517°E[1] |
| Depth | 1,208 metres (3,963 ft) |
| Discovery | 1990 |
| Entrances | 1 |
Gourgouthakas was discovered in 1990 by the Speleological Mission of the Catamaran team, based in Μontbeliard, France.[4] The depth of 985 m was reached in 1997. [5] In 1998, the same group reached the small lake (sump) at the bottom, at a depth of 1,208 metres (3,963 ft).[6] The lake has not yet been explored.
The cave is primarily a deep vertical shaft, filled with intersecting arcades and huge stalagmites and stalactites.[4] Due to its configuration, specialized equipment and expertise is required to explore it.[6]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Levka 2008" (PDF) (in French). p. 50. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ "Levka Ori 1998" (PDF) (in French). Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ Gulden, Bob (21 September 2010). "Worlds deepest caves". National Speleological Society GEO2 Committee on long and deep caves. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Gourgouthakas, the underground giant". cretazine. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
- ^ "Levka Ori 1997" (PDF) (in French). Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Cave Gourgouthakas". Terrabook. Retrieved 20 November 2014.