Dictionary- Out of Bounds Grotto

Skip To: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

This is an ongoing project and is not complete (will it ever be?). Want to suggest a term or an edit? Members can submit changes to the project in the Members Section. Or you can Contact the OBG.

702 Defined Terms out of 1,040

18650 (DRAFT)

Rechargeable battery commonly used in caving headlamps and flashlights.

2 Point Anchor (DRAFT)

Rope anchor that consists of two "points" attached to a wall or other immovable object. A common example is an anchor built on two bolts.

A

A'ā (DRAFT)

("ah-ah") Very rough and sharp lava.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/aa-lava

Abseil (DRAFT)

Access Control (DRAFT)

Term for cave rescue where a log is kept of who enters and leaves the cave.

See Also: Rescue

Accident (DRAFT)

An unexpected incident in caving that results in injury or becoming lost or stranded in a cave.

The NSS publishes a list of reported accidents each year in American Caving Accidents.

Learn More: caves.org/american-caving-accidents

Accidental (DRAFT)

Any animal found in a cave that is not normally found in a cave. They may have been washed in/fallen in.

Active (Cave) (DRAFT)

A cave with a stream or streams flowing in it

Adapted (DRAFT)

When an animal, insect or plant becomes adjusted to living in caves. Common examples are blind fish or crayfish.

A method of climbing a cave wall by using webbing ladders connected to bolts or removable rock climbing protection. The climber is belayed by a partner with a dynamic rope. Each piece of protection can be very strong or may only hold bodyweight.

Used to access previously inaccessible areas of caves.

Alcove (DRAFT)

A small area usually off to the side of a passage, generally large enough for a couple of cavers to sit in.

See Also: Passage

Alpine Butterfly (DRAFT)

A knot that creates a secure bite in the middle of the rope. Used to isolate core shot sections of rope, a second attachment point for a caver to clip a cowstail into for passing knots, anchor building and a myriad of other uses.

Alpine Caving (DRAFT)

Vertical caving practices that may include thinner ropes and rebelays to reduce ropes rubbing on rocks. These techniques are usually used in more remote caves but are becoming common everywhere.

Alpine Karst (DRAFT)

Aluminium Tutu (DRAFT)

A slighting comment that refers to someone having too much gear on their harness.

Amarrage Souple (DRAFT)

Amberat (DRAFT)

Varnish like deposit made up of rat urine.

American Death Triangle (DRAFT)

A bad style of rigging a rope on two anchors that multiplies the force applied to the anchors. It is triangle shaped and includes a single loop of rope going from the master point and then through both anchors.

Anastamosis (DRAFT)

Anchor (DRAFT)

anthodite (DRAFT)

A type of speleothem composed of long needle-like crystals situated in clusters which radiate outward from a common base.

Learn More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthodite

Anthrocite (DRAFT)

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Anticline (DRAFT)

Appalachian Cave Conservancy (DRAFT)

Appalachian Cave Conservancy, Inc. is a conservancy of the National Speleological Society and a nonprofit, tax-exempt Virginia corporation founded in 1978 for the purpose of protecting caves through effective stewardship and conservation practices.

Learn More: acave.us

Approach (DRAFT)

The act of a caver getting to a place to perform a caving activity. Used to refer to the hike to the cave and also the movement of a caver to the top of a pitch to begin a rappel.

Approach Line (DRAFT)

A rope connected to a bomber anchor, at least two bolts, or other multiple pieces of protection on one end. Used to safely access a vertical anchor by either rappeling if the other end of the rope is free or by clipping in with a cowstail and treating it as a traverse if the far end is also connected to a bomber anchor.

Apron (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/apron

See Also: Lava Tube

Aquifer (DRAFT)

A porous water yielding layer of rock.

Aragonite (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/aragonite

See Also: Formation

Arch Site (DRAFT)

Archaeological site. Some caves have arch sites inside and near the entrance. Many arch sites have been looted before they were able to be studied by science.

See Also: Entrance

Arthropods (DRAFT)

Invertebrates in the phylum Arthrododa, the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, which includes: lobsters, crabs, spiders, mites, insects, centipedes, and millipedes.

Artifact (DRAFT)

Ascend (DRAFT)

To go up. Refers to a caver climbing up a rope.

Ascender (DRAFT)

Camming device that grips the rope in one direction to allow a caver to progress up a rope. Examples include hand ascenders like the the Black Diamond Index, chest ascenders like the Petzl Croll, emergency ascenders like the Petzl Tibloc and Climbing Technology Roll-N-Lock.

Asymmetric Prusik (DRAFT)

ATC (DRAFT)

Originally a Black Diamond Air Traffic Controller rappel and belay device used by rock climbers. Now a generic term for most modern tube style style devices. As it was designed for climbers, it works with one or two ropes. Very lightweight but easily damaged in a caving environment.

B

Bachelor Colony (DRAFT)

A group of male bats, often cave dwellers

Learn More: virginiabats.org batcon.org batmanagement.com bats.org.uk batsgauteng.org.za/wp ausbats.org.au batconservationindia.org batswithoutborders.org bats.org.au/

Back Tie (DRAFT)

Backflow (DRAFT)

Lave tube feature where the lava flowed backwards at one point due to an obstruction or surge.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/backflow

Backsight (DRAFT)

In cave survey a backsight is used to check the distance, inclination and azimuth of the measurement between two stations. The team member that is on point measures back to the primary station and should have the same distance, the opposite (negative or positive) of the inclination and 180 degrees difference in the compass bearing.

Backtie (DRAFT)

Backup Light (DRAFT)

An accessible additional light (usually a headlamp) that is not mounted on a cavers helmet. Used as a backup in case the cavers other lights are not functioning or are inaccessible.

Bacon (DRAFT)

A thin cave formation that resembles bacon when a bright light is shined through it.

See Also: Formation

Bad Air (DRAFT)

When there is too much carbon dioxide in a cave or cave passage. You can generally figure this out because you get really tired with little effort. Some caves are "known" bad air caves. Cavers should leave the area immediately upon realizing this may be the problem.

Bad air in caves can also be caused by cavers farting. Have you ever been in a crawlway behind someone with smelly farts? THAT's bad air!

See Also: Passage

Bail Anchor (DRAFT)

An sturdy(ish) anchor made from what is on hand and intended to be abandoned. Usually the creation of a bail anchor is unplanned.

Sometimes gear is carried to be a bail anchor so that monetary loss can be minimized.

See Also: Anchor

Baldachino Canopies (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/baldacchino-canopies

See Also: Formation

Balloon (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/ballons

See Also: Formation

Bar (DRAFT)

Part of a rappel rack that causes friction on the rope. On short racks the bars can be spaced out with the guide hand

Often the place to go after a cave trip, especially when someone starts chanting, "Cold beer!"

Barrel Knot (DRAFT)

Basal Anchor (DRAFT)

Bat (DRAFT)

Bats are mammals that fly and many live in caves.

Cavers typically love bats. Many cavers have bat tatoos. Bats are amazing ! If you see bats in a cave, please be quiet around them.

Learn More: batcon.org virginiabats.org batmanagement.com bats.org.uk batsgauteng.org.za/wp ausbats.org.au batconservationindia.org batswithoutborders.org bats.org.au

Bat Gate (DRAFT)

A gate over a cave entrance that allows bats to fly in and out. There are certain requirements for this. While some (many?) cavers don't approve of bat gates, they are needed to help protect the cave for different reasons and the bats that live inside.

An uncreative name for a scandal involving bats and cave gates

Learn More: cavegators.com/

Bat Scratches (DRAFT)

Bat Sticker (DRAFT)

Yellow and black rectangular sticker with several bats flying. Used as a signal to others that the owner is a member of the NSS. The money raised by these stickers goes toward bat conservation.

Bathtub (DRAFT)

A formation caused by water dropping at a rate that causes a rounded formation with a small sink or tub sized pond of water inside the formation.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/bathtubs

See Also: Formation

BCA (DRAFT)

Acronym for the British Caving Association

Bear Bed (DRAFT)

Where a bear hibernates. Can be recent or prehistoric.

May be marked on maps as a pit with the letters BB inside.

See Also: Pit

Bearing (DRAFT)

A measurement in cave survey that indicates cardinal direction (a compass reading).

Many cavers carry compasses to get their bearing to better navigate on the map of the cave.

Bedding (DRAFT)

The layering in rocks produced by their deposition. Usually it begins horizontal but forces can move it.

Bedding Plane (DRAFT)

Bedrock (DRAFT)

The solid rock that is under any sediments or soil.

Beginner's Cave (DRAFT)

Usually a horizontal cave that is pretty easy. Often a "sacrificial" cave that all the locals know about.

Ideally a beginner's cave will have at least one really tight passage that you can convince the newbies to crawl into.

Belay (DRAFT)

The act of protecting a caver on rope by another caver who is able to control a fall.

A standard belay uses a rope that goes through an anchor above the caver. The rope is attached to a climbing caver on one end and to a caver with a belay device on the other.

A fireman's belay protects a caver who is descending.

Bell Canopy (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/bell-canopies

See Also: Formation

Belly Crawl (DRAFT)

Bend (DRAFT)

Benighted (DRAFT)

Unintentionally overtaken by the night.

Bent Over (DRAFT)

Cave passage that requires a caver to bend over to progress through it.

Beta (DRAFT)

A term borrowed from the climbing community which refers to unwritten information on a route, cave, or adventure. It can speak to approach, conditions, or other helpful details that may keep you safe or save you time. "Hey Shiela, what's the beta on Ngilgi Cave?"

BFK (DRAFT)

Big Fat Knot

BFR (DRAFT)

Large Rock (really, it's a big fucking rock!)

Big Country (DRAFT)

Parts of the earth where everything seems to be in larger scale.

Big Pencil (DRAFT)

Slang term for a hammer used to enlarge squeezes and other passage on a survey trip. The big hammer can also be used to remove grabby bits of lava tubes.

Bight (DRAFT)

Term used to describe rope or cord when tying knots. A bend or fold in a rope where the rope comes back on itself but doesn't cross over itself.

Bimetalic Corrrosion (DRAFT)

Also known as Galvanic Corrosion

Bio Inventory (DRAFT)

A thorough count of all of the plants, insects and animals inside a cave.

Biology / Bio (DRAFT)

Bitter End (DRAFT)

The end of the cave, especially one that was very difficult to get to.

Blades (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/lava-blades

See Also: Lava Tube

Blake's Hitch (DRAFT)

A friction hitch commonly used by arborists for ascending. Can be tied with a rope that is the same diameter as the climbing line, or even using the tail of the climbing line.

Blastoid (DRAFT)

Extinct, stalked marine invertebrates that are members of the class Blastoidea.

Blind Passage (DRAFT)

Blind Pit (DRAFT)

A vertical cave that has no passage at the bottom of the entrance pit.

Neversink is a well known blind pit.

Blind Valley (DRAFT)

Blister (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/blisters

See Also: Formation

BLM (DRAFT)

Bureau of Land Management. The BLM operates a large amount of public land that may allow camping, shooting and exploration.

Due to the amount of trash and bullet casings found at some camping areas it is also known as Bastards Leaving Messes

Blowing (DRAFT)

When air is moving out of the mouth or a constriction inside a cave.

BNC (DRAFT)

Big Name Caver - A caver who is widely known and respected in the caving community.

See Also: Caver

Bobbin (DRAFT)

Body Recovery (DRAFT)

The act of retrieving a cavers body from a cave after they have expired.

Bodyweight (DRAFT)

The weight of a persons body. Used as a measure for the quality of an aid placement or lack of quality of an anchor or a natural feature the cavers plan on stepping on.

Something that will just hold bodyweight is not designed to hold a fall, rappel or climb.

That sketchy anchor can barely hold bodyweight.

See Also: Aid Climb Anchor Rappel Sketchy

Bolt (DRAFT)

Stainless Steel!!

Learn More: derekbristol.com/bolting

Bolt Bag (DRAFT)

Bolted (DRAFT)

A descriptor of a vertical pitch or climb. It indicates that metal anchors are installed to protect the vertical caver.

Bolting (DRAFT)

The act of placing bolts in a cave. Can be done with a power hammer drill or by hand drilling. Good bolts are not just in good rock, but are using the appropriate hardware, the appropriate hanger, in a safely accessible place and well thought out as to where the rope will go.

This is not something to take lightly and this skill should be mentored to new bolters.

Bomber (DRAFT)

A description of an anchor or a bit of rigging that it is bombproof, meaning that it is well constructed and very safe.

See Also: Anchor

Book (DRAFT)

Survey Book

Boot Sucking Mud (DRAFT)

Mud that helps to remove a caves shoes or boots as they pass through it.

Borehole (DRAFT)

Huge walking passage that appears to have been drilled out of the earth.

Bottle Brush (DRAFT)

Bottle Brushes are stalactites that had their lower areas immersed in water for a long period of time and grow crystals where the water touches.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/bottle-brushes

See Also: Formation

Bottom / Bottomed (DRAFT)

To act of a caver reaching the bottom of a cave or if just pit bouncing the bottom of the entrance pit.

Boulder Choke (DRAFT)

Bounce (DRAFT)

See Pit Bounce

Bowline (DRAFT)

The king of knots!

Bowline on a Bight (DRAFT)

A bowline knot that uses a bight of rope to tie the knot, not the working end. Unlike a standard bowline, it results in the loop having two strands of rope.

Easy to untie after being weighted.

Bowline on a Coil (DRAFT)

Bowline with a Bight (DRAFT)

A method of tying a bowline by using a bight of rope instead of a single strand. Like a regular bowline, this knot requires a lock off in order to be used for life support, unlike the bowline on a bight.

Boxwork (DRAFT)

Secondary mineralization that forms in limestone cracks and is then exposed as the limestone weathers away. Usually shaped like corrugated cardboard

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/boxwork

Brachiopod (DRAFT)

A marine invertebrate bivalve. When seen in caves, they are almost always fossilized. Not to be confused with members of the Class Bivalvia. Brachiopods exhibit symmetry perpendicular to the hinge line, while members of Bivalvia, commonly referred to as bivalves, exhibit bilateral symmetry.

Braided Maze (DRAFT)

A description of lava tube passage where instead of one passage, the passage is made up of multiple parrallelish tubes that join and split like a braid.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/braided-maze

Brain Bucket (DRAFT)

Slang term for a cavers helmet.

Brake Hand (DRAFT)

The hand holding the brake strand during a rappel. This hand controls the rate of descent.

Brake Strand (DRAFT)

Branchwork (DRAFT)

Cave passages that split and get smaller, similar to a tree branching.

Breakdown (DRAFT)

Rock that has collapsed from the ceiling or walls.

Breakout (DRAFT)

Term for when a caver breaks out of the known passage into an unknown area that is not on the map or expected to be there.

Sometimes used interchangeably with breakthrough.

See Also: Breakthrough Caver Map Passage

Breakthrough (DRAFT)

When a caver makes a connection or a major discovery.

Sometimes used interchangeably with breakout or connection.

Breathing (DRAFT)

Air is moving in and out of the cave entrance or passage. This is an indication that the passage goes and there is a lot more cave.

See Also: Blowing Entrance Passage Sucking

Breccia (DRAFT)

Small rocks cemented together with flowstone.

BRIC (DRAFT)

A durable electronic cave survey tool for meauring azimuth, inclination and distance. Can use Bluetooth to communicate with tablets or measurement information can be read off a screen.

Current version is the BRIC5

Learn More: bricsurvey.com

Bridge (DRAFT)

A natural feature in caves that is easily identifiable as a bridge. May be useful for travelling through the cave but is also a recognizable feature on a map used for navigation.

Broken Formation (DRAFT)

Just what it sounds like. A speleothem that has been broken, sometimes naturally but often by stupid humans. In the "old days," people visiting caves would intentionally break off a formation to take with them as a souvenir, but broken formations just look like ugly rocks when you get them "upstairs" in the sunlight.
Many cavers do conservation projects by matching up broken pieces of (usually) stalactites and epoxying them back together.

Learn More: facebook.com/caveformationrepairproject

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Buddy Check (DRAFT)

The act of checking over someone else's harness and vertical system to make sure that everything is fastened properly and will be safe. This should be done each time that someone gets on rope.

Bunching (DRAFT)

When a cavers rope has the sheath (outside) separate from the core (inside) and the sheath bunches up making it difficult to descend or ascend.

Bunny Eared Figure 8 (DRAFT)

Bushwacking (DRAFT)

The act of hiking where there is no trail.

