Lechuguilla Cave

Lechuguilla cave was discovered in 1986, when cavers dug open a hole in a long known depression near Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico, which was long ago mined for salpeter. Little did they know, that they opened one of the most beautiful caves in the world. 150km. of amazing cave has been found and it is the fifth longest cave in the world. Until it was found in 1986 it was left untouched by most life. This preserved the true nature of the cave completely. To continue to keep this cave in the state in which they found it they do not allow public entrance and those lucky research scientists who do get in the cave are required to wear special clothing and have other such restraints while in the cave. The cave is formed in a way only a few caves in the world have been formed. Basically a crack in the earth is carved out by sulphuric acid solutions. Then the host rock lime stone is dissolved and deposited by slightly carbonated water. Lechuguilla however has formations like no others GIANT CRYSTALS of gypsum and aragonite as well as amazing calcite formations. As well as formations ROCK EATING BACTERIA have been discovered. Check this site out! " Lechuguilla."