A unique chalk cave has been discovered in the suburbs of Tel Aviv.

A few weeks ago, a unique chalk cave, Yaalom, was discovered fifteen minutes from Tel Aviv. A miraculous discovery occurred in an area intended for the expansion of chalk quarries.

Yaalom Cave was noticed by a geologist conducting groundwater research. At first it seemed to him that the hole in the mountainside was no deeper than eight meters. The geologist reported his discovery to the Malham organization, which explores caves in Israel.

"Malham" and the tourist club "Sarma" went to the cave to conduct a study of its microflora and fauna. The cave turned out to be a real surprise.

To date, 2.5 kilometers of chalk passages have been mapped in it, an underground lake has been found, and the rarest varieties of underground crayfish have been discovered. Now they are trying to identify them and understand whether they are a completely new species, or whether Yaalom Cave is one of three places in the world where such a species has been discovered. Crayfish live in complete isolation from the external environment and feed on chemotrophic bacteria.

The walls of the Yaalom cave are covered with white powder, like snow, which is formed due to high humidity and the work of bacteria. This powder, combined with enormous humidity, forms a real mud mask on the body of a cave visitor. You can get rid of it in the main hall of the cave, where there is an underground lake, into which, apparently, thermal springs flow, and therefore its water is hot. Swimming in the clear water of the lake is a real pleasure after a long journey through the back streets of the cave.

The chalk corridors and tunnels are currently being explored. Yaalom may be the longest chalk cave in Israel. So far, the first place is occupied by the Khariton Cave (4.5 kilometers).

The Malham organization is trying to achieve the conservation of the cave. Despite its unique fauna and microflora, there is a real threat that Jaalom Cave will be blown up in the coming weeks to expand the chalk quarries.

Based on materials from: outdoors.ru