Butterfly Knot (DRAFT)

A mid-line knot that is very useful for establishing anchors, passing a knot, isolating a core shot, and a myriad of other knot things.

C

C-Rig (DRAFT)

A method to rig a bobbin to a rope for rappeling. A C-Rig provides minimal friction. Used by experienced users for low angle rappels, guided rappels or muddy thick ropes.

Cable Ladder (DRAFT)

A flexible metal ladder that was common for vertical caving before ropes and harnesses. Cavers should be belayed while climbing or descending a cable ladder.

CACRC (DRAFT)

Central Appalachian Cave Rescue Team

The Central Appalachian Cave Rescue Team is an on-call, well organized, trained, and equipped, all volunteer 501(c)(3) organization which is dispatched by Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Emergency Operations Center.

Learn More: cacrt.com

See Also: Rescue

Cairn (DRAFT)

Cairn Anchor (DRAFT)

Calcified Urine (DRAFT)

Calcite (DRAFT)

A mineral composed of calcium carbonate, it is the principal component of limestone.

See Also: Limestone

Calcite Raft (DRAFT)

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Calcite Spar (DRAFT)

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Calibrate (DRAFT)

Setting up cave survey devices, such as the Disto-X, to make sure the devices all know where north is. If a survey team has two devices and they are off a few degrees, the survey team will have an awful time taking backshots and the cave map will be incorrect.

Call Out (DRAFT)

The act of having someone who will initiate a rescue if you do not return from a caving trip on time. Your calllout person should know what cave you are going to and how to get there, where in the cave you are going, what time you think you will be out and what time constitutes an emergency. Each time you go into a cave you should have a callout.

Cam (DRAFT)

Candy Wrapper (DRAFT)

Moth Wings

Canyon (DRAFT)

Canyoning (DRAFT)

The sport of exploring canyons, common in the Pacific Northwest, Southwest and around the world.

Canyons can range from simple hikes to very technical with flowing water. In some place, the term 'canyoning' specifically refers to canyons with flowing water.

Also known as canyoneering.

Carabiner (DRAFT)

A specialized type of shackle, a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate. These are used extensively in vertical caving to connect two things together (rope to a bolt, ascender to a cowstail).

There are several types but the most important difference is that some are rated for life safety and some are not. Do not bring non life safety carabiners into a cave or anywhere where they might be mistaken for safe ones.

The locking mechanism is usually used to denote the type of life safety carabiner. Locker for one that locks, nonlocker for one that has no lock.

Carbide (DRAFT)

Carbide Dump (DRAFT)

A carbide dump refers to a collection of discarded or spent carbide material, often dumped in caves or near the entrances.

It contains toxic components like calcium hydroxide, strontium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These components can harm cave ecosystems and surrounding environments, and the waste can retain its toxicity for a long time.

Carbide Light (DRAFT)

Older light source technology that uses water reacting with carbide to form a flammable gas.

Gives off a beautiful warm light.

Carrot Salad (DRAFT)

The scrapings left behind from dragging a Ferno through a cave during a cave rescue or cave rescue practice.

Cartography (DRAFT)

The art of drawing a map. In caving this is usually used to describe drawing a map of the cave not a map to the cave.

Cauliflower A'ā (DRAFT)

A type of floor in Lava Tube caves that is transitional between Pahoehoe lava and true A'a. Characterized by a bumpy frothy surface and may include chunks of breakdown.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/cauliflower-aa-lava

See Also: A'ā Breakdown Lava Tube Pahoehoe

Cave Compass (DRAFT)

Cave Crawfish (DRAFT)

White crawfish that are adapted to live in caves.

See Also: Adapted

Cave Cricket (DRAFT)

A species of crickets that is often found in caves. Also known as a camel cricket.

Cave Diver (DRAFT)

A highly trained and certified diver who dives in caves. Cave diving is very different than open water diving and requires specialized training.

Most cave diving accidents are fatalities.

Cave Fish (DRAFT)

Generic term for fish that live part of the time or full time in caves (Stygobite). Cave fish that live full time in cafes may exhibit Troglomorphism.

Cave Gun (DRAFT)

A fictitious item to protect cowardly cavers from perceived dangers in a cave.

Cave Hangover (DRAFT)

The recovery period after a caving session where a caver feels sore and tired.

See Also: Caver

Cave Location (DRAFT)

Usually a GPS coordinate for the entrance to the ave, but can be a description of how to get there.

These are usually kept very secret as once a cave location becomes known, non cavers can access them, damage them, hurt themselves and really upset property owners.

See Also: Entrance

Cave Shrimp (DRAFT)

Cave Suit (DRAFT)

A protective set of coveralls, typically made of cordura that protects a cavers body and other layers of clothes. These may be waterproof, water resistant or permeable by water.

Cave Survey Software (DRAFT)

A category of computer software designed to aid in creating cave maps. This software can range from a note taking app used to record survey data in cave, to in cave sketching, to creating 2d maps from survey data, to visualizing the cave in 3 dimensions.

Caveatron (DRAFT)

A caver designed open source 3D LIDAR scanner for surveying caves or just capturing cave passage data.

Learn More: caveatron.com

Caver (DRAFT)

A person who goes into caves for scientific, work, exploratory or recreational reasons.

Caver Butterfly (DRAFT)

A knot that seems to be only used in the United Kingdom, used to rig traverse lines such that the knot slips and "runs" under shock load. It is tied by starting with a slipped overhand knot, following by a another cinching half hitch looped over the slipped bight.

Unless you understand how this knot works and why you want to use it, use an Alpine Butterfly instead.

A scary mysterious knot

Learn More: ukcaving.com/board/index.php?threads/alpine-butterfly.1919

Caver Coil (DRAFT)

A round coil of a rope that is too stiff to butterfly coil. Easily carried over a cavers shoulder.

One of the best ways to twist a rope and upset alpine cavers.

See Also: Rope

Cavers Paradise (DRAFT)

A campground and meeting place for cavers in TAG. It was once a commercial campground but was purchased by Maureen Handler and reopened primarily for cavers. NSS members get a discount. Amenities include running water, a clothing optional hot tub, a ropes course, hot showers, a dish sink, plenty of cavers, a pavilian and walking access to multiple multidrop caves.

Learn More: caversparadise.com

Cavewhere (DRAFT)

Open source cave survey software with an intuitive design that enables building and visualizing underground cave maps.

This is the cool one that places your sketches in a 3d viewer.

Learn More: cavewhere.com

See Also: Cave Survey Software Survey

Cavey (DRAFT)

A descriptor used to denote a cavers feeling that the area contains caves.

Caving (DRAFT)

A strange way to spend the afternoon.

Caving Academy (DRAFT)

An advanced caving course held at international locations.

Learn More: cavingacademy.org

Caving Podcast (DRAFT)

Ceiling (DRAFT)

Ceiling Burner (DRAFT)

Ceiling Height (DRAFT)

The height of a cave passage measured from the floor to the ceiling. Denoted on maps as a number with a circle drawn around it.

Ceiling Sucker (DRAFT)

A cave passage with more water than air, causing the caver to position their face close to the ceiling in order to breathe as they pass through it.

Ceiling Traverse (DRAFT)

A method for vertical cavers to move laterally along a ceiling. Bolts or other anchors are placed at arm span distances in the ceiling with a span of rope connected to each. Just like all traverses, the start and the end should contain at least two bolts or a monotlithic anchor.

With the standard way to progress along the ceiling traverse, a caver clips their short cowstail into the nearest section, then connects their long cowstail to the next section and stands in their footloop to move the short cowstail to the new section. Like all advanced rope obstacles there are many methods to do this. The goal is to be safe and maintain two value points of connection to the rope at all times while limiting any potential fall.

Cenote (DRAFT)

Mexican word for a water filled sinkhole formed by collapsed limestone.

Chandelier (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/chandeliers

Changeover (DRAFT)

Chert (DRAFT)

Flint. Found in nodules within limestone. It does not dissolve in water.

See Also: Limestone

Chest Ascender (DRAFT)

Chest Compressor (DRAFT)

A type of squeeze that really pushes on a cavers chest and back.

Chest Harness (DRAFT)

A non life safety part of the vertical system designed to properly position the Croll in the Frog System.

May also be used to properly position a caver who has trouble maintaining an upright position while on rope.

Chest Roller (DRAFT)

Piece of vertical caving gear designed to keep the vertical rope close to the chest. Does not provide a point of attachment but is essential for several rope climbing systems including Rope Walker and Mitchell.

Chevé (DRAFT)

Sistema Cheve is one of the worlds deepest caves and located in the Sierra Juárez mountain range in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca.

More than 55 miles of passage have been surveyed. The deepest point is over 5,000 feet deep.

Mexican slang for beer.

Chicken Loop (DRAFT)

A small loop of webbing (does not have to be load bearing) worn around a cavers ankle. It has many uses (its webbing!) such as a location to tether a pack to while crawling or a tool for holding a foot loop onto a foot when on rope.

Chimney (DRAFT)

Chockstone (DRAFT)

A stone or rock that is wedged in a crack. These range in size from pebble to house size. These can be used for rigging based on direction of pull.

Choke (DRAFT)

Chubby Rope (DRAFT)

A thicker rope, either because it started as a thick rope or has swollen with water, time, mud or use. Usually 11mm or thicker.

See Also: Rope

Chute Gate (DRAFT)

Cliffed Out (DRAFT)

Clino (DRAFT)

Slang term for Clinometer.

Clinometer (DRAFT)

A device used in cave survey that measures the angle of a rise or fall between two stations. This can be a digital or analog tool.

Close a Loop (DRAFT)

In cave survey this is the act of of surveying a rough circle in a cave. In closing the loop, the survey reaches a known point and can show how accurate the survey is going by seeing how close the sketch matches the measurements taken by the survey team.

Clove Hitch (DRAFT)

The best little knot ever. Commonly used to quickly connect a carabiner to a rope but also used in rebelays and other general rigging.

As a hitch, it falls apart when the object it is tied around is removed.

There are many creative ways to tie a clove hitch.

Learn More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clove_hitch

Cobble (DRAFT)

Rocks that are in between 2 and 10 inches.

Denoted on cave maps as a type of floor.

Column (DRAFT)

A secondary deposit of calcite or other minerals that extends from the ceiling to the floor. Usually caused by the joining of a stalagmite and stalactite.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/columns

Compass (DRAFT)

Compass (software) (DRAFT)

Cave mapping software package designed to edit, process, analyze and view cave survey data using any Windows-based computer. The programs in the system allow you to enter cave data, revise the data, generate statistics on the cave, close loops, view plots from any angle and finally, print finished quality plots on almost any printer or plotter.

Learn More: fountainware.com/compass

See Also: Cave Survey Software Survey

Compound Cross Section (DRAFT)

Cross Sections on a map that involve more that one cave passage. This shows the distance and allows comparison for overlapping passages.

Congolmerate (DRAFT)

Rock that consists of non-sorted cemented particles of sand and gravel. Resembles concrete.

Congress of Grottos (COG) (DRAFT)

Connection (DRAFT)

A found path between two known places. Usually references connecting two different caves but can refer to another way for cavers to move around a cave.

Constriction (DRAFT)

A part of cave passage that limits passage.

Contingency Rigging / Anchor (DRAFT)

A way of rigging an anchor so that it can be easily converted into a haul system or a lowerable system. In day to day caving this may not seem important, but in case of a SPAR event, this is invaluable.

Contraction Cracks (DRAFT)

Cracks formed in lava tubes from the cooling process of the lava.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/contraction-cracks

See Also: Lava Tube

Conulite (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/conulites

See Also: Formation

Convention (DRAFT)

Coral (DRAFT)

Colonial marine invertebrates that can be found fossilized in many caves.

Coralloid (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/corralloids

See Also: Formation

Cord (DRAFT)

Thin rope that is not rated as a climbing rope. Cord has many uses and can be strong enough to hold bodyweight but should not normally be used as life support. Also called Accessory Cord.

Cordura (DRAFT)

Core (DRAFT)

The inside of a rope.

See Also: Rope

Core Shot (DRAFT)

When the sheath of the rope has been damaged by abrasion and is now exposing the core of the rope.

If a rope is core shot, but in use. An Alpine Butterfly can be tied to isolate the core shot.

See Also: Alpine Butterfly Core Rope Sheath

Courtesy Carabiner (DRAFT)

An extra carabiner that is safely attached to the rope or anchor that provides an easy to access place to clip in a short cowstail. Often used in bunny eared figure eight knots to easily allow the caver to clip both ears.

Courtesy Loop (DRAFT)

Cow Hitch (DRAFT)

Cowboy Bowline (DRAFT)

A bowline that is tied with the tail on the outside of the loop. Generally considered to be more resistant to cross loading than a standard bowline.

Cowstail (DRAFT)

Crab (DRAFT)

Another term for a carabiner

Crawl (DRAFT)

A slow way cavers use to access tight passage on their hands, knees and bellies. Crawls can be short parts of a longer trip or can be the whole cave. Very tight crawls are referred to as squeezes.

Crevice Bat (DRAFT)

CRF (DRAFT)

Cave Research Foundation

CRF is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to: facilitating research, management and interpretation of caves and karst resources; forming partnerships to study, protect and preserve cave resources and karst areas;
promoting the long term conservation of caves and karst ecosystems.

The CRF Joint Venturers are a team of explorers and researchers that grew out of efforts of cave explorers working in the Mammoth Cave area of Kentucky in the late 1940's.

Most of CRF's work is conducted on state and federal lands under a national Memorandum of Understanding with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Learn More: cave-research.org

Crinoid (DRAFT)

Marine invertebrates that are members of the class Crinoidea.

Although often thought of as sea lilies, they're generally better thought of as an inverted starfish with a stem.

Critter Count (DRAFT)

Informal term for an informal count of the caves biota. Usually done in tandem with monitoring a cave.

Croll (DRAFT)

An ascender that is connected to the D-Ring of a Frog harness and to the chest harness. The Croll is the progress capture part of the frog system.

The hardest part for most beginner vertical cavers is removing the Croll from the rope while learning changeovers.

Cross Loading (DRAFT)

Applying force to an object in a way the object was not designed to withstand. Usually in reference to carabiner gates.

A failure point for a descender is to cross load the gate causing it to break open.

See Also: Carabiner Descender Gate Point

Cross Section (DRAFT)

An extra drawing on a cave map that shows a slice of a passages profile. Correctly indicated with a line crossing the map in the correct section with a tail pointing in which direction the cross section is facing.

Crossload (DRAFT)

Crossover (DRAFT)

A cave trip where two groups enter different entrances and swap car keys with the other group while in the cave. Then each group leaves the cave via the other groups entrance, derigging the cave as needed.

A crossover trip of Ellison's is a bucket list item for many cavers.

Cultural Assessment (DRAFT)

Cupola (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/cupolas

See Also: Lava Tube

Cutbank (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/cutbank

See Also: Lava Tube

Cyclical Load (DRAFT)

Repeatedly loading and unloading. This is common when climbing a rope, the anchor sees more force and then less force in repeated movements.

D

D-Ring (DRAFT)

The central carabiner on a vertical cavers harness. The D-Ring not only secures the harness to the cavers body, but allows for items to be attached to the harness, such as a descender, ascender and cowstails.

Also known as a half-round, omni and d. For safety they should open to the left to not allow the rope to open the carabiner.

Most cavers use a Triact Lock Petzl Omni, but previous cavers used a half-round Maillon Rapide.

Dafl (DRAFT)

Detachable adjustable footloop. A very useful way to have your footloop for vertical caving.

Danger Zone (DRAFT)

The most dangerous place to be in case of Rockfall. This is directly below where the rocks may come from.

Navy planes follow a highway to this area.

Darren Drum (DRAFT)

A plastic round container made of durable plastic for keeping a cavers items safe a d dry while being transported or stored in a cave.

Data Integrity (DRAFT)

The measurement of how safe data is. In caving this is a term used in survey, to relate to the cavers ability to keep their survey data safe as it moves through the cave and back to the cartographers computer. Many believe that a paper book with water resistant paper is safer than digital data as it is easier to break a tablet or phone that it is to break a book.

Daylight Zone (DRAFT)

The portion of the cave which light is provided by the outside world.

Dead Bottom Pit (DRAFT)

A pit that doesn't continue on.

Deadman Anchor (DRAFT)

Decon (DRAFT)

The act of cleaning cave gear to prevent the spread of White Nose. Usually with hot water immersion or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Learn More: whitenosesyndrome.org

Decoration (DRAFT)

Deflected Stalactite (DRAFT)

Stalactite's that have a curve, potentially from air flow disrupting their formation.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/deflected-stalactites

See Also: Formation

Derig (DRAFT)

Descend (DRAFT)

The act of rappeling down a rope.

