Hobbies And Interests
Groundwater
The majority of the United States' freshwater is in the form of groundwater and about a quarter of that groundwater is located in caves and karst regions, making caverns a crucial source of fresh water. Human communities have relied on water obtained directly from underground caverns since ancient times, and continue to do so in some regions of the world where well drilling is not an option.
Habitat
Caverns provide a specialized habitat for cave-dwelling animals. Animals that use caves for habitat but must also leave the cave to find food are called trogloxenes. Bats, rodents and other creatures use caves for nesting, roosting or hibernating, but they only live in the cave part-time. Troglophiles, like earthworms and some spiders, can live their entire lives inside the cave or they can venture out of the cave. Troglobites live only in caves and have special adaptations that allow them to do so. 130 species of troglobitic insects, crustaceans, arachnids, amphibians, fish, flatworms, snails and centipedes are found in caves in the United States.
History
Caves offer a preserved record of an area's climatic, geologic, anthropologic, archaeologic and paleontologic history. Studies of caverns uncover information about what the environment and climate was like in other time periods and how the Earth was formed and evolved. Artifacts, cave paintings and fossils preserved in caves show how humans and animals lived and died throughout history.
Recreation
Caverns also offer recreation and tourism opportunities. Millions of tourists visit over 150 caverns in the United States each year to view geologic formations and other features. Some caves are well-maintained and easily traversed, while others are wild and accessible only to experienced cavers with caving equipment.