New discovery from Cansiglio Sotterraneo
News from Filippo Felici
Traslated from Elisa Carboni and Renato Dalle Mule
News from Filippo Felici - GS Urbinate
The endless exploration of the ‘Abisso del Col della Rizza’ continues in the forest of Cansiglio, a beautiful limestone massif between the provinces of Belluno, Treviso and Pordenone, in NE Italy.
After reaching the bottom of a branch at -800m, a new descending route opened up last month: it begins in the ‘del Cin’ passages, at -150m, and a couple of pits, each of 70m, were descended. At the base of the latter (about at -350m), the exploration of a maze of fossil passages has started, stopping at the top of a pitch extimated 10m deep and 6-7m diameter at the base. Lighted by a a powerful torchlight, other galleries of notable size are clearly visible at the bottom.
Until now only the most obvious leads have been explored, leaving much to be done. The survey of the cave has exceeded 3km in length in a short space of time, though much more has been explored and not yet surveyed. There is a strong circulation of air in all areas of the cave.
Please note that the probable resurgence, the Gorgazzo (in the Pordenone province), is one of the more important vauclusian springs in Italy and it’s located some 1000m lower than the entrance. It’s known to be about 100m deep.
In this area the most important explored cave to date is the ‘Bus della Genziana’ that at -583m was until two months ago the deepest cave. There are no other caves of remarkable size, but surface karst features are present everywhere with dolines, sinkholes, karren fields, entrance pits and a complete absence of water. Much could be looked at again, given the existing data are 20-40 years old.
Caving Groups present in the exploration (all present yesterday in the cave):
Gruppo Speleologico Ferrarese - Ferrara
Gruppo Speleologico Sacile - Sacile
Gruppo Speleologico Urbinate - Urbino
Sezione Speleologica CAI SSI di Città di Castello - Città di Castello
Several other cavers from all over Italy.
Because of the length, depth and quantity of equipment used in the cave (at present there are more than 2 km of rope and several hundred rebelays) the cooperation of others cavers in exploring the cave is welcome. Anyone who wants to take part, dont hesitate to call.
Until the next time, for more good news!