Descender (DRAFT)

A device cavers use to descend a rope.

Deviation (DRAFT)

A deviation is used by vertical cavers to slightly pull the rope around an obstacle to keep the rope from rubbing on a rock, ledge, wall or other obstruction. They are typically a piece of cord or webbing anchored to the cave wall on one side with a carabiner on the other side. The carabiner clips freely into the vertical rope. Deviations should not be clipped to as a point of attachment as they are not required to be as sturdy as an anchor, though most are plenty strong enough.

To pass a deviation, a caver unclips the carabiner from the rope and then clips it back on the other side of their body (above or below). If the caver is worried about dropping the deviation, they can clip in with tha short cowstail, but this is not a point of attachment and is merely holding on to the deviation.

Also known as a redirect.

Dig (DRAFT)

The act of enlarging a passage or lead by removing material (dirt, rocks, gravel) from a passage.

Digging may be used to enlarge a passage or to potential open up a new passage that has been filled.

Dike (DRAFT)

Dip (DRAFT)

The angle at which the rock layer is aligned relative to the horizontal.

Directional Figure 8 (DRAFT)

Distal Hitch (DRAFT)

Disto (DRAFT)

An electronic cave survey device that measures distance, bearing and inclination. These appear to be commercially made products as they start from the body of a Leica Disto (hence the name) but have an additional electronics board soldered inside along with an updated firmware (electronics software) to allow for more functionality than the original device offered.

Also called Disto-X

See Also: Bearing BRIC Inclination Survey

Dive Line (DRAFT)

Cord that cave divers use to create a path in a cave.

Diving (DRAFT)

The act of SCUBA diving in a cave by certified divers.

Dog and Tails (DRAFT)

A friction hitch that can be made out of webbing or cordage.

Dog-Tooth Spar (DRAFT)

Dolemite (DRAFT)

Doline (DRAFT)

A sinkhole or bowl shaped pit.

Dolomite (DRAFT)

Dolostone (DRAFT)

A sedimentary rock primarily composed of dolomite

Dome (DRAFT)

Dome Climb (DRAFT)

The act of aid climbing a dome in a cave for exploration.

Donkey Dick (DRAFT)

Archaic term for a packs tether.

Door to Door (DRAFT)

The time it takes to leave your door, travel to the cave, explore the cave, travel back to you home and come back through the door. This timeframe is often under-reported.

Double Bowline (DRAFT)

Double Fishermens Knot (DRAFT)

Double Front (DRAFT)

Downclimb (DRAFT)

Climbing down. Often harder than climbing up.

Doyline (DRAFT)

A sinkhole

Drapery (DRAFT)

Thin sheetlike formations, usually hangs from the ceiling or walls of caves.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/draperies

Dress - Dressed - Dressing (DRAFT)

The step after tying a knot where the caver makes the knot look and fit perfectly. This not only allows for easier inspection by the cavers following, but utilizes the full strength of the knot.

Drip Stalagmite (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/drip-stalagmite

See Also: Lava Tube

Dripline (DRAFT)

Where rain water drips at the entrance of a cave. This is important for cave survey to denote the entrance of the cave.

Dripstone (DRAFT)

Rock that forms via dripping water. Stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone are common dripstone.

One of the blocks introduced in Minecraft's Caves and Cliffs Update.

Drop (DRAFT)

A pit in a cave. Sometimes used to count rappels in a cave (7 drops). Also used as a slang term for the act going down and up a pit in a cave.

"Lets go drop Awesome Cave!"

Dropping a Pit (DRAFT)

Phrase that means rappeling into a cave.

Dry (DRAFT)

Dry Caving (DRAFT)

What cavers who are not awesome cave divers do.

Duckunder (DRAFT)

Dye Trap (DRAFT)

The dye detector that locates trace amounts of the dye used in dye tracing. Places in potential outflow streams and springs.

Dyetrace (DRAFT)

The act of putting dye into cave water to trace where the water goes.

Dynamic Rope (DRAFT)

Property of a rope that allows it to stretch. Dynamic rope is typically not used in caves as it is harder to climb using SRT and may cause a rope to rub more when descending. It is used to safely belay a caver performing an aid climb.

Dyneema (DRAFT)

Brand name that has become synonymous with products made of HMPE/UHMWPE. High Modulus Polyethylene/Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polyethylene is a thermoplastic commonly used in applications calling for high strength, abrasion resistance, UV resistance, and resistance to certain chemicals. This makes it well suited to many caving applications including harnesses, footloops, ropes, accessory cord, pack fabrics, and more.

Learn More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-high-molecular-weight_polyethylene

E

Eardip (DRAFT)

Eardipper (DRAFT)

A cave passage that is mostly filled with water with a small amount of air above. For a caver to navigate this passage, one ear must be dipped into the water (along with their body).

See Also: Caver Passage

Edge (DRAFT)

Edge Plan (DRAFT)

Edge Safety (DRAFT)

Rope connected to anchor and harness to protect the caver as they get near an edge.

Edge Transition (DRAFT)

Elephant Trail (DRAFT)

A large path through a cave formed by cavers walking through the cave following the same path. It is reccomended to stay on the elephant trail as this area is already damaged and it keeps other areas from also being damaged.

End Bound Single Bowline (EBSB) (DRAFT)

Entrance (DRAFT)

Entrapment (DRAFT)

Epigene (DRAFT)

Caves that originate from above. Traditional caves.

Epogene (DRAFT)

Escarpment (DRAFT)

A steep slope or cliff.

Etrier (DRAFT)

A small ladder made out of webbing for aid climbing.

Typically used by hanging on a bolt or other piece of protection for a caver to progress up.

European Death Knot (EDK) (DRAFT)

Exit Fever (DRAFT)

Excitement about the thought of leaving a cave. Cavers under the influence of Exit Fever may be less careful or thoughtful about their progress through the cave.

Expedition (DRAFT)

A large planned trip, usually consisting of multiple days, for cave exploration. This time can be spent entirely within a cave or cave system with cavers camping inside the cave, or with cavers living outside the cave(s).

Expedition Behavior (DRAFT)

How a caver interacts with others during a longer period of time. When stress, exhaustion, weather and a daily caving grind wears on a caver, their expedition behavior emerges.

Exposed (DRAFT)

Terrain with a high consequence fall. Clever cavers are attached to ropes when in exposed terrain.

Exposure (DRAFT)

The distance from where a caver is and were a caver would end up if they fell.

See Also: Caver

Extended Profile (DRAFT)

A profile (side) view of a cave on a map that is NOT in scale with the cave, instead it follows the path through the cave.

Also known as an running profile.

F

Faff (DRAFT)

Time spent with gear prep and cleaning and especially waiting on others to gear prep and clean.

Fall Arrester (DRAFT)

A dedicated device that is specifically designed to minimize damage to the rope and user when catching an accidental fall.

Fall Factor (DRAFT)

Commonly used in climbing with dynamic ropes and is the ratio of the height a caver falls before the rope begins to stretch and the rope length available to absorb the energy of the fall.

As cavers use low stretch static ropes and the height a caver can fall is usually the distance of their cowstails the calculation becomes a bit different ( length of fall / length of cowstail). For a caver to keep the fall factor less than one, their point of attachment (usually hand ascender or cowstail clipped into a rebelay) should be above their D-Ring. This is a great reason to clip into the rebelay anchor and not just the loop of rope.

Fall Line (DRAFT)

The most direct way down from a height, the area below something.

Used to designate where a rock (or anything) will fall if a caver knocks it down (usually accidentally). When someone is rappeling or climbing, others should not be in the fall line so that they are not accidentally hurt.

Fall Zone (DRAFT)

The area above a vertical pitch or hole that has a high likelihood of a caver fall. This should be protected with access or traverse lines.

False Butterfly (DRAFT)

An incorrectly tied butterfly knot that is almost indistinguishable from a a correctly tied butterfly. The false butterfly fails by rolling at somewhat low levels of force. In theory this can be in the place of a screamer for limiting fall factors on questionable anchors.

Also known as a caver butterfly.

Fantastic (DRAFT)

Farmer Jane (DRAFT)

Farmer John (DRAFT)

Fatboy (DRAFT)

Slang term for a caver that is going to have trouble fitting through the cave.

Fault (DRAFT)

A fracture or separation of the rock.

Fenix (DRAFT)

A popular headlight manufacturer

Ferno (DRAFT)

Rigid stretcher for cave rescue.

Learn More: ferno.com/us/product/model-71-basket-stretcher

See Also: Rescue

FFS (DRAFT)

Acronym for the French Federation of Speleology

Fibrous Speleothem (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/fibrous-speleothems

See Also: Formation

Fieldhouse (DRAFT)

Figure 8 (Knot) Block (DRAFT)

Figure 8 Bend (DRAFT)

Figure 8 Descender (DRAFT)

An older style of descender that is shaped like an 8 with a large hole and a small hole. Works wonderfully on low angle muddy rappels. Many cavers that use these, use a steel rescue 8 version that allows additional modes of friction and does not wear apart.

A few negatives are that they wear out quickly in caves with dirty ropes and that they have to be removed from the harness to be installed on the rope, which may cause the figure 8 to be dropped.

Most canyoneering devices are based on the figure 8.

Not to be confused with a figure 8 knot.

Figure 8 Followthrough (DRAFT)

A figure-8 knot that is tied on a single strand with a long tail. The long tail is is retraced through the knot allowing the loop to be secured around an object. Cavers commonly use this to back up a tensionless hitch without the need for a carabiner. Rock climbers commonly use this knot to tie into the climbing rope.

Figure 8 Knot (DRAFT)

Figure 8 on a Bight (DRAFT)

A figure 8 knot tied with a bight.

The most common figure 8 knot in caving.

Figure 9 Knot (DRAFT)

Filter (DRAFT)

A constriction in the cave passage that may or may not allow the whole team to pass through.

Fireman Belay (DRAFT)

A method of protecting a rappeling caver by having another caver hold the bottom of the rope and pulling the rope if the rappeling caver needs to be stopped (injury, exhaustion, danger, loss of control). Rockfall is a serious concern during a fireman belay and the rope may be able to be redirected with a pulley to lessen this danger.

See Also: Belay Caver Pulley Rappel Rockfall Rope

First Aid (DRAFT)

Fishermans Bend (DRAFT)

A knot used to join two ropes together or to join two ends of the same rope/cord together. Commonly used to tie a loop for then tying prussik knot.

Commonly called a double or triple fishermans bend, depending on the number of wraps.

Fissure (DRAFT)

Flagging (DRAFT)

The act of using Flagging Tape or similar material to mark something in a cave. Typically used to make a path, survey station, or to block off an area.

See Also: Flagging Tape Station Survey Tape

Flagging Tape (DRAFT)

Non sticky plastic tape that is used as a marker. In cave survey it can mark stations. It is also used to create trails or keep respectful cavers away from a part of the cave.

Flash in the Pan (DRAFT)

A caver who starts strong and then fades away.

See Also: Caver

Flat Overhand Bend (DRAFT)

Flat Rock (DRAFT)

A flat rock that appears thin compared to its circumference.

Flight Cage (DRAFT)

At a bat rehab facility, this is the large outdoor cage where bats live.

Floating Cam (DRAFT)

Floorless (DRAFT)

A passage that seems to not have a floor that is traversed by stemming, chimneying, a traverse line or a combination of the three.

Flotation (DRAFT)

A device used to help a caver float through a water passage. May be planned (life jacket) or improvised (cave pack with trash bag full of air inside).

Flow Ledge (DRAFT)

Shelf or bench like edges of lava tubes where the lava cooled leaving a channel for the liquid lava to flow out.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/flow-ledge

See Also: Lava Tube

Flow Lines (DRAFT)

Lines left on a lava tubes walls from past lava flows.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/flow-lines

Flowstone (DRAFT)

Speleothems formed by flowing water. Includes bacon, rimstone dams, travertine and columns.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/flowstone

Flowstone Mound (DRAFT)

One of the most common cave formations, caused by water flowing and depositing minerals in large sheets that cover whatever (rocks, mud) is below.

Sometimes the underlying material is washed away and cavers can explore under the flowstone.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/flowstone

Fluting (DRAFT)

Flyover Gate (DRAFT)

A cave gate style that has a large area above that allows bats to fly through unobstructed while keeping humans from climbing through.

At first it looks like some sort of anti aircraft battery.

Folia (DRAFT)

Upside down rimstone dams on the ceiling formed by a previously higher water table.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/folia

Footloop (DRAFT)

A piece of webbing or cord that connects a cavers foot (feet) to their handed ascender. This is used to make upwards progress when climbing a rope with a vertical system.

Foreshorten (DRAFT)

Foresight (DRAFT)

The first measurement from a known station to a new station in cave survey. This measures compass bearing, incline and distance. The opposite is the backsight.

Formation (DRAFT)

The natural features that decorate the cave. Most are formed by secondary mineralization deposited in the cave, usually calcite. These formations can be stalactites, flowstone, popcorn, etc. They can also be preexisting and exposed by the cave like boxwork.

Cave Pretties

Formation Choke (DRAFT)

Formations that fill a passage where a caver can no longer fit through the passage. It may be that they are too fragile or just too choking to push through.

See Also: Caver Passage

Formation Repair (DRAFT)

The act of repairing damage to cave formations. Once repaired the formations can continue to grow.

Learn More: fs.usda.gov/managing-land/natural-resources/geology/caveskarst/beneath-the-forest/202107

Forward Facing Loop (DRAFT)

A bight of rope protruding from a knot that is life safety and can be clipped by a cavers short cowstail. Often tied in Y-Hangs to give cavers a safe place to clip in.

Also known as a courtesy loop.

Fossil (DRAFT)

Fossiliferous (DRAFT)

Description of a rock in which many fossils are found.

Free Hang (DRAFT)

Freino (DRAFT)

A carabiner made by Petzl that has an extra spur to allow the user to easily add additional friction to a moving rope. Most commonly used for rappeling or rock climbing belays.

With the updates to the Petzl Simple and Stop in 2019, an updated Freino-Z was released to stop a known cross loading problem.

Probably the most expensive carabiner you will ever own.

Frog (DRAFT)

A type of ascending system that has similarities to a frog hopping or a derogatory term towards the French.

A basic Frog system has a chest ascender connected directly to the harness, held up by a chest harness and a handed ascender connected to the long cowstail and a foot loop.

Very good for passing rebelays and obstacles in a cave. Can be difficult for top heavy cavers.

Frog Walker (DRAFT)

A vertical setup that is a mix of the Frog System and a Rope Walker. Commonly the addition of a foot ascender and a slight change of ascending method (walking) will make a frog walker setup. A chest box (improvised or commercially manufactured) can also be added to hold the caver closer to the rope.

See Also: Ascender Caver Frog Rope Vertical

Front Sight (DRAFT)

Frost Knot (DRAFT)

An overhand knot with one of the ends doubled over into a bight. This forms a weight bearing loop. Most commonly seen in tied etriers and at canyoneering anchors.

Frostwork (DRAFT)

A type of speleothem with needle-like growths almost always composed of aragonite or calcite replaced aragonite. Frostwork can also be made of opal or gypsum.

Fumarole (DRAFT)

A vent where volcanic gasses are exhausted.

Fusion Knot (DRAFT)

G

Galvanic Corrosion (DRAFT)

An electrochemical process where two different metals in electrical contact corrode at different rates when exposed to an electrolyte.

Bolts and hangers will corrode if one is stainless steel and the other is galvanized or another material. Do not mix metals.

Garda Hitch (DRAFT)

Gardening (DRAFT)

Moving things (usually rocks) around to make the cave safer or to enable progress.

Gate (DRAFT)

A manmade feature designed to block unwanted people from entering a cave. If the cave is not gated well, it may also block animals and other fauna from accessing the cave.

Gate (carabiner) (DRAFT)

Gated (DRAFT)

A cave descriptor that denotes there is a gate at the entrance or part of the cave.

Learn More: 186

Gatekeeping (DRAFT)

The act of keeping information from others who have not presumably earned it.

Now that I have been to that cave, we should not tell anyone else about it or allow others in that are not our friends in it. It is to fragile, important, etc.

Gating (DRAFT)

The act of building a gate for a cave or a passage in a cave. Proper gates allow wildlife (bats!) to pass through.

Gauntlet (DRAFT)

A Metric (Alpine) Single Rope Technique Course with the goal of helping cavers to learn, expand and refine vertical skills. Unlike some static tower, the Gauntlet has no permanent location and travels to caving events around the country.

