On Dec. 3, a long, low crawlway led explorers to a passage that is up to 90 feet tall and has a floorspace of 2.5 acres. The largest room in Mammoth Cave, Chief City, is 2 acres. Despain, a graduate student in geoscience, has led two expeditions to southeast Asia, exploring many of the largest caves in the world. Western cavers began traveling to eastern Kentucky several years ago after examining the geology of the region and noting the potential for great new discoveries. More giant caves might be right under our feet, ready to be discovered.
Cave exploration can be dangerous for the inexperienced.
The group also is careful to protect the cave. Right now, a single-file set of footprints is the only evidence the cave has been visited. Further discoveries, however, have had to wait because students postponed exploration until final exams are complete. Their next expedition is planned for the holiday break.