Sannur Cave
28°37′23′′N 31°17′11′′E / 28.62306°N 31.28639°E / 28.62306; 31.28639 Sannur Cave is a visually dynamic[1] karst-based subterranean environment, made from groundwater traveling inside the Eocene-era limestone of Galala Plateau, Egypt.[2] The Sunnur area is dated at approximately 65-million years,[3] and is considered an important geological heritage.[4] It is believed to be the longest cave in Egypt.
Discovery
[edit ]Sannur Cave system was discovered in the 1980s, roughly 71 miles (115 km) south-southeast of Cairo, after quarry blasting created an overall entrance. The cave is also 6.2 miles (10 km) south-southeast of the city of Beni Suef.
Geology
[edit ]Sannur Cave has only one chamber which is about 2,300 ft (700 m) long and 50 ft (20 m) in diameter. It is a limestone cave overlaid with alabaster created by thermal springs. Its unique geology and unusual formations of stalactites and stalagmites led it to being recognized as an Egyptian Protectorate in 1992.[5]
References
[edit ]- ^ Egypt's Oldest Caves Uncover Beauty, Art and History, 19 May 2022, retrieved 6 March 2024
- ^ Sannur Cave, Beni Suef, Egypt, 11 April 2016, retrieved 6 March 2024
- ^ Wadi Sannur Cave Protected Area Dates Back to 65M Years, 24 July 2017, retrieved 6 March 2024
- ^ Unique Desert Caves As a Valuable Geological Resource: First Detailed Geological Heritage Assessment of the Sannur Cave, Egypt, 1 February 2020, retrieved 6 March 2024
- ^ Bright, Michael (2009). 1001 Natural Wonders You Must See Before You Die. Unesco Edition. Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 978-1-84403-644-8.