The course is divided into a practice area and a ropes course complete with water obstacles. All participants must go through the practice area and demonstrate each skill.

Volunteer cavers staff each event, they design and build the course and then help cavers to develop the skills to complete the course, which translates to safer and more confident vertical caving.

Learn More: gauntletsrt.org

Gear Loop (DRAFT)

A non safety rated loop on a cavers harness that provides a place to connect gear that is not currently in use.

Gear Marking (DRAFT)

Gearification (DRAFT)

The time period between when cavers get to a cave and when the go into the cave. This is the normal period of prepping for the cave at/near the entrance.

See Also: Entrance

Geothermal Cave (DRAFT)

Ghost Rock Karstification (DRAFT)

A modern theory pioneered by French karstologists in the 90s to account for the presence of caves in low permeable rock structures. First, slow moving groundwater dissolves the soluble components in the rock matrix leaving behind a "ghost rock" that preserves the original rock structure. At a later point in time, fast moving waters erode the soft, porous material left behind, resulting in a new cave.

Gibbs (Ascender) (DRAFT)

Girth Hitch (DRAFT)

Glacier Cave (DRAFT)

A cave formed inside of ice, such as a glacier.

Glaze (DRAFT)

A smooth glaze coating over lava in lava tubes. Science disagrees on how it is formed.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/glaze

See Also: Lava Tube

Glazed Rope (DRAFT)

A rope in which a vertical caver has rappelled too quickly and the friction caused by the descender contacting with the rope has melted parts of the ropes sheath.

See Also: Caver Descender Rope Sheath Vertical

Glow Trip (DRAFT)

A nighttime caving trip (commonly a vertical trip) that features glowing fungus and fireflys. A common Glow Trip is Neversink in the summer.

It is like climbing through the stars.

Glowworm Trip (DRAFT)

Goes / Going / Go (DRAFT)

A way to describe that a cave passage continues.

That lead that nobody checked, well it GOES!

See Also: Passage

Goldfishing (DRAFT)

A caver making themselves appear busy as a method of delaying of avoiding something.

Obliviously standing around and not getting ready while everyone else is already ready, cold and waiting.

See Also: Caver

Goldline (DRAFT)

A stretchy nylon rope that was the gold standard for outdoor ropes in the 1960's.

A caver had to be careful to not get off the rope and have it spring back to an unreachable height. Depending on the depth of the pit, a caver would have to climb a long ways before their feet left the ground.

See Also: Rope

Gour (DRAFT)

Small rimstone found on stalagmites and flowstone.

Graded Location (DRAFT)

1, 2, 3 (1 is best)

Greenline (DRAFT)

A type of kernmantle rope manufactured for Inner Mountain Outfitters that is composed of polyester, which makes it super static.

Grigri (DRAFT)

A belay and rappel device used in rock climbing. It may or may not work for vertical caving depending on the stiffness, cleanliness, thickness of the caving rope.

Grotto (DRAFT)

A group of cavers that form a club. May be an officially recognized club by the NSS or just a group of friends with a name.

Ground Truth (DRAFT)

To prove that a cave exists by going to the entrance and checking it. This is commonly used when finding caves with LIDAR.

Guano (DRAFT)

Bat poop. Large piles can indicate a roosting or maternity colony.

Guano Pile (DRAFT)

A larger pile of Guano.

Some are unbelievably big and they smell great!

Guide Hand (DRAFT)

In rappeling, the hand that is not holding on to the brake.

Guided Line (DRAFT)

Guided Rappel (DRAFT)

Gutter (DRAFT)

A long depression that runs along a lava tube wall and a levee.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/gutter

GVKC (DRAFT)

Germany Valley Karst Conservancy

Gypsum (DRAFT)

Soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate and water.

Gypsum Chandelier (DRAFT)

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Gypsum Flower (DRAFT)

Flower looking speleothems that are usually made from gypsum crystals.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/gypsum-flowers

Gypsum Needle (DRAFT)

Long thing hairlike crystals that form in dry areas in caves with gypsum-rich sediments.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/gypsum-needles

H

Hairy Rope (DRAFT)

A rope whose sheath fibers have broken down to the point that the rope has a visibly fluffy appearance

Halite Flower (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/halite-flowers

See Also: Formation

Hall (DRAFT)

Hand Drawn from Memory (DRAFT)

Handline (DRAFT)

A piece of webbing, cord or rope that has one end fixed to an anchor with the rest used to protect or steady a sketchy climb, traverse or downclimb that does not really warrant a full vertical setup.

Even if you think you don't need a handline, others in the party might and may not ask for them.

Hands and Knees (DRAFT)

Handy (DRAFT)

A special made steel friction carabiner produced by Raumer. The Handy looks a bit different and allows for very precise friction control when rappelling. They are usually connected to the D-Ring via a squiggle or to the carabiner that holds the descender via a mallion.

These take some time to break in.

Hanger (DRAFT)

Hanging Survey (DRAFT)

A survey that is not complete and needs to be finished another day.

Hard Lock (DRAFT)

When a descender is locked in a way that allows a vertical caver to safely remove their hand from the brake strand. This is usually accomplished by more wraps and a loop being placed around the device or a knot being tied. Each device is different.

Harness (DRAFT)

A seat and belt made of webbing that wraps around a vertical cavers waist and legs that connects their body to the rope. Caver harnesses are usually secured with a d-ring that also allows cowstails, ascenders and descenders to be connected to the harness. Most harnesses are commercially made, but they can be homemade or tied on the spot.

Caving harnesses have a lower point of attachment than climbers harnesses and are usually more durable as the cave environment is rougher on gear than a crag.

Try on a bunch, some are more comfortable than others and then choose the one that will snag the least.

Hartselle (DRAFT)

Sandstone common in TAG that overlays many pits in Monteagle Limestone.

Laid down over 300 million years ago.

Harvestman (DRAFT)

Hasty Deviation (DRAFT)

Hasty Haul (DRAFT)

An unplanned emergency haul (drag) of a caver to move them to a safer place. Textbook procedure is to loop webbing under both of the cavers arms and pull, which gives less friction and can cause less additional injury than just grabbing their feet and dragging them.

Before hauling anyone, you should assess their injuries and make sure that you are not going to make things worse.

Hasty Team (DRAFT)

Haul (DRAFT)

Describes the act of using ropes to move a weight (load of gear, patient) through the cave.

Haul Plan (DRAFT)

Haul System (DRAFT)

Hauling Field (DRAFT)

Hazard Zone (DRAFT)

The area below a vertical pitch where rocks or other dangerous items can fall on to a caver who shouldn't be there.

Headlamp (DRAFT)

An electric light that is attached to a cavers helmet. These can range in shape, cost, durability, brightness, magnetism, and style.

Headwall (DRAFT)

Heel Hand (DRAFT)

Helical Hitch (DRAFT)

A friction hitch

Helictite (DRAFT)

Twisting, worm like speleothems caused by surface tension in water.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/helictites

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Helmet (DRAFT)

Hard shell rock climbing helmet used to protect a cavers head from rockfall or more commonly bumping into the ceiling of the cave. Headlamps are mounted or attached to the helmet.

Hibernaculum (DRAFT)

A place where animals hibernate. In caving this usually refers to bats, but can refer to any species that hibernates (like bears).

Don't disturb bats in their hibernaculum.

Hiebler (DRAFT)

Old style ascender.

Also known as a Death Hook

High-Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) (DRAFT)

One kind of material used in the construction of ropes, slings, and cordage. Commonly known by the brand names Dyneema, Spectra, and AmSteel.

Highline (DRAFT)

Either a Canadian company run by a caver that sells custom ropes to cavers or a type of rope system used to transport loads (gear, patients) vertically and horizontally.

Learn More: highlineropes.com

Hiking Rack (DRAFT)

Simple climbing rack made up of gear that a caver is willing to leave behind.

Histoplasmosis (DRAFT)

An infection that is caused by breathing in spores of a fungus that may be found in bat or bird droppings.

An N-95 or respirator may be used to prevent histoplasmosis when caving near dry guano.

See Also: Bat Breathing Guano Guano Pile

Hitch (DRAFT)

A type of knot that secures a rope around another object. Common examples are a clove hitch, tensionless hitch and prusik.

HMS (DRAFT)

Halbmastwurf sicherung Carabiner

A larger pear shaped carabiner that is perfect for munter hitches and canyoneering descenders.

Hodag (DRAFT)

Hood (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/hoods

See Also: Formation

Horizontal Extent (DRAFT)

The distance the cave covers horizontally.

Hornito (DRAFT)

Human Passable (DRAFT)

A human can pass through it. Usually this definition does not include small children, but an adult caver, but not all adult cavers.

See Also: Caver

Hydrology (DRAFT)

Hydromagnesite Balloon (DRAFT)

One of the rarest speleothems. Appears to be a partially inflated pearly balloon.

Only found in a few caves with Jewel Cave being quite known for them.

Learn More: nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=D93B4B62-388A-4384-BA6D-FFD353CD69E9

Hydrostudy (DRAFT)

Hyperbar (DRAFT)

Hypogene (DRAFT)

Hypogenic (DRAFT)

A cave creation method that involves ascending hydrothermal fluids.

Hypogenic Dome (DRAFT)

Hypothermia (DRAFT)

A medical condition that is caused when a cavers core temperature drops below 95 degrees. This can quickly happen if a caver is immersed in cold water, has another injury causing them to stop moving, and can occur even if the caver does not get wet

Cavers with hypothermia usually aren't aware of their condition. Warning signs include: shivering, slurred speech or mumbling, slow shallow breathing, weak pulse, clumsiness or lack of coordination, drowsiness, very low energy, and confusion or memory loss. If untreated, hypothermia can cause respiratory and circulatory system failure and can lead to death.

Hypothermia Kit (DRAFT)

I

Ice Cave (DRAFT)

A cave formed in bedrock that contains ice year round.

Ice Formation (DRAFT)

Permanent or temporary ice in a cave. Can be seen at the entrance, in the floors of lava tubes, in giant towers in alpine caves and can be in all shapes and sizes.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/ice-formations

ICEE (DRAFT)

The In Cave Emergency Exercises course is an NCRC course designed to help cavers during an extended stay in a cave. This situation may happen in the case of cavers needing to shelter in place and await further rescue resources, or may occur for a team of rescuers who have a long period aiding someone towards the exit of the cave. The course curriculum focuses on the skills that may be needed in these scenarios including medical resources; cave considerations such as navigation, conservation, or flooding; camping/bivy considerations; nutrition & hydration; psychological impacts; and general preparedness.

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc/courses/ncrc-course-descriptions

Idealized Profile (DRAFT)

Idiot Check (DRAFT)

The act of looking around to make sure that cavers have not left anything laying around before the group moves away from an area.

Can be announced to the group to help by sayings "Idiot Check"

Impact Map (DRAFT)

Incident Action Plan (DRAFT)

Inclination (DRAFT)

Slope or Slant.

In cave survey an inclinometer (clino) is used to measure the up or down angle between two stations.

Inclusion (DRAFT)

Secondary mineralization that typically forms in cracks (some sort of void).

Inline Figure 8 (DRAFT)

Insurgance (DRAFT)

A sinkhole opening that allows surface water to be captured.

IRT (DRAFT)

Indestructible Rope Technique.

Method of vertical caving where the rope is padded over sharp corners and does not utilize rebelays.

See Also: Rebelay Rope Rope Pad SRT Vertical

It Goes (DRAFT)

Common phrase for many different outdoor activities that indicates the route they are exploring works. In caving it means that the unexplored passage continues.

See Also: Passage

Italian Hitch (DRAFT)

Another term for a Munter (hitch)

Italian Pulley System (DRAFT)

J

J-Hang (DRAFT)

A "J" shaped rigging of a rope in a cave with an exaggerated rebelay. Commonly used to get around an overhang in alpine caving. A caver both descends and ascends the rope at the same time.

Going down a caver will be rappeling and will then lock off their descender. They will ten put on their ascending gear and climb towards the next anchor, rappelling to give themselves slack to climb.

This allows the next anchor to hold the cavers weight without the rope being held tight along the edge of the overhand. It also allows for a different positioning of the caver.

Jesus Biner (DRAFT)

Jewel Cavers (DRAFT)

Jan and Herb Conn

Learn More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_and_Herb_Conn

Joint (DRAFT)

A natural fracture (usually vertical) in a rock. Common in limestone.

Joint Controlled (DRAFT)

A description of a cave or area in a cave where the passage was originally formed by cracks in the rock that water then enlarged.

See Also: Passage

Jugging (DRAFT)

A rock climbing term for ascending the rope using two handed ascenders and two etriers for footloops. Sometimes used in caving to describe ascending.

Jumar (DRAFT)

Juniper Carwash (DRAFT)

Action of scratching the side of your vehicle by driving through tightly growing juniper or other trees/bushes. A telltale sign of a juniper carwash is the new pinstripes (scratches) on a vehicle.

K

Karst (DRAFT)

A terrain that is underlain by soluble rocks, such as limestone, gypsum or dolomite.

See Also: Dolomite Gypsum Limestone Soluble

Karst Window (DRAFT)

A hole by which an underground string can be observed.

Karsty (DRAFT)

Synonym for Cavey

Keg (DRAFT)

Hard waterproof container with a screw on lid. Used to keep items from getting wet or crushed.

Kernmantle (DRAFT)

Key Holder (DRAFT)

The person who possesses the key to a gated cave and manages who accesses the cave.

Keyholder (DRAFT)

Keyhole (DRAFT)

A small cave passage that is thin and tall. These may or may not be human passable.

Kilonewton (DRAFT)

A metric unit of force, equal to 1,000 newtons that is used for expressing forces in climbing gear ratings. One kilonewton is roughly equivalent to 100 kilograms of force, or 224 pounds. All rated climbing gear has the amount of force it can stand before braking listed in Kilonewtons.

A typical climbing carabiner is rated for more than 20 KN.

A good rule of thumb is to think of 1 KN as one person. Someone rappelling can generate almost 3 KN of force on the anchor system.

Kitted Up (DRAFT)

KN (DRAFT)

An abbreviation for Kilonewton.

Knot (DRAFT)

A fastening made by tying a rope or a piece of cord or webbing to itself or another object.

Knot Block (DRAFT)

Knot Nut (DRAFT)

Soft climbing protection made from webbing, cord and rope.

Knot Pass (DRAFT)

The act of rappelling past or climbing past a knot. There are multiple methods for both but the caver should always keep two value points of connection to the rope.

Krab (DRAFT)

Another term for a carabiner

L

Landowner (DRAFT)

Landowner Relations (DRAFT)

Relationships between the caving community and the owner of the land where the cave entrance is located. If cavers want to cave, they need to keep this relationship positive and strong. One bad apple can spoil it for the whole bunch.

Each landowner is different. Some like cavers and allow unrestricted access, some deny access during times of the year like hunting season, some only allow access through a specific caver. In some areas of the country, the local grottos publish lists of open/closed cavers and who to get in touch with to visit a cave.

Lark's Head Knot (DRAFT)

Lava Ball (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/lava-balls

See Also: Lava Tube

Lava Fall (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/lava-fall

See Also: Lava Tube

Lava Lake (DRAFT)

Lava that has filled a passage and cooled, leaving behind a smooth hardened lake of lava.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/lava-lake

Lava Rose (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/lava-rose

See Also: Lava Tube

Lava Seal (DRAFT)

A smaller passage in a lava tube that has sealed off completely by the lava it was carrying becoming cooled and solid.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/lava-seal

Lava Tube (DRAFT)

A cave flowing lava that begins to cool around the edges and then empties as the lava flows away.

Lava Whirlpool (DRAFT)

Lavacicle (DRAFT)

A common formation in Lava Tubes that resembles icicles.

Lead (DRAFT)

A cave, hole or passage that has not been explored but may go. Also used to refer to a potential cave found via LIDAR, hearsay, or other method that does not involve actually seeing it.

It can also refer to the act of going first on a climb to set protection and ropes for the rest of the party.

See Also: It Goes Lidar Passage Protection

Lead Climb (DRAFT)

When a climber starts at the ground and climbs upward while placing gear or clipping bolts for protection. The climber is belayed by a second who is being lead up the climb.

Lead List (DRAFT)

Leave no Trace (DRAFT)

Lechuguilla (DRAFT)

One of the longest and deepest caves in the world, located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The cave is known for its unique geology, rare formations, and pristine condition. Access to Lechuguilla Cave is limited to scientific research, survey teams, and National Park Service personnel.

Letch

Lee's Locked Bowline (DRAFT)

Levee (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/levees

See Also: Lava Tube

Level 1 (DRAFT)

NCRC course that teaches how to be a Task Force Member.

A week-long class that consists of extensive training in all phases of cave rescue, including vertical litter movement. Students will be instructed in incident command systems, basic medical procedures, mechanical advantage systems, cave environment, communications, litter rigging and transport, and single rope techniques. By the conclusion of this course the student should be well prepared to serve as a team member in most rescue situations.

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc/courses/ncrc-course-descriptions

Level 2 (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc/courses/ncrc-course-descriptions

Level 3 (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc/courses/ncrc-course-descriptions

Lidar (DRAFT)

Limestone (DRAFT)

Rock made up of calcite. Water dissolves limestone faster than most rocks, leaving caves behind.

Line Plot (DRAFT)

The first step of taking survey data and creating a map, a line plot is a map of the survey data made up of straight lines between stations with LRUD data and splay shots also drawn in. A sketch of the cave is then drawn over this data.

Lineplot (DRAFT)

Liner (DRAFT)

Lining (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/linings

See Also: Lava Tube

Lint (DRAFT)

Fibers that separate from clothes. This can build up in caves, especially busy dry caves.

Some showcaves have lint cleanup days, where cavers go through aided with blacklights to help remove lint.

Lip (DRAFT)

Littoral (DRAFT)

Region that relates to the shore of a body of water.

Lock Off (DRAFT)

Tying a knot on a descender to prevent rope from moving through the descender, causing an unexpected fall. First a soft lock is set, which prevents rope from moving but is not reliable enough for a caver to take their hand off the brake strand. Then a more consequential knot is set to allow the caver to go hands free. The first soft lock allows the caver to undo the hard lock without slipping and maintaining control. Most often used for changeovers.

Locker (DRAFT)

A locking carabiner.

May be screw lock, twist lock, slider lock, magnet lock, tri lock or other mechanism.

Loop - Rope (DRAFT)

Looter Pit (DRAFT)

A depression where someone has dug in caves with the intent of finding and removing artifacts.

Losing Stream (DRAFT)

A stream that goes from above ground to under the ground.

Low Air (DRAFT)

Low Angle Rappel (DRAFT)

A rappel that is on lower angle terrain and needs less friction to position a caver safely. If a cave only consists of low angle rappels, a caver may opt for a munter hitch, figure 8 or a C-Rigged Bobbin to descend.

LRUD (DRAFT)

Shorthand for Left Right Up Down. This is a set of measurements taken during cave survey that describes the 4 distances around a station.

M

M.R.T. (DRAFT)

Metric Rope Technique, an alternative way of saying Alpine Caving.

Magnetite (DRAFT)

Mailion (DRAFT)

Maillon Rapide (DRAFT)

A brand of quicklink.

MAKC (DRAFT)

Mid-Atlantic Karst Conservancy

A Nonprofit based in Western Pennsylvania that manages and owns karst resoures.

Mission: The study, conservation, and preservation of caves and karst resources and the education of the public about those resources.

Learn More: karst.org

Mammilaries (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/mammilaries

See Also: Formation

Manganese Dioxide (DRAFT)

Fun to lick (for other people)

Manky (DRAFT)

Any cave or passage that is questionable, unstable, or just makes you feel like it could shift on you. Popular term, at least in Virginia and West Virginia, in the 1980s. Gone out of use nowadays.

See Also: Passage

Mao (DRAFT)

Map (DRAFT)

MAR (DRAFT)

Mid Atlantic Region of the NSS

The Mid-Appalachian Region (MAR) of the National Speleological Society (NSS) is a regional organization of the NSS consisting of various grottos and organized caving clubs within the general geographic area, or region, of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Learn More: mar.caves.org

Marble (DRAFT)

Marginal Anchor (DRAFT)

Mariners Hitch (DRAFT)

Marion O. Smith (MOS) (DRAFT)

The World’s Most Prolific Cave Explorer.

Learn More: nytimes.com/2022/12/16/us/marion-smith-dead.html

Mark Station (DRAFT)

Used for several purposes in cave survey. It can either be a command to light up or point out where the station is or it can refer to the act of writing the station identifier on or near the station.

Maternity Colony (DRAFT)

Maze (DRAFT)

Confusing passage that interconnects. On a map it may look like a city layout with a bunch of roads that do not connect.

Meat Anchor (DRAFT)

The act (art) of using a person as an anchor.

See Also: Anchor

Mechanical Advantage (DRAFT)

The measurement of how much a system amplifies the force applied to it. Usually in relation to hauling systems.

Megafauna (DRAFT)

Large animals. In North America it usually refers to large extinct species such as the short nosed bear, dire wolves and large cats. Moose are an example of living megafauna.

Learn More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megafauna

Mentor (DRAFT)

An experienced person taking a less- or non-experienced person and teaching them about caving. We all probably had at least one mentor who took us caving, taught us how to do it safely with caring for the cave and its critters in mind. Consider being a mentor to a new caver.

A hill for males in the UK. (Hahaha, just making a joke about the word "tor," which means hill in UK.)

See Also: Caver

Microrack (DRAFT)

A small rack for short drops; small rappelling device

Microshaving (DRAFT)

Midden (DRAFT)

The accumulated collections around den of a woodrat. May include sticks, shiny objects and trash.

Milk (DRAFT)

Another term for Sheath Slippage.

Milking (DRAFT)

When the sheath of the rope slips from the sheath and bunches up. This can cause a safely issue by having the rope no longer fit though a cavers descender.

The Gauntlet volunteers have spent way too much time solving milking issues.

Mirabilite (DRAFT)

A white powder looking salt that is left behind from evaporation.

Has been used as a laxative by multiple cultures.

Mitchel System (DRAFT)

Modification (DRAFT)

Describes changing the cave or cave passage to permit access. This can range from using explosives to open passage, to moving or chiseling away a rock or digging footholds.

See Also: Passage

Monitor / Monitoring (DRAFT)

Checking a cave to count wildlife, check for human behavior (trespassing, litter, graffiti, fires, etc), or any changes. Usually a report is compiled and submitted to the cave's administrator.

It is always fun to monitor a beautiful cave.

Monkey Traverse (DRAFT)

Alternative name for a Ceiling Traverse.

Monkey's Fist (DRAFT)

A knot that can be used to weight the end of a rope (for throwing in a tree as an example) and can also be used as a knot chock, similar to placing a piece of trad gear.

Monolithic Anchor (DRAFT)

A single point anchor that is tied to a monolithic structure, such as a tree, huge rock, vehicle.

Monteagle (DRAFT)

Moonmilk (DRAFT)

A creamy milk like substance found inside limestone .

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/moonmilk

Moth Wings (DRAFT)

Mud Plug (DRAFT)

A section of dirt or mud that blocks or partially blocks a passage.

See Also: Passage

Mud Stalagmites (DRAFT)

Stalagmites that are not made of secondary mineral deposits, but mud.

Don't rig to mud stalagmites.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/mud-stalagmites

See Also: Formation

Multi Drop (DRAFT)

A cave with multiple rappels to progress to the endpoint.

Munter Hitch (DRAFT)

A knot that can be used as a friction knot to control the rate of descent while belaying. Can be locked off with a MMO (munter mule overhand) knot. Can be tied on any load bearing carabiner, but commonly tied on HMS type cararabiners.

Munter Mule Overhand (DRAFT)

Standard way of rigging a rope so that the knot can be partially undone while the rope is weighted and the length of the rope can be extended. It is made up of three knots: munter (a lowerable knot), mule (a slip knot) and overhand (simple knot to lock everything in place).

This is helpful for setting up practice lines, rigging for rescue, setting exact rope lengths into water, locking off a munter rappel, etc.

Also know as a MMO

See Also: Knot Rappel Rescue Rope Simple Weighted

MVOR (DRAFT)

N

Nailhead Spar (DRAFT)

Calcite in crystal form that terminates with a flat pyramid, resembling a nail head.

See Also: Formation

Natural Anchor (DRAFT)

An anchor for vertical caving that is made from natural features and not bolts or other protection. This usually takes the form of some webbing or the rope wrapped around a column, stalactite or rock.

Care should be taken to find out if the anchor is indeed attached and strong enough.

NCKRI (DRAFT)

National Cave and Karst Research Institute

NCKRI was created by the US Congress as the country’s authority on caves and karst. Twenty-five percent of the United States is karst and related pseudokarst terrain, which occurs in all 50 states. NCKRI works across the country to study and better manage these resources, which includes much of the nation’s water supply, and to minimize problems from sinkhole collapse and other challenges.

Learn More: nckri.org

NCRC (DRAFT)

The National Cave Rescue Commission. A volunteer training organization that specializes and offers courses for cave rescue.

Courses: Orientation to Cave Rescue, Level 1 - Task Force Member, Level 2 - Task Force Leader, Level 3 - Vertical Specialist, Team Operations and Field Exercises (TOFE), Small Party Assisted Rescue (SPAR)

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc

Near Infrared Light (NIR) (DRAFT)

A spectrum of light that humans cannot detect with their vision. It perfectly reflects on limestone and travels surprising deep into caves. IT is a primary energy source for Rock Eating Microbes.

Nerd Hole (DRAFT)

A small pit cave.

See Also: Pit

Neversink (DRAFT)

A well known pit cave in Alabama that is 162 feet deep. To access a permit must be applied for and granted by the SCCi.

Learn More: saveyourcaves.org/preserve?rowid=neversink-cave-preserve

NGG (DRAFT)

The Non-Grotto Grotto. A non official grotto of pretty cool folks.

Nonlocker (DRAFT)

A carabiner that has no method of locking the gate closed. In caving they are usually used on cowstails or for racking gear. More commonly used in climbing than caving. To turn two non lockers into a locker, simple use two non lockers with the gates opposite and opposed (so that the gates cannot align and open the same way).

NSS (DRAFT)

Nuisance Drop (DRAFT)

A small drop in a cave that needs rope work to safely negotiate, but just barely. It is even more of a nuisance if a caver needs to put on their vertical system just for this drop.

Nut (DRAFT)

O

Objective Hazard (DRAFT)

Dangers that are inherent like weather, avalanches, slippery slopes, rockfall etc. These require mitigation or avoidance.

OCR (DRAFT)

Shorthand of Orientation to Cave Rescue, one of the NCRC Courses

Off-Rope (DRAFT)

Oh Shit Rope (DRAFT)

Backup rope for Pulldown Trips

OK (DRAFT)

A term for acknowledging when someone has shouted On-Rope or Off-Rope. This is not an automatic reply, but an an acknowledgment that it is safe to proceed.

Ohhhhhhhhh-Kaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy

Old Timers Turnaround (DRAFT)

A place in the cave where the first generations of explorers did not explore because of distance from the entrance, a tight constriction, an unpleasant passage or other factors.

Olm (DRAFT)

On-Rope (DRAFT)

On-Station (DRAFT)

Open Top Pit (DRAFT)

Organic Debris (DRAFT)

Leaves, sticks, logs, seeds, etc, that have washed or fallen into a cave.

Orientation to Cave Rescue (DRAFT)

An introductory level 2-3 day program which consists of classroom and field work in all phases of horizontal cave rescue including: underground environment, extrication techniques, communication systems, medical management, and organization and management of cave rescue. Students typically include cavers, emergency services personnel, and rescue management personnel. An all-day mock rescue is usually included.

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc/courses/ncrc-course-descriptions

OTR (DRAFT)

Old Timers Reunion

A large and historic annual event that is held at the TRA campground in West Virginia.

Learn More: otr.org

Out Cave (DRAFT)

Much like 'out run', to out cave means to travel faster, cleaner or better than others in a cave.

Amos Mincin out caves us all.

Outdeeped (DRAFT)

When a remarkably deep cave is passed by another cave in depth. It can be used globally, or in a geographically defined area.

Neffs used to be the deepest cave in the US but it has been outdeeped.

Oval (DRAFT)

A type of carabiner that is Oval in shape. Can be locking or non-locking.

Many rock climbers see this type as older and non specialized, but cavers use ovals more than other types.

Overburden (DRAFT)

Material (rocks, dirt) overlying something important.

Overhang (DRAFT)

Overword (DRAFT)

The world above caves.

P

Pacific Rim Quicklink (DRAFT)

A non-rated quicklink without a brand name that has a questionable self rating.

Pack (DRAFT)

Personal or team bag for carrying gear through a cave. Most cavers have an extra headlamp, food and water, spar gear and waste containers. Some are small for personal use, some are large for carrying expedition gear and vertical gear.

Packrat (DRAFT)

Pahoehoe (DRAFT)

(“'paw-hoey-hoey") - Smooth Lava

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/pahoehoe-lava

Paleokarst (DRAFT)

Karst observed in geological history and preserved within the rock sequence, effectively a fossil karst.

Palmer Furnace (DRAFT)

A form of hypothermia care/prevention in order to stay warm in a cave with minimal equipment. Classically, a large trash bag is placed over a patient with a hole cut open for their head. The palmer furnace works with only body heat, but a candle or a lighter may be placed inside as another heat source, though care must be taken to avoid any mishaps with flame or wax. Can also be formed for two people with a large contractor trash bag.

Pancake Crawl (DRAFT)

A crawl that is very flat and wide.

Pantin (DRAFT)

Paradoxical Undressing (DRAFT)

Parakarst (DRAFT)

Karst-like landforms formed primarily by the dissolution of non-carbonate rocks, i.e. gypsum, halite, and quartzite caves

Pass a Knot (DRAFT)

Passage (DRAFT)

Patient (DRAFT)

PCC (DRAFT)

Pennsylvania Cave Conservancy

The mission of the Pennsylvania Cave Conservancy is to protect cave resources within the Mid Appalachian Region (Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware) to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy, explore and study these natural resources.

Learn More: facebook.com/pacaveconservancy

PCD (DRAFT)

see progress capture device

Peanut Butter Mud (DRAFT)

Pearbiner (DRAFT)

Pearl (DRAFT)

A pearl shaped speletothem, that like an oysters pearl is formed around a nucleus, usually a piece of sand. Composed mainly of calcite and are formed via dripping water like a stalagmite, but where the water is moving too much to form a stalagmite.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/cave-pearls

Pease Ultraphone (DRAFT)

A single wire telephone for expedition use. Schematics and parts lists are provided to build your own.

Learn More: radiolocation.weebly.com/the-single-wire-ultraphone.html

Pebble (DRAFT)

Rocks smaller than 2 inches. Denoted on cave maps as a type of floor.

Pee Bottle (DRAFT)

Small bottle or container for collecting body waste in caves. Usually carried in a cavers pack. Gatorade bottles work great for this.

Make sure the lid seals tightly or you will have a bad day. Also, don't mistaken think this is your water bottle or you'll get a surprise.

Pendant (DRAFT)

Remnant of a ceiling rock that has dissolved away.

Pendulum Rebelay (DRAFT)

A rebelay that will pendulum a caver if they are not careful.

To access a pendulum rebelay from above, a caver rappels down to just below the rebelay anchor and pulls themselves over to the anchor. This may involve progress capture with an ascender or may be treated like a j-hang.

When ascending, a caver passes the rebelay like normal but then slowly lowers themselves out the full length of the pendulum. This can be done by hand or by using a descender.

Permanent Station (DRAFT)

A marked survey station that is not intended to be removed.

Persuasion (DRAFT)

Slang term for using explosives to open up cave passages.

Pettyjohns (DRAFT)

Photogrammetry (DRAFT)

The science of creating digital models of real-world objects by extracting 3D information from photographs.

Phreatic (DRAFT)

Water saturated zone below the water table.

Phytokarst (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/phytokarst

See Also: Formation

Pickoff (DRAFT)

The act of removing a vertical caver from the rope, who may have become exhausted, injured or otherwise incapacitated.

Pictograph (DRAFT)

Usually an ancient image painted with natural colors and materials on a rock wall. Can be confused with petroglyphs, which are images carved into the rock wall.

Learn More: ancientartarchive.org/rock-art-what-are-pictographs-petroglyphs-and-geoglyphs/

Piggyback Haul System (DRAFT)

A haul system that is applied to a fixed rope and built using a separate rope or the unused tail of the fixed rope.

This allows you to haul up the fixed rope to break into it or tension in.

Pillar (DRAFT)

When the cave passage make a loop, causing there to be bedrock that goes from floor to ceiling that you can walk around. Not to be confused with a column.

See Also: Bedrock Ceiling Column Passage

Pinch Point (DRAFT)

Pip (DRAFT)

Obsolete name for the Tricolored Bat.

Pit (DRAFT)

A vertical passage in a cave. A pit may be the entrance, deep inside a cave or the entire cave.

To progress up or down though a pit, a caver may be able to climb/downclimb or the pit may require rope and vertical systems.

Neversink is a beautiful pit.

Pit Bounce (DRAFT)

A term for descending and then ascending a pit without exploring the cave below or sometimes even touching the bottom.

Pit Bouncer (DRAFT)

A caver who enjoys the rappel and climb more than the cave.

Pit Depth (DRAFT)

The depth of a pit from the lip of the pit to the bottom. If there is any ambiguity, the depth should be determined by human passable passage. Denoted on maps as a number with a box around it.

See Also: Human Passable Lip Passage Pit

Pit Rope (DRAFT)

The brand name of a durable white 11 mm static rope manufactured by PMI that cavers use for IRT. Also used to describe any static rope used by cavers.

Learn More: pmirope.com/product/11-mm-max-wear-pmi-pit-rope

Pitch (DRAFT)

Piton (DRAFT)

A metal spike with a ring on the non pointy end. Used as rock climbing protection by hammering the piton into a crack.

Cavers use soft pitons (still solid metal, just softer than steel) in softer rock like limestone. These are not very common, but are sometimes a good solution when you unexpectedly need a bolt.

Plan View (DRAFT)

Pleistocene (DRAFT)

A geologic time period characterized by extensive ice sheets. Large mammals roamed the earth.

Plenty of Room (DRAFT)

Plunge Pool (DRAFT)

PMI (DRAFT)

Pigeon Mountain Industries

Point (DRAFT)

Points of Attachment (DRAFT)

A different phrase for saying Value Points

Points of Contact (DRAFT)

A different phrase for saying Value Points,

Not to be confused with Three Points of Contact.

Poker Chip (DRAFT)

Trash that folks spelunkers leave behind in caves as a trail marker to find their way out. If they end up going a different way back to the entrance, they leave the trash in the cave for everyone else to enjoy.

Temporary location marker used while surveying a multi level maze cave.

See Also: Entrance

Polje (DRAFT)

Poly/Poly (DRAFT)

Rope made from Polyester in the sheath and the core. These ropes are very static. Common poly/poly ropes include Greenline and Canyonfire.

Polypro (DRAFT)

Polypropylene (DRAFT)

A rope material that floats and is very static.

Pool Fingers (DRAFT)

Rare finger like formations that grow in cave pools.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/pool-fingers

See Also: Formation

Pool Spar (DRAFT)

A subtype of spar crystals that grow in seasonal cave pools.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/pool-spar

Popcorn (DRAFT)

One of the most popular cave formations, they resemble popcorn. Formed by either precipitation or evaporation.

Note: Does not taste like popcorn and may damage teeth.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/popcorn

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Portuguese Bowline (DRAFT)

Positional Asphyxia (DRAFT)

When a cavers position prevents them from being able to breathe adequately.

Learn More: abcnews.go.com/Health/man-trapped-utah-cave-limited-time-doctors/story?id=9184843

Pothole (DRAFT)

A pit cave

See Also: Pit

Potholing (DRAFT)

Pre Plan (DRAFT)

Prerigged (DRAFT)

The rope is already rigged in the cave. Either the rope is permanently rigged or other cavers have recently rigged it for heir own use.

See Also: Rope

Press Check (DRAFT)

The act of pressing on the gate of a carabiner to determine if it is locked or not. Usually done as part of a buddy check to show that the D-Ring is locked.

See Also: Buddy Check Carabiner D-Ring Gate

Prismatic Jointing (DRAFT)

Profile (DRAFT)

On a cave map, the profile shows the side view of the cave. As it is sometimes hard to represent a 3D space in a 2D drawing, several types of profile can be used.

Progress Capture Device (PCD) (DRAFT)

Project (DRAFT)

What project cavers are working on. This can range from redoing rigging, cleaning up trash or graffiti, an aid climb, remapping a cave to exploring a virgin cave or virgin passage in a cave.

Project Caving (DRAFT)

Projected Profile (DRAFT)

A profile (side) view of a cave on a map that is in scale with the cave.

Protection (DRAFT)

Catch-all term for the removable tools used to attach a rope to a rock. Can include pulses, cams, tricams, nuts, pitons, etc.

See Also: Cam Nut Piton Pulse Rope Tricam

Protractor (DRAFT)

A survey tool used to calculate angles when sketching the cave. There are several different protractors but the most common is the poorly named Cave Compass.

Learn More: cavecompass.com/Pages/demo.html

Providence (DRAFT)

(Ownership)

Proving a Descender (DRAFT)

A test each caver should do before ever trusting a descender as their only attachment point.

While still clipped in to an anchor or hand ascender (above the center of mass), the caver should unlock their descender and weight it to see if the descender is functioning properly, that the rope is run correctly, that the bobbin is closed and that the descender is correctly connected to the caver. There are multiple accident reports (fatalities) where a caver did not prove their descender either through carelessness, exhaustion or knowledge and were cross loading the connecting carabiner or had connected the descender improperly.

Prusik (DRAFT)

The act of ascending or descending a rope using loops of accessory cord tied with prusik knots (or VT) to the rope.

Prusik Knot (DRAFT)

Prusik Minding Pulley - PMP (DRAFT)

A pulley designed to keep a prusik knot from jamming inside the pulley. This ability allows a pulley and a prusik to be used as a progress capture device in a haul system.

Pseudokarst (DRAFT)

Karst-like landforms formed primarily through processes other than dissolution.

Puffy (DRAFT)

A down or synthetic down jacket that packs down very small. Handy in cold caves as long as it is not wet.

Puka (DRAFT)

The entrance to a lava tube formed by a collapse.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/lava-tube-entrances

Pulldown (DRAFT)

A vertical cave trip where cavers plan on exiting through a lower entrance. After each rappel, the rope is pulled down to use on the next vertical pitch. This leaves little chance for escape if the lower entrance is blocked or not located.

Underground Canyoneering

Pulley (DRAFT)

A piece of vertical gear that involves a wheel that is used to reduce friction when changing a ropes direction. Commonly used for guided lines and haul systems. Most cavers have at least one pulley in their SPAR kits.

Pulse (DRAFT)

A temporary bolt made by Petzl. They are sold in either 12mm or 8mm (8mm is commonly used by vertical cavers). They are installed in a drilled and cleaned hole, just like a traditional bolt, but are then placed and tightened by hand so that they are removable by hand. They are not full strength bolts.

These are commonly used to add a temporary extra bolt in a cave that only has one bolt at the head of the traverse or pitch, for an aid climb, to rig a temporary pitch head or to fill any other temporary bolt need for exploration. They function in the same way that traditional bolts work.

To properly place these takes knowledge and practice just like traditional bolts or other rock protection.

Push Rope (DRAFT)

A smaller rope that can be easily transported to hard to reach areas of a cave for exploration.

My push rope is 9mm Pit Rope because I don't have time for SRT.

See Also: IRT Pit Rope Rope SRT Vertical

Push Trip (DRAFT)

A trip into a cave intended to push farther into a cave and expand its known passage.

Q

QAS - Quick Attach Safety (DRAFT)

A very polarizing accessory (or essential tool) for vertical caving. It consists of a third cowstail (potentially adjustable) with a rope grab on the end, usually a handed ascender. Developed for changing over with a full sized rack, some cavers have grown accustomed to having it as a safety.

Quicklink (DRAFT)

A metal link similar to a carabiner but usually smaller and more similar to a link of chain. They are used for many rigging tasks such as replacing carabiners at anchors or for connecting rappel racks to harnesses (to prevent crossloading). They can be safety rated or from the hardware store (quality differs). They can be mad out of aluminum, steel or other metals.

Also known as a mallion or rapide.

R

Rack (DRAFT)

A rappel device. Usually shaped like a loop with bars across to weave the rope through. Can be different sizes depending on the depth of the drop. Very long racks are for pits like Golondrinas and microracks are for nuisance drops.

Raft Cones (DRAFT)

Piles of cave rafts that have been sunk by dripping water. These may be underwater or formerly underwater.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/raft-cones

Rafts (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/rafts

See Also: Formation

Rappel (DRAFT)

The art of safely going down a rope using some sort of descender.

Rated (DRAFT)

Rebelay (DRAFT)

A midline anchor for vertical caving. Commonly used in SRT.

It has many used such as to move the rope around a rub point, to move the rope to a different location for continuing through the cave, to protect a difficult section where a caver may lose control or to break up a long climb into sections.

There are multiple ways to argue about the best way to pass a rebelay.

Rebelay Footloop (DRAFT)

Recoverable Station (DRAFT)

A station used in cave survey that can be easily removed and placed again as a different station.

Recreational (Rec) Trip (DRAFT)

A trip into a cave that is organized purely for fun and not for cave inventory, survey, exploration or other scientific endeavors.

Redirect (DRAFT)

See Deviation.

Using the word deviation helps eliminate communication errors as redirect sounds like rebelay and they are very different and treated very differently.

Redirected Belay (DRAFT)

When giving a fireman belay, it is often wise to build an anchor at the bottom of the pitch that the rope can be redirected by clipping into the anchor (not tied), so that the belayer can stand outside of the rockfall zone.

Redundant (DRAFT)

Describes an anchor that is rigged in a way that allows one part to fail without compromising the safety of a caver on rope. Typically this is using two bolts or other pieces of protection for an anchor.

Redundant Survey (DRAFT)

Register (DRAFT)

A log book (usually in a weatherproof container) located inside the cave, that cave visitors can sign their names in.

Releasable (Rigging) System (DRAFT)

A rigging setup that allows a person on rope to be lowered from the anchor, even when weighted. Another term for Contingency Rigging

Rescue (DRAFT)

Rescue 8 (DRAFT)

Rescue Cache (DRAFT)

Gear placed inside a cave (usually in a waterproof container) that may be useful in case of an emergency. Each cache is different but may contain first aid, sleeping bags, food, water, palmer furnaces, rope, pulleys and vertical gear.

Rescue Load (DRAFT)

A higher than normal load on ropes. Each rescue is different with the calculation being the amount of weight expected (patient, rescuer(s), litter, gear) multiplied by 10.

Rescue Rope (DRAFT)

A second rope that is ready to deploy in the case of an emergency.

See Also: Rope

Rescue Theater (DRAFT)

Restrained Racehorse (DRAFT)

A caver who's abilities are being limited by others.

If you find yourself in this position in a cave, chill the heck out and be a valuable helper in the team.

See Also: Caver

Resurgence (DRAFT)

A spring or location of groundwater exit.

Rib Crusher (DRAFT)

A very tight constriction that feels like it is going to crush a cavers ribs if they breath heavily.

Ricochet Zone (DRAFT)

Area in a cave where a caver may be exposed to rockfall that does not fall on them directly but ricochets off the wall, floor or other cave feature. This area is between the Danger Zone and the Safety Zone.

Ridgewalking (DRAFT)

The act of searching for caves by walking around and looking for them. A ridgewalker may be guided by stories, maps, topography, lidar or just a cave sense.

Rig / Rigging (DRAFT)

The act (maybe art) of installing ropes into caves.

Rig for Rescue (DRAFT)

The concept that all cave rigging should be done in a manner that allows easy conversion into rescue rigging. This can be as simple as setting up lowerable ropes to setting up all rebelays as lowerable as well as more substantial anchors.

Rigger (DRAFT)

A caver who specializes in setting up the ropes for vertical caving.

Rim (DRAFT)

Speleothems formed by warm water vapor depositing material on colder rock. They are usually smooth on the inside but rough on the growing outside.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/rims

See Also: Formation

Rimstone (DRAFT)

A speleothem that results from water moving over a ridge where minerals are deposited on the ridge. Over time this forms a small rimstone dam that holds a rimstone pool.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/rimstone

Rimstone Dam (DRAFT)

A (usually curving) formation of rimstone that is or may hold water.

Rimstone Pool (DRAFT)

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Ring Load (DRAFT)

Rinky Dink (DRAFT)

Rite-in-the-Rain (DRAFT)

Rock Eating Microbes (DRAFT)

Rock Shaving (DRAFT)

The act of enlarging a cave passage by drilling holes and fracturing the rock around them via chisels or an explosive charge.

Rock! (DRAFT)

A warning shouted when anything is falling and may strike a caver. When you hear Rock!, do not look up to find it as this exposes your face, try to get underneath your helmet or something more substantial.

Rockfall (DRAFT)

A hazard that can exist anywhere in a cave but is more common when something is moving above a caver, such as a rope or another caver. Rockfall can lead to serious injury or death.

Do not stand under someone on rope, this is an extremely common way to be injured and this is easily avoided.

Roll In Zone (DRAFT)

Area near or sloping into a pit. or chasm. If a caver trips or falls, they may end up falling into the hole.

Many vertical anchors are set up in the Roll In Zone and approach lines should be used to protect each caver accessing the anchor.

Rollout (DRAFT)

The dangerous act of a carabiner or quicklink being able to open a bobbin. Do not use a quicklink on a bobbin! Always watch your descender when performing a changeover.

Root (DRAFT)

The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground. Cavers want a well rooted tree to build an anchor and sometimes cavers will come across roots in the caves.

See Also: Anchor

Rootsicle (DRAFT)

A root that has been covered with calcite.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/rootsicles

Rope (DRAFT)

Rope Bag (DRAFT)

Rope Condom (DRAFT)

A rope pad that wraps around the entire rope

Rope Grab (DRAFT)

Rope Management (DRAFT)

The act of not getting the ropes tangled. In vertical caving there is a way to rarely tangle the rope and that way is practice.

Rope Pad (DRAFT)

Protection for the rope to limit abrasion from the rock or other object, commonly the edge of a pit. Many rope pads are homemade from canvas, carpet (eww), hoses, firehose or other sturdy and flexible material; but they can also be manufactured. It is a useful feature to have a rope pad with an attachment point to hold it in place with a clamp or string. Alpine caving uses secondary anchors (rebelays) in place of rope pads.

Ropewalker System (DRAFT)

Rub Point (DRAFT)

A spot in a cave where a vertical cavers rope can rub on something sharp (usually rock). This can cause the rope to cut which is dangerous or fatal.

In IRT a rope pad or deviation is often used to protect the rope from such a spot.

In SRT a rebelay or deviation is used to protect the rope from a rub point.

Rugose (DRAFT)

An extinct class of corals found from the Ordovician to the Permian. Commonly thought of as solitary corals (horn corals), although colonial varieties existed.

Runner (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/runners

See Also: Lava Tube

Running Profile (DRAFT)

A profile (side) view of a cave on a map that is NOT in scale with the cave, instead it follows the path through the cave.

Also known as an extended profile.

Rusticle (DRAFT)

S

S-Rig (DRAFT)

A method to rig a bobbin to a rope for rappeling. An S-Rig provides normal friction and is characterized by an S shape drawn from the bottom up with the right hand.

Sacrificial Cave (DRAFT)

A cave that the public knows about and frequently visits and where the worst of the public has won the battle over trashing it. Usually denoted by trash, graffiti and beer cans.

A sacrificial cave can still be frequented by cavers and hold more value to the community than just being the cave that the dorks destroy.

Safety Check (DRAFT)

A team check of vertical gear after harnesses are put on and before anyone gets on rope. This can be an official event or as is more common with experienced cavers, a quick visual check.

The object is to make sure everyone is wearing proper gear, all buckles are fastened, no equipment is missing, hair is pulled up, helmets are on properly and buckled, gloves are being worn and nothing will obviously get stuck in the ascending/descending equipment.

Safety Zone (DRAFT)

Area in a cave where a caver is most safe from rockfall.

Salamander (DRAFT)

Salon (DRAFT)

Sam Splint (DRAFT)

A portable flexible splint that can be used in a wide variety of situations.

Some folks replace this with the plastic cut from a bleach bottle.

Sandwich (DRAFT)

SAR - Search and Rescue (DRAFT)

A volunteer or professional group who performs wilderness rescues.

Scalop (DRAFT)

Scooplike features on cave walls, caused by flowing water and have a steeper wall on the upstream side. May be inches to yards long with faster the flows creating smaller scallops.

Scarab (Descender) (DRAFT)

SCCi (DRAFT)

Southeastern Cave Conservancy

SCCi protects and preserves caves through conservation, education, and recreation.

An awesome nonprofit in TAG that owns and manages caves, allowing cavers access to most.

Learn More: saveyourcaves.org

Scintillite (DRAFT)

Scoop (DRAFT)

To go into virgin cave passage without surveying just to be the first person or group into the passage.

Alternatively it is to go push someone else's leads without including them.

This is either a no worries proposition or a cardinal sin.

Scooper (DRAFT)

A person who is known for pushing others leads without permission.

Go find your own leads or be a good teammate and don't be a scooper.

Scotts Locked Bowline (DRAFT)

Scrambling (DRAFT)

The action of scrambling up over rough or steep passage in a cave. This may be assessed as an area that cavers should be belayed. Each cavers ability and acceptable risk is different.

Screamer (DRAFT)

Screaming Barfies (DRAFT)

Scree (DRAFT)

Small loose rocks piled on the side of a mountain.

The best scree field is a snow covered scree field.

Screwlink (DRAFT)

Scurion (DRAFT)

A Swiss brand of headlamp

Learn More: scurion.ch

Search Team (DRAFT)

Seasonal Closure (DRAFT)

Some caves are closed in summer for bat maternity colonies; some are closed in winter for bat hibernation. Always check the Closed Cave/Limited Access List for your area to see if the cave you want to go to is closed for bats. Some commercial caves or caves in national and state parks are closed for winter.

Seat Sling (DRAFT)

Secondary Mineralization (DRAFT)

When voids form to create caves, cracks, pockets or other holes in the ground, other minerals can then fill these holes and harden into rock through secondary mineralization. These minerals are sometimes exposed as speleothems.

Secondary Team (DRAFT)

Seep (DRAFT)

Selenite (DRAFT)

Clear crystal made of gypsum.

SERA (DRAFT)

The Southeastern Regional Association (SERA) of the National Speleological Society is a regional organization made up of all the NSS organizations in the Southeastern portion of the United States of America. The SERA region includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The purpose of SERA is to further the aims of the NSS in the Southeast.

Learn More: sera.caves.org

Settled Crust (DRAFT)

Describes the hardened top of a lava lake that settled into a void left by the molten lava flowing away or by shrinking as the lava is cooled.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/settled-crust

Shale (DRAFT)

Rock formed by the compaction of silt and/or mud. It often does not allow water to move through but is soft and brittle.

Sharktooth Stalctites (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/sharktooth-stalactites

See Also: Lava Tube

Sheath (DRAFT)

The outside layer of a kernmantle rope.

Sheath Slippage (DRAFT)

When the sheath slips down the core in kernmantle ropes. Usually cause by assisted breaking devices like the Petzl Stop being used to control descent with the lever, not the brake strand. In extreme cases, the buildup of excess sheath makes the rope impossible to rappel. Also known as Milking.

Sheep Dip (DRAFT)

Sheet Bend (DRAFT)

Shelfstone (DRAFT)

A ledge that extends from the edge of a cave pool that has been submerged in a cave pool after its formation in air.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/shelfstone

Shelter (DRAFT)

A type of cave that is loosely defined as one that the entrance is wider than the length of the cave.

See Also: Entrance

Shetland Attack Pony (DRAFT)

Shield (DRAFT)

A unique cave formation that forms as two sandwiched discs that is fed water between the disks, growing a larger and larger shield like speleothem.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/shields

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Shorty (DRAFT)

A type of wetsuit that has short arms and short legs.

Shot (DRAFT)

The act of measuring distance, bearing and inclination between two points in a cave survey.

That lava tube was so magnetic that it took 30 shots to get one.

Showcave (DRAFT)

Showerhead (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/showerheads

See Also: Formation

Sill (DRAFT)

Simple (DRAFT)

A bobbin type descender manufactured by Petzl that does not have an automatic lock. Also used to denote similar devices.

Sinkhole (DRAFT)

A hole in the ground that is caused by the surface layer collapsing into a karst feature. Sometimes a sinkhole opens up access to a cave, sometimes it doesn't.

They can be formed slowly over years or suddenly.

Siphon (DRAFT)

Synonym for a sump

Skate Block (DRAFT)

Sked (DRAFT)

A bendable yet rigid stretcher for cave rescue.

Learn More: skedco.com/product/sked-basic-rescue-system-international-orange

See Also: Rescue

Sketch (DRAFT)

Sketcher (DRAFT)

The person on a survey party who is keeping the book and writing down all of the measurements taken by the team and drawing out the cave as the team progresses through the cave.

Sketchy (DRAFT)

Dangerous seeming or looking section of a cave.

Skylight (DRAFT)

An opening to the above ground world from a cave passage. Usually not large enough for a caver to pass through, inaccessible or not used as an entrance.

Sling (DRAFT)

Usually made of a large piece of cloth, a sling is used to carry things or babies. In caving, a sling is a loop of rope or webbing that has a variety of uses.

In some countries, like Singapore, a sling is a cocktail that will get you drunk.

Slope (DRAFT)

Social Trail (DRAFT)

Also known as a climbers trail.

Soda Straw (Strawtite) (DRAFT)

Stalactite in its infant stage. Resembles a drinking straw.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/soda-straw

Soft Lock (DRAFT)

A method of quickly securing the brake strand (free end) of the rope while rappeling to hold a caver in a stationary position. This is not a secure lock and the brake hand must be kept on the brake strand as the soft lock may come undone from unweighting the rappel device or simply the rope slipping through.

The soft lock is usually the first step of a hard lock.

Soluble (DRAFT)

Solution (DRAFT)

The geological action of dissolving of rock by water.

Solutional (DRAFT)

Sophie Suit (DRAFT)

Sótano (DRAFT)

Term used in Mexico to refer to a deep vertical shaft(s) in limestone

Literally cellar or basement

Spanish Pendulum (DRAFT)

SPAR (DRAFT)

Small Party Assisted Rescue

This can refer to the SPAR class, SPAR book, or the process of using SPAR knowledge to assist in a rescue.

The SPAR class is an intensive 3-6 day introduction to cave rescue techniques that can be performed by a party of six or fewer persons, using minimal gear normally carried on caving trips. This course teaches students how to handle most problems that arise while caving, including basic medical skills, moving patients through obstacles, helping persons who are stuck on rope, building and operating haul and lower systems, and how to prepare for and prevent problems with limited equipment and personnel.

SPAR is not for every rescue, but for a small group to assist a caver out of the cave.

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc/courses/ncrc-course-descriptions

Spar (Formation) (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/spar

See Also: Formation

SPAR Kit (DRAFT)

A small collection of potential rescue materials that is kept in a cavers pack. May include first aid gear, webbing, carabiners, pulley, progress capture device.

Spathite (DRAFT)

Fan shaped soda straws formed of aragonite instead of calcite.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/spathites

Spatter (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/spatter

See Also: Lava Tube

Spatter Cone (DRAFT)

Spectra (DRAFT)

Speleobiology (DRAFT)

The study of the biology of caves. May be done by trained biologists or citizen naturalists.

Speleobooks (DRAFT)

Speleogen (DRAFT)

A bedrock form that results from differential solution of cave passage.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/speleogens

Speleogenesis (DRAFT)

The study of the process by which caves are formed and changed over time.

Speleologist (DRAFT)

Someone who studies caves

Speleology (DRAFT)

The science of the cave environment (biology, geology, chemistry, meteorology, soil science).

Speleothem (DRAFT)

Secondary (formed after the cave formed) mineral formations found inside caves. Examples include: draperies, stalactites and flowstone. Most are formed out of calcite, but this is not a requirement.

Lava tubes also may have stalactites, but these formations were formed as the cave was being created, thus are not secondary formations and are not speleothems.

All the cave pretties!

Spelunker (DRAFT)

Slang term for cavers who are not prepared or lack the knowledge to be safe in a cave.

Spelunkers are usually easy to identify by their lack of helmet.

Spelunkers should be treated as fellow humans enjoying the day unless they have spray paint.

Spelunking (DRAFT)

Another term for caving, mainly used by the general population. Also used by cavers to denote amateurs exploring a cave.

Spine (DRAFT)

Splash Stalactite (DRAFT)

Lava tube stalactites formed by molten lava splashing, dripping down and then hardening.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/splash-stalactites

Splattermite (DRAFT)

Informal term for a type of stalagmite that features upright protrusions formed by the splash rings of the water falling upon and growing the stalagmite.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/splattermites

Splay Shot (DRAFT)

In cave survey, it is a shot that goes from a known station to a feature (wall, rock, ceiling, formation) that will help the sketcher to properly place things on the sketch. LRUD's are common splay shots.

Spline (DRAFT)

Spore Trace (DRAFT)

Using fungal spores as tracers

Sporty (DRAFT)

Spring (DRAFT)

A place where water is coming out of the ground.

Spring Pool (DRAFT)

Springtail (DRAFT)

Square Knot (DRAFT)

Squeeze (DRAFT)

Squeezebox (DRAFT)

A homebrew torture device designed to measure how tight of a squeeze a caver can pass through. Usually a squeezebox is easily adjustable, a delight at parties and the best ones are easy to open under tension.

Also used to refer to the last (or best) measurement a caver has achieved. "I have a squeezebox of 7.5".

Squiggle (DRAFT)

The bent ring that comes with a Raumer Handy for attaching to the D-Ring on a vertical cavers harness.

Some replace the squiggle with malions and connect the Handy to the carabiner that holds the descender to keep the D-ring less cluttered.

SRT (DRAFT)

Single Rope Technique

Vertical cavers use SRT (as compared to the industrial Double Rope Technique - DRT) to employ ropes to move around the cave. There are several disciplines of SRT including Alpine and Indestructible Rope Technique (IRT) which differ in rope, rigging and philosophy.

Stage Derig (DRAFT)

Removing vertical rigging in stages.

Stagmalite (DRAFT)

Stake (DRAFT)

A large piece of metal that is driven into the ground and can be used as an anchor.

See Also: Anchor

Stalactite (DRAFT)

A cave formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/stalactites

Stalactojack (DRAFT)

Homebrew device used to hold broken cave formations together while the glue is drying.

Learn More: caves.org/webinars/cave-formation-repair-project

Stalagmite (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/stalagmites

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Stalctoflat (DRAFT)

See Also: Formation Speleothem

Standing End - Rope (DRAFT)

Static (DRAFT)

Station (DRAFT)

Stegamite (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/stegamites

See Also: Formation

Stem (DRAFT)

Stemming (DRAFT)

Progressing though a cave passage by applying pressure to two opposite walls. A caver can potentially progress laterally or up/down via stemming.

Stemple (DRAFT)

A typically wooden cross beam wedged into place to provide an anchor for a rope or handline.

Stenlight (DRAFT)

Advanced customizable LED headlamps designed for cavers with a battery pack that mounts on the back of the helmet. The magnetic switch is on the rear battery pack, which limits interference with surveying equipment.

Learn More: stenlight.com

Stinkhole (DRAFT)

Stoop Walk (DRAFT)

Walking through a low cave passage where the caver must bend over to fit. Care should be taken to not bump into anything that may hurt the caver or damage the cave.

Stop (DRAFT)

Strainer (DRAFT)

A feature in flowing water that has the ability to trap a person and hold them underwater due to the force of the water.

Straw (DRAFT)

Stream Passage (DRAFT)

Stretched Lava (DRAFT)

When partially hardened lava is stretched like taffy and then hardens.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/stretched-lava

See Also: Lava Tube

Strike and Dip (DRAFT)

Stromatolites (DRAFT)

Stygobite (DRAFT)

This is the term for aquatic troglobites. Stygobites spend their entire life cycle in caves, specifically in the water and are specifically adapted tot hat environment.

They did not see the light.

See Also: Adapted

Stygofauna (DRAFT)

Refers to animals adapted to subterranean waters (groundwater, aquifers, etc.)

See Also: Adapted

Stygophile (DRAFT)

An aquatic troglophile

Stygoxene (DRAFT)

An aquatic trogloxene.

Subaqueous Helictites (DRAFT)

Sucking (DRAFT)

When air is moving into the mouth or a constriction inside a cave.

Sudden Accidental Disconnect (SAD) (DRAFT)

When a descender disconnects accidentally from a vertical caver. This can happen from an unlocked carabiner or a cross loaded carabiner. To prevent, always perform a rappel test.

Suicide Rig (DRAFT)

A rack descender that has had the rope fed through it in the wrong direction for the bars, causing the bars to open when weighted and to drop the caver.

See Also: Caver Descender Drop Rack Rope Weighted

Sump (DRAFT)

Description of going passage that is impeded by being filled with water.

See Also: Passage

Sunken Plunge Pool (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/sunken-plunge-pool

See Also: Lava Tube

Surface Tube (DRAFT)

A lava tube that you can see following a surface.

See Also: Lava Tube

Survex (DRAFT)

Survex is very powerful cave survey software, and is actively developing into a complete cave visualisation package. It has a sophisticated GUI frontend.

Learn More: survex.com

See Also: Cave Survey Software Survey

Survey (DRAFT)

The act (some say the art) of mapping a cave.

A survey team is lead by the sketcher, who is recording all of the data in a notebook or digital device and also drawing the cave. Usually two others are setting stations, measuring distance, inclination and compass bearing between stations.

The data that is gathered by the survey team is then given to the cartographer (somethings this is also the sketcher). The cartographer then creates a distributable map.

Learn More: sacs.caves.org/resources/symbols-full.pdf

Survey (By State) (DRAFT)

State level organizations that maintain locations and maps (surveys) of caves and the corresponding data.

Survey Paper (DRAFT)

Specially printed paper used in cave survey by the cartographer to take their notes and draw their sketch of a cave. Usually waterproof (and dirty).

Survey Party (DRAFT)

A group of cavers with the goal of mapping cave passage. Usually consists of a team of three or more.

Also known as a Survey Team

Suspension Trauma (DRAFT)

Trauma, usually consisting of loss of consciousness from loss of bloodflow from a caver being suspended in a harness without moving for too long. May happen within 20 minutes.

Usual symptoms include numbness of legs, nausea, dizziness and sweating.

Swago (DRAFT)

A distinctive brand of durable and waterproof caving pack made from polyurethane impregnated and coated nylon.

Learn More: swaygogear.com

Swami Belt (DRAFT)

A method of improvising a harness.

SWCC (DRAFT)

Acronym for the South Wales Caving Club

Swiss Seat (DRAFT)

A version of a homebrew harness tied with webbing, rope or cord.

Syncline (DRAFT)

Systems Check (DRAFT)

Alternative name for a Buddy Check.

T

Tackle Sack (DRAFT)

British term for a cavers pack.

Tafoni (DRAFT)

Small, rounded, cave-like features found on rock surfaces, often described as honeycomb weathering or "swiss cheese rock".

TAG (DRAFT)

A cave rich area of the United States where Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia come together.

The term is an acronym for Tennessee Alabama Georgia. It is also a descriptor for vertical caving that may mean a very deep drop, equipment or gear for very deep drops, or an inability to do a changeover or rebelay.

The Yosemite of Caving

Tag Tales (DRAFT)

Caver stories that took place in the TAG region, usually involving a huge pit.

Truth is optional.

Tail (DRAFT)

Tallus (DRAFT)

Talus (DRAFT)

Fallen or broken rock found at the foot of a steep slope. The spaces between the rocks can form a cave.

Tandem Climbing (DRAFT)

When two cavers climb the same rope at the same time, one above the other.

See Also: Rope

Tape (DRAFT)

TCR (DRAFT)

Texas Caver Reunion. A yearly event in Texas known for mud wrestling, the Gauntlet, good food, good times and a huge hot tub. Not so much for the caves.

Learn More: cavetexas.org/tcr

Tears of the Turtle (Tears) (DRAFT)

The deepest known limestone cave in the United States.

49 drops to the lowest explored passage in the cave.

Learn More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tears_of_the_Turtle_Cave

Tensioned (DRAFT)

Tensionless Hitch (DRAFT)

A method of securing a rope around an object that just involves wraps. Typically a rope can be attached to a tree with 3 wraps of the rope around the tree, forming a tensionless hitch. This is usually backed up with a knot on a bite secured to the free end of the rope with a carabiner or with a figure 8 followthrough knot.

Terminal Angle (DRAFT)

Tether (DRAFT)

A piece of webbing or accessory cord used for non life support to connect an item to a caver.

Usage examples are connecting a pack below a caver while rapppeling or connecting a hammer to a caver in case they drop it.

Texas System (DRAFT)

Therion (DRAFT)

Therion is a complete package which processes survey data and generates maps or 3D models of caves.

