This remarkable cave in China appears to have been made out of particles from a rainbow. It is called the Karst Cave, and it is said to have been whittled by an ancient river that flowed through it 500,000 years ago.
What makes the Karst so beautiful inside is that the composition of its rocks, stalactites and pillars, reflect a blend of yellow, blue, and purple. It is also known as the Reed Flute Cave. Back in the war, due its accessibility, the Chinese once used this cave as a hideout, specifically against air raids. Not only is it beautiful, but it has saved countless lives, too.
Aquatic Lemurs
The ancient creatures that once roamed the Earth were gargantuan, even in comparison to the largest of the creatures we share the planet with today. So much so that there even used to be giant dragonflies buzzing across virgin forests, colossal birds and deer that stood more than ten-feet tall.
Lemurs probably aren’t the first creatures to come to mind when you think about large animals. But divers have uncovered lemur bones in an underwater cave in Madagascar, which startled them because of their enormous size. These mammals are arboreal, meaning they normally live in trees. How their bones came to rest in this deep, underwater cave is a mystery. For now, the most likely explanation is that they were washed away by the currents. Though the idea of giant, swimming lemurs migrating via the ocean is pretty cool (if far-fetched).
A Very Ancient Human Race
Just when scientists think they’ve got a handle on the human race and where we fit in the scheme of things, life leads them to little discoveries that throw everything back up in the air again. Our knowledge base is continually challenged and disrupted by our discoveries, with no better example than that of this confusing cave in Africa. Within its murky depths, scientists discovered a unique heap of human bones. Nothing like it had ever been found before.
These remains didn’t correspond to any data we have of the development of humans throughout ancient history, and scientists named it Homo naledi. Not enough data has been gathered yet regarding the exact age of this species, but it is currently estimated to be around 3 million years old. This hominid has a smaller brain cavity than that of modern humans, with a more pronounced brow ridge.
A Different Kind of Pearl
One can only imagine the myriad of wonders to be found in this deep, mysterious cave. The stalactites and the stalagmites themselves capture our attention, taking the form of altars inside. We are at awe by the knowledge of how they are formed out of soluble material and its dripping for many many years until they are hardened, even crystallized.
Caves are capable of coming up with their own version of pearls, too. They may not be as valuable as those from the South Sea, but they are smooth and wonderful to witness. They are formed by the dripping of calcite-heavy water onto dirt, which in time solidifies into a collection of smooth spheres.
Explore the Ecosystems of Puerto Princesa
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. And if you're a nature lover, you'll be happy to discover all of the unique creatures, plants and all the biodiversity the cave has to offer, more than 800 plant species, including 300 species of trees, 200 bird species, 30 mammals, 19 reptiles and 8 bat species call the cave home.
The entrance to the cave is only a short hike away from a nearby town, but the river, which is navigable by boat, is only accessible for up to 4 kilometers, because the critical lack of oxygen passed that point. If that wasn't cool enough, in 2010, a group of geologists discovered that the underground river has a second floor, which creates several small waterfalls inside the cave.