10 Incredible Underground Lakes and Rivers [pics]
Tue, Sep 9, 2008
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Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, China was discovered during the Tang Dynasty almost 1,300 years ago. Image by Ian Sewell
Far below the Earth’s surface, where the sun rarely penetrates, is a world of twinkling glow worms, precious gems and limestone caves and mountains, a land inhabited by nature alone. Within this world are visions to rival many landscapes decorating our horizon; lakes lie still and calm, great networks of caves know no borders and rivers and rivulets carve an ever-evolving terrain.
We invite you to explore this remarkable subterranean domain through these incredible images we’ve complied for your viewing pleasure.
1. Cheddar Gorge is Britain’s biggest canyon and is found within the Cheddar Caves, where the UK’s oldest complete human skeleton was found in 1903. Known as the Cheddar Man, the remains were estimated to be 9,000 years old.
Snowman-1
2. Hamilton Pool Preserve, in Austin, Texas, was created quite naturally when the dome of an underground cave collapsed revealing this stunning natural pool. It is now frequented by day-trippers and naturalists. That’s naturalists not naturists, although no doubt someone has tried to go skinny dipping at one point!
Van Sutherland
3. Hamilton Pool from another perspective. When there’s been heavy rainfall, 45ft waterfalls cascade from the rim of the cavern. It must be pretty spectacular when you’re bathing.
Stuck in Customs
4. Stalagtites adorn the roof of Luray Caverns, Virginia, the still waters throwing a perfect reflection.
Ashley Dinges
5. Legend has it that early cavemen inhabited Wookey Caves in Somerset, England.
Wookey Caves
6. This underground lake in Mellisani Caves, near Kefalonia, was found when the roof of the cave collapsed after an earthquake in 1953.
Liana Photography
7. Lechuguilla Cave, in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico is the fifth longest cave discovered yet at 120 miles (193 km) long and measures 489 metres (1,604 ft) deep, making it the deepest in continental United States.
Dave Bunnell
8. This underground lake near Macan Ché on the Yucatán Peninsula is one of many that are considered to be gifts from the gods by the Mayans, and therefore sacred.
sanghavedanta
9. The limestone flow feeding into this underground lake in Mexico resembles a waterfall turned to stone. Maybe the Ice Queen is privy to this particular cavern?
Adam
10. How long must it have taken for this little waterfall in Banff, Canada, to make this underwater lake?
Petr
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16 Trackbacks For This Post
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Höhlen wie im Fantasy-Film « 11k2 Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 12:52 pm[...] wie im Fantasy-Film Environmental Graffiti bringt gerade einen Artikel über Höhlen, mit 10 umwerfenden Fotos von speläologischen Traumlandschaften. (Thumbnail, nach [...]
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links for 2008-09-10 | Nerdcore Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 4:08 pm[...] 10 Incredible Underground Lakes and Rivers [pics] | Environmental Graffiti Far below the Earth’s surface, where the sun rarely penetrates, is a world of twinkling glow worms, precious gems and limestone caves and mountains, a land inhabited by nature alone. Within this world are visions to rival many landscapes decorating our horizon; lakes lie still and calm, great networks of caves know no borders and rivers and rivulets carve an ever-evolving terrain. (tags: Underground Lakes Water) [...]
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10 fotografías de ríos y lagos subterráneos « Que no! Que no me da la gana de tener un blog Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm[...] Para ver el resto de las imágenes pincha en el enlace. [...]
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Foto laghi sotterranei | Pillole Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 5:53 pm[...] Environmental Graffiti addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fnotizie.iwishblog.com%2Fmondo%2Ffoto-laghi-sotterranei%2F’; addthis_title = ‘Foto+laghi+sotterranei’; addthis_pub = ”; [...]
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Fotografía: Los lagos subterráneos más impresionantes del mundo - ALT1040 Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 7:23 pm[...] gente de Environmental Graffiti hizo una recopilación de los 10 lagos subterráneos más impresionantes del mundo. Les dejo [...]
