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Gargantua (cave) facts for kids

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Gargantua
Middle entrance of the Gargantua cave (British Columbia - September 2010).jpg
Upper (teapot) entrance
Location Andy Good Plateau, Canada
Depth 286 m
Length 6001m
Geology Limestone
Entrances 5
Hazards Ice, squeezes

Gargantua is a giant limestone cave system located high up on the Andy Good Plateau in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. This incredible cave is known for being one of the longest and deepest in Canada. It has more than 6,000 meters (about 3.7 miles) of underground passages and goes down 286 meters (about 938 feet) deep.

Gargantua is also home to the largest natural cavern in Canada. This huge underground room is 290 meters (951 feet) long, 30 meters (98 feet) wide, and 25 meters (82 feet) high. Imagine a space as big as several football fields underground!

Exploring Gargantua Cave

Exploring Gargantua is an exciting adventure, but it can also be very challenging. The cave has five different entrances, and some parts are quite narrow, called "squeezes." Cavers also need to be careful of ice, which can be found in many areas, especially near the entrances and in deeper sections.

A Memorable Caving Trip

In October 2002, a group of students from a caving club at W. R. Myers High School went on an expedition into Gargantua cave. Their trip became quite memorable when they faced a challenge trying to exit the cave.

They planned to leave through a specific spot known as the "waterfall exit." However, they found it difficult to get through this part. Because of the unexpected delay, the students ended up staying in the cave overnight. They eventually managed to get out safely the next day. This event showed how important it is for cavers to be prepared for unexpected situations and to always prioritize safety.

Images for kids

  • "Big Dipper" series of phreatic tubes,Gargantua cave, British Columbia

    The Big Dipper, a series of round tunnels formed by water

  • Waterfall exit

    The waterfall exit, a challenging spot for cavers

  • PXL 20201025 163012250.NIGHT

    A 17-meter (56-foot) drop inside the cave

  • PXL 20201025 175727046.NIGHT

    Another view of the Big Dipper section

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Cueva Gargantúa para niños

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