Vietnam discovers longest volcanic cave in Southeast Asia
(VOVworld) - A group of Vietnamese and Japanese scientists have announced the first discovery of a volcanic cave system in Vietnam, part of which is thought to be the longest cave in Southeast Asia. According to the General Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam, the discovery was made in Krong No District in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong by experts from the department and the Japan Caving Association after seven years of research.
A press briefing to announce the discovery on December 26th, 2014
Photo: VOV
|
The unique natural heritage of volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago, is the first to have been discovered in Vietnam. The 25-km system starts at Choar hamlet on the Serepoc river and ends at Dray Sap waterfall. It includes 12 volcanic caves, three of which called C7, C3, and A1, have been measured in detail. C7 is thought to be the longest cave in Southeast Asia. Researchers have yet to conclude whether people ever lived in the volcanic caves, as they have not yet found any traces of human habitation. Tran Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Dak Nong provincial Party Committee, said: "The Krong No cave system was discovered in 2007 and its importance and value have been confirmed as the research goes on. The province plans to ask relevant agencies to recognize the Krong No cave system as a national geological park. We’ll do our best to protect the system and make it a global geological park."