Learn More: therion.speleo.sk

See Also: Cave Survey Software Survey

Thermal Infared Imaging (TIR) (DRAFT)

Used to count bats flying out of a cave entrance

Thermokarst (DRAFT)

Three Points of Contact (DRAFT)

The idea that a caver is less likely to fall or slip if there are three parts of their body touching the passage. Parts may include knee, foot, hands, arm, butt.

Your face does not not count as a point of contact.

See Also: Caver Passage

Through Trip (DRAFT)

When a group leaves a cave via a different entrance than they went in, usually without much crossing their own path while in cave.

Throwaway Cave (DRAFT)

Another term for a Sacrificial Cave.

Thumbing (DRAFT)

The act of partially holding the cam on an ascender open to lower it down the rope. By partially opening the cam, it leaves enough space for the rope to not get caught, but if you remove your hand it locks right back on to the rope. This is used for downclimbing or just lowering an ascender while a vertical caver is on rope.

See Also: Ascender Cam Caver Rope Vertical

Tie in Station (DRAFT)

A survey station that was previously set and the survey goes back to in order to close a loop.

This is where you find out how accurate your survey reading are.

Tie Off (DRAFT)

Tight (DRAFT)

TOFE (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/ncrc/courses/ncrc-course-descriptions

Toothed Ascender (DRAFT)

Topo Map (DRAFT)

Topodroid (DRAFT)

TopoDroid is an Android app for cave surveying.

Learn More: sites.google.com/site/speleoapps/home/topodroid

Topside Survey (DRAFT)

A survey of the area around a cave. Usually used to tie known caves together or to give representation on the map of important features like the caves height above a floodplain.

Torch (DRAFT)

An English term for a flashlight or headlamp.

Torosion (DRAFT)

A ledge dug around a pit, named after Bill Torode who was know to do this.

Come to Fern and see our original Torosions!

See Also: Pit

Toss and Go (DRAFT)

Totem (DRAFT)

TRA (DRAFT)

The Robertson Association is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1978 for charitable, educational and scientific purposes. Their goal is to promote interest in, and advancement of the study and science of speleology, the development of safe caving techniques and equipment, the protection of caves and their natural content, and the promotion of fellowship among those interested.

They put on The Old Timers Reunion (OTR).

Learn More: robertsonassociation.org

Tracer (DRAFT)

Materials that are introduced or present in water that are typically used, in a caving context, to track water movement.

Trade Route (DRAFT)

Travelling Haul (DRAFT)

Traverse (DRAFT)

A vertical caving obstacle where the caver moves laterally on the rope. This can be along a wall, ceiling, or out in space. Usually the caver simply clips in with a short cowstail, using the long cowstail to pass mid rope anchors. The start and end of a a traverse should be rigged with two bolts, multiple pieces of protection or a monolithic anchor. Single piece anchors are acceptable along the traverse unless they need to be backed up because of questionable rock.

An unsafe but surprisingly common method to attach to traverse lines is with a handed ascender. This can apply a twisting force on the acenders cam if the caver falls and cause the ascender to detach from the rope. The solution to this is to just use a carabiner (on a cowstail) to attach to the traverse rope or tail clip the ascender (using the cowstail carabiner to also attach to the rope)

Travertine (DRAFT)

Finely crystallized limestone deposited by ground water and surface water.

See Also: Limestone

Traxion (DRAFT)

A progress capture pulley that is useful for hauling, rescue, an emergency ascender or QAS and other advanced rigging needs.

The most common is the Petzl Microtraxion, but others include: Climbing Technology Roll N' Lock, Kong Duck, Edelrid Spoc or the entire family by Petzl.

Tray (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/trays

See Also: Formation

Treadmill (DRAFT)

Tree Mold (DRAFT)

A hollow lava formation that formed around a tree trunk. Sometimes called a tree cast.

Some caves are made up entirely of tree molds.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/tree-mold

Triangle (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/triangles

See Also: Formation

Tricam (DRAFT)

A piece of rock climbing protection that can work as a nut or as a cam. These are very handy in building anchors inside of caves as they work well in constrictions, pockets and cracks.

The pink one has superpowers.

Tricolor (DRAFT)

Once one of the most common bats in the United States, now protected as endangered because of white nose.

Range is the Atlantic side of North America. Named for the gray, yellow brown and reddish brown colors on their backs.

Formerly known as Pip.

Trip (DRAFT)

Trip Leader (DRAFT)

The person in charge of a trip. All trip members should support the trip leader unless they are leading the group into danger.

A trip leader my delegate responsibilities to trip members but is ultimately responsible for the trip.

Troglobite (DRAFT)

A cave adapted species that does not leave the cave. Blindness is a common adaptation but it not required.

Examples, cave fish, cave crawfish, cave shrimp.

Troglobite (DRAFT)

Species that spend their entire life cycle in caves and are specially adapted to the cave environment.

See Also: Adapted

Troglobite (DRAFT)

Species that spend their entire life cycle in caves and are specially adapted to the cave environment.

See Also: Adapted

Troglodyte (DRAFT)

A person who lives in a cave

Troglofauna (DRAFT)

A general term for all cave-dwelling animals.

Troglomorphism (DRAFT)

Refers to the morphological adaptations of animals to living in constant darkness, such as loss of pigment, reduced eyesight, or elongated appendages.

Troglophile (DRAFT)

An animal that habitually enters or lives permanently within the dark zone of a cave but is also capable of living outside the cave because it has not evolved or adapted specifically to caves.

Cave Lover

See Also: Adapted

Troglophiles (DRAFT)

Animals that can live in caves but also survive in similar habitats outside of caves, such as soil or under rocks.

Trogloxene (DRAFT)

An animal that visits caves but is dependent on the outside for food.

Trogloxene (DRAFT)

Animals that use caves but usually belong to surface ecosystems, like bats, raccoons, or skunks.

Truckers Hitch (DRAFT)

Truncated (DRAFT)

Cave passage that has been shortened by collapse or debris.

See Also: Passage

Trundle (DRAFT)

The act of intentionally knocking a rock loose while climbing or vertical caving. This is done to remove the hazard of a loose rock. Sometimes tools are used to free the rock.

TSS (DRAFT)

Texas Speleological Survey

Learn More: texasspeleologicalsurvey.org

Tube Slime (DRAFT)

Organic deposits that may coat the walls of a lava tube.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/tube-slime

Tube-in-Tube (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/tube-in-tube

See Also: Lava Tube

Tubular Lava Helictite (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/tubular-lava-helictites

See Also: Lava Tube

Tubular Lava Stalactite (DRAFT)

Stalactite like formations in lava tubes that are formed by gasses being pushed out of cooling lava and forming hollow (at least initially) stalactites.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/tubular-lava-stalactites

See Also: Lava Tube

Tufa (DRAFT)

A type of limestone that is formed by minerals precipitating out of unheated water. Usually resembles columns.

See Also: Limestone

Turned Around (DRAFT)

A euphemism for lost.

Type 2 Fun (DRAFT)

Type 2 fun is an activity or experience that is difficult, challenging, and often uncomfortable or miserable in the moment, but becomes enjoyable and rewarding in retrospect, leading to a sense of accomplishment, growth, and pride

Type 3 Fun (DRAFT)

More not fun than Type 2 Fun

Tyrolean Traverse (DRAFT)

U

UHMPE (DRAFT)

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. Ropes can be made from UHMPE as it is a highly durable, impact-resistant material. Dyneema is a brand of UHMPE.

UHMWPE (DRAFT)

Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polyethylene is a thermoplastic commonly used in applications calling for high strength, abrasion resistance, UV resistance, and resistance to certain chemicals. This makes it well suited to many caving applications including harnesses, footloops, ropes, accessory cord, pack fabrics, and more.

Learn More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-high-molecular-weight_polyethylene

Undersuit (DRAFT)

A layer that goes under your oversuit/coveralls that keeps you warm or dry

Unicorn Pulley (DRAFT)

A magical theoretical pulley that has 100% efficiency. Used to calculate mechanical advantage in hauling systems.

Unsurveyed (DRAFT)

Cave passage that has not been added to the map yet. Depending on local ethics, it probably should not be pushed very far without a survey team.

See Also: Map Passage Scoop Scooper Survey

Unweight (DRAFT)

When a caver is locked off while rappeling and takes their weight off their rappel device. The rappel device should not be trusted until it is proven as things may have shifted.

Upwelled Lava (DRAFT)

Lava that has been pushed back or through a hole.

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/upwelled-lava

See Also: Lava Tube

V

V-Thread (DRAFT)

A type of anchor created by drilling two holes that meet within a hopefully solid cave wall. The working end of rope is passed through the two holes and tied off or pulled through, depending on the design of the anchor.

From ice climbing.

Vadose (DRAFT)

An area below the earths surface but above the water table.

Valdotain Tresse (DRAFT)

A friction knot (similar to a prusik) used to ascend and descend on ropes. Also a term for the physical cord.

Most commercially manufactured VT's are made of Technora which allows users to rappel a weighted line without melting the cord.

Also known as a VT.

Value Points (DRAFT)

A value system for rating a vertical cavers attachment to the rope, not a physical system. Cavers should maintain at least 2 points at all time while on rope.

In these examples, it is assumed that the device is attached to the rope and to a cavers harness.

An ascender is 1 point.
A descender is 1 point.
A proven (tested) descender that has been unweighted is 1 point.
A proven (tested) descender that has been continuously weighted is 2 points.
A weighted cowstail that is clipped into a traverse or rebelay is 2 points.
A unweighted cowstail that is clipped into a knot, prussic, pcd, or traverse line is 1 point.
A unweighted cowstail clipped into the belly of a rebelay is 1 sketchy point.
A weighted cowstail that is clipped into the guideline or a pulley attached to the guideline of a guided rappel is 0 points.
A cowstail that is clipped into a deviation is 0 points.

VAR (DRAFT)

The Virginia Region of the National Speleological Society consists of 40+ local caving groups in and around Virginia and surrounding states. They promote the study and science of speleology, explore and maps caves, protect and conserve caves, manage limited access caves, and generally promote safe caving throughout the region, and promote fellowship and cooperation among all Regional cavers and organizations.

Learn More: var.caves.org

Vector Haul (DRAFT)

Vectran (DRAFT)

A very high strength fiber used in rope making. It is known for its exceptional strength and rigidity, being five times stronger than steel. It is also has excellent creep and abrasion resistance, and resistance to chemicals and heat.

Vectran stretches less than Dyneema.

Vegetation Belay (DRAFT)

Using roots, shrubs, plants or other organic material as a handhold for making uphill or downhill progress.

Verglas (DRAFT)

A thin coating of ice on rock.

Vertaco Mode (DRAFT)

In rappelling, vertaco mode is when the caver takes the brake strand and passes it through the attachment carabiner for the rappel device. This creates more friction.

This can be done with any rappel device (bobbin, figure-8, atc) attached to a caver via a carabiner.

Vertical (DRAFT)

Vertical Extent (DRAFT)

Usually a measurement of how tall something is, in caving it is a measurement of how deep something is. The vertical extent of the cave is measured from the highest point to the lowest point.

Vertical Section - VC (DRAFT)

The Vertical Section is an Internal Organization (I/O) of the National Speleological Society. The purpose of the Vertical Section is to educate and train cavers in safe, efficient vertical caving techniques.

Learn More: verticalsection.caves.org

Vertical System (DRAFT)

Vertical Training Commission - VTC (DRAFT)

The Vertical Training Commission is tasked with training interested cavers in safe vertical caving training throughout the US.

Learn More: caves.org/vtc

Virgin (DRAFT)

Undefiled passage. A cave passage that no person has ever entered.

See Also: Passage

Virgin Passage (DRAFT)

Cave passage that no person has ever entered into.

See Also: Passage

Virtual Station (DRAFT)

Volunteer Value (DRAFT)

Voodoo Hitch (DRAFT)

An uncommon but seemingly magic way to hold a short amount of releasable tension.

Learn More: alpinesavvy.com/blog/the-voodoo-hitch-a-magic-tensioning-hitch

Vulcanokarst (DRAFT)

W

Wag Bag (DRAFT)

Walking Passage (DRAFT)

Cave passage that cavers can comfortably walk through without stooping.

See Also: Passage

Wall (DRAFT)

The side of the cave passage.

See Also: Passage

Walls (DRAFT)

Cave survey software that many cavers use to take survey data and export a 2d map of the cave.

Learn More: texasspeleologicalsurvey.org/software/walls/tsswalls.php

Water Knot (DRAFT)

Typically used in webbing, this knot is a simple overhand on one strand with the other strand rethreaded through the knot from the opposite end to form a loop of webbing.

Water Table (DRAFT)

An ever changing line between the unsaturated (vadose) and the saturated (phreatic) zone.

Webbing (DRAFT)

Weighted (DRAFT)

When a rope, cowstail or descender is holding the weight of a caver.

Welded Breakdown (DRAFT)

Learn More: caves.org/virtualcave/welded-breakdown

See Also: Lava Tube

Wellies (DRAFT)

Rubber boots to help protect a cavers feet from water and mud.

A foot shaped container for keeping water and mud next to the skin after the boots were not tall enough.

Wet (DRAFT)

A descriptive term that indicates that the cave or passage has water that the caver cannot avoid.

See Also: Caver Passage

Wet Drop (DRAFT)

A rappel (and potentially climb) that has unavoidable water. Sometimes sporting cavers rig a drop to be wet that does not have to be wet.

Wetsuit (DRAFT)

A neoprene body suit that allows water to get between the caver and the suit but keeps the caver warm in cold water. Can be all sorts of shapes and colors.

See Also: Caver

Whaletail (Descender) (DRAFT)

A crappier version of a rack

Learn More: cavediggers.com/files/vertical/6descent.pdf

Whiskeypus (DRAFT)

A platypus or other portable container filled with libations, usually whiskey. To be shared around the camp after a long day of project caving.

Whistle Stop (DRAFT)

An exercise used in rescue practice and a good rule of thumb when transporting someone else. The general idea is to build all systems that if a whistle is blown and everyone takes their hands off the rope system, the load (patient) is unharmed.

White Nose (DRAFT)

A fungus that affects bats, causing them to not be able to hibernate fully in the winter and burn up all of their energy stores resulting in death. While it is mainly spread from bat to bat, humans can be a factor and should decon their cave gear.

White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in North America

Learn More: whitenosesyndrome.org

White Out (DRAFT)

Used in cave survey to paint temporary stations on the walls, ceiling, floors, rocks, etc of a cave.

Window (DRAFT)

A small or otherwise inaccessible entrance to a cave.

See Also: Entrance

Woodrat (DRAFT)

Common name for a few species of medium sized rodents that may make their nest in a cave. Also called a packrat. They are hard to spot, usually a caver just sees a flash of fur and a long tail.

See Also: Amberat Caver Midden Packrat Tail

Working (a Knot) (DRAFT)

Pushing the strands of a knot in such a way that the knot loosens, so that it can be adjusted or untied.

Working Book (DRAFT)

Working Device (DRAFT)

Working End (DRAFT)

The free end of a rope that a caver is working with. Also known as the running end.

Working Map (DRAFT)

A cave map that is in constant development as the cave is explored. Some sort of versioning system is used to identify older drafts.

Working Point (DRAFT)

Wrap 3 Pull 2 (DRAFT)

A type of anchor used in vertical caving, tied from webbing that has been wrapped around a monolithic anchor (like a tree) three times with the tails tied together with a water knot to create a loop. Two wraps are then pulled together and clipped with a carabiner. This creates a redundant anchor as the friction of the webbing around the object will hold even without a knot (but use a knot).

If the knotted loop is not a part of the two pulled loops, then it will be easier to untie as the knot is not weighted when the anchor is used.

WVCC (DRAFT)

The West Virginia Cave Conservancy Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving and protecting important cave and karst resources of the Virginias for future generations.

Learn More: wvcc.net

X

X-Section (DRAFT)

Shorthand for Cross Section

Y

Y-Hang (DRAFT)

A description of anchor rigging in vertical caving. The rope is connected two two bolts in a Y shape. The knots can vary, but the standard version is a figure 8 on one bolt and a long alpine butterfly connected to the other.

Yard Sale (DRAFT)

The act of dumping out a bag to find/organize gear. Very common during gearification.

Yo-yo (DRAFT)

When a vertical caver bounces a cave multiple times to practice their vertical ability or to just be a show off.

Yosemite Finish (DRAFT)

Z

Zebralight (DRAFT)

A type of flashlight that is popular with cavers. They are adjustable, bright, easy to mount to a helmet and can interfere with survey instruments. Cavers that use them usually opt for a version powered by an 18650 battery.

Learn More: zebralight.com