Speleology
Speleology of Velebit
Speleology says that pits are speleological objects with vertical or steeply inclined channels with a total inclination greater than 45°, while caves are objects with horizontal or slightly inclined channels.
Karst world
Hidden deep underground is another karst world, the world of underground karst formations, pits and caves.
For centuries, the entrances to the mountain depths of Velebit were shrouded in mystery, causing fear but also respect from the inhabitants.
Sheltered from the sun or located on the opposite sides of sinkholes or slopes, the entrances to pits and caves kept the most valuable treasure – water in the form of snow and ice even in the hottest months of the year. Descending into deep sinkholes and entering the unknown, in search of water, without knowledge, skills and speleological equipment, has historically been an extremely dangerous and for many a fatal undertaking.
The Northern Velebit National Park area, notably Hajdučki Kukovi and Rožanski Kukovi strict reserves, are ranked among the most interesting speleology sites in the world.
The reason for this lies in the existence of a large number of deep pit caves in a relatively small area.
The largest number of speleological features are found in Velebit breccias, rocks formed as a result of strong tectonic activity which caused the decomposition and destruction of existing deposits and structures. Through destruction and landslides, subsequent sedimentation in karst depressions and hardening of rock fragments new sediments were created, today referred to as Velebit breccias. Over millions of years they were gradually uplifted along faults thereby forming beautiful Hajdučki Kukovi and Rožanski Kukovi karst peaks.
The pits of Northern Velebit are continuously being explored by numerous speleologists from various speleological societies from Croatia and abroad. Each year, their research yields new insights into the wealth of underground karst forms of Velebit.
Speleological equipment
Due to the development of speleological equipment and techniques, as well as the increase in knowledge about underground spaces, today speleologists enter speleological objects deeper than 1,000 meters. In addition to the curiosity to discover always new unexplored areas and the desire to conquer them, speleologists undergo continuous education. Thus, they acquire new knowledge and skills in order to always push the boundaries of research and new knowledge forward.
Speleological locations of the world
Today, the area of the Northern Velebit National Park is included in the most interesting speleological sites in the world, solely thanks to the enthusiasm and courage of these people.
They shed light on many secrets of the mountains. Entering deep into its bowels and exploring underground channels, waterways and lakes, geological structures and climatic conditions, discovering previously unknown animal species, speleologists contributed to increasing knowledge, but also awareness of the fragility and beauty of this magnificent underground.
Therefore, based on this knowledge about karst and the karst subsoil, every person has the task of protecting it from any pollution, because the subsoil protects the most precious gift – water.
Izvor: NP NORTHERN VELEBIT