Sannur Cave
28°37′23″N 31°17′11″E / 28.62306°N 31.28639°E 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
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
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
- ^ 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.