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Descubriendo parte del mundo…. » Blog Archive » 10 fotos de lagos subterraneos Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 8:26 pm[...] Fuente: http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/underground-lakes-river/2190 [...]
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Los lagos subterráneos más impresionantes del mundo | jbernabe.com Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 8:43 pm[...] la web de Environmental Graffiti nos ofrece esta estupenda colección de fotografías de los 10 lagos subterráneos más [...]
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10 Amazing Underground Rivers And Lakes « The Diverse Purse Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 8:57 pm[...] into what life might’ve been like for ancient people who might have ventured here themselves. Link! via [...]
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Los lagos subterráneos más impresionantes del mundo | Noticias, novedades, tecnología, programación - Bit & Bit Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 9:08 pm[...] gente de Environmental Graffiti hizo una recopilación de los 10 lagos subterráneos más impresionantes del mundo. Les dejo [...]
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*Por Acaso - Um blog de Jaraguá do Sul para o mundo. » Arquivo » 10 incríveis cavernas subterrâneas Says:
September 11th, 2008 at 5:35 am[...] Claro que a fotografia é 85% nesses casos, mas ainda assim vale a pena ver a galeria completa. [...]
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Los lagos subterráneos más increibles del mundo - Blog de viajes.net Says:
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Espectaculars rius i llacs subterranis // la tafanera Says:
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Reguliere linkuitverkoop - 2 - Sargasso Says:
December 7th, 2008 at 8:30 pm[...] Vier eenvoudige vragen die veel mensen verkeerd beantwoorden en wat ons dat zegt over onderwijs. Schitterende foto’s van ondergrondse rivieren en meren. Tja, misschien had ze hem toch moeten inhalen. [...]
September 9th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
RE: 1 & 5. Cheeder Caves and Wookey Cave are the same.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
underwater lake, huh?
September 10th, 2008 at 1:52 am
No mention of the Lost Sea in Sweetwater Tennessee? [http://www.thelostsea.com/] Largest underground lake in the world.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:35 am
http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp
I live and austin an go to hamiltons pool often. i dont think it is 23 miles wide, infact i can tell you it isnt. your pictures make it look lots bigger than it is. i encourage anyone to go and check it out. beware, cows graze above the pool and when it rains, manure gets put into the water. this creates high bacteria levels in which you cannot swim, so check the website before going.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:52 am
you spelled #6 wrong. it’s Millasani. even that, I’m not sure about, but you definitely have the letters mixed up….Ls before Ss.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:14 am
What is the name of the lake that’s in Banff, Canada? I live in Edmonton and have been visiting Banff all my life, but have never heard of this lake.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Simply amazing!
September 10th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Amazing. These photos are beautiful! I can’t help but imagine what other beauties are hidden beneath the surface of the Earth. Sadly, some things are probably best left hidden, lest we harm them.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:07 am
The one in Banff, Canada is Spectacular ! my honeymoon destination? may be.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:27 am
10. “underwater lake”?
September 10th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Don’t forget about the Waitomo glow worm cave in New Zealand! The cave itself is not so amazing, but the ceiling is home to thousands of insects that glow with an eerie blue light. It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve seen…
September 10th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Nice pictures. I like wookey caves.
September 10th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Glad to see Messalini mentioned. I was there years ago and it’s truly beautiful.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
It is so beautiful,actually gorgeous.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Lechuguilla was breathtaking in Planet Earth. Stunning footage and undoubtedly a treat to be able to witness first-hand, though most of us probably never will.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are the most beautiful I’ve seen
September 10th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Thanks guys for the heads up. I stand corrected.
23 miles would be a mighty wide lake, eh? and Yoshi, all changed, no wonder I couldn’t find more info on Messalini Lake!
L
September 10th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
How about some high(er) resolution shots? The thumbnails are nice and all, but something a bit bigger would make this sooo much better.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Awesome!
September 10th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
no postojna?
September 10th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
*waits for #5’s picture to be photoshopped for a