Inner Space Cavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inner Space Cavern |
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| Laubach Cave | |
| Website | https://innerspacecavern.com/ |
Inner Space Cavern (also known as Laubach Cave) is a fascinating karst cave located in Georgetown, Texas. This amazing underground space was formed by water moving through limestone rock. Scientists believe the cavern is about 20 to 25 million years old. However, it only became connected to the surface during the late Pleistocene period, around 14,000 to 45,000 years ago.
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How Caves Like This Formed
Inner Space Cavern is found in limestone and dolomite rocks. These rocks were created during the Cretaceous period long, long ago. After a big crack in the Earth called the Balcones Fault formed, water could easily flow through the limestone. This was the start of the cavern's creation.
When rain falls, it picks up carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. It also gets CO2 from decaying plants in the soil. This mix creates a weak acid called carbonic acid. This acid slowly dissolves the limestone rock. Over millions of years, these tiny dissolved spaces grew bigger and bigger. This process created the large rooms and passages we see in the cavern today.
Ancient Animal Discoveries
During the Ice Age, there were several large openings to the cavern. This allowed many prehistoric animals to fall inside. Scientists have found skeletons of amazing Ice Age animals here. These include a baby mammoth, a giant sloth, and even a saber-toothed tiger! Many of these animals got trapped and couldn't escape. Others drowned in thick, quicksand-like mud at the bottom of ancient watering holes.
Some old sinkholes that were once entrances have been found filled in. All the natural entrances to the cavern closed up about 14,000 years ago.
How the Cavern Was Found
Inner Space Cavern was discovered by accident in the spring of 1963. A drilling team from the Texas Department of Transportation was working. They were building an overpass for Interstate 35 when they drilled into the cavern!
The cavern was first mapped by the Texas Speleological Association in 1963. Since then, many miles of passages have been explored and mapped. However, many parts of the cavern are still unexplored. This is because some areas are blocked by filled-in rock and dirt.
Visiting the Cavern Today
Inner Space Cavern opened to the public in 1966. Today, you can choose from different types of tours. There's a basic guided walking tour that's great for everyone. For the more adventurous, there's an advanced "wild cave" spelunking tour. Over 1.2 miles of passages are open for visitors to explore.
However, some parts of the cavern are not open to the public. These areas are carefully protected. Independent exploration is not allowed for safety reasons. The main entrance for visitors was created using dynamite. One of the original 18-inch wide drill holes now serves as an emergency exit. It also helps to bring fresh air into the cavern.
- Inner Space Cavern from the Handbook of Texas Online
- Map: 30°36′28″N 97°41′16″W / 30.60778°N 97.68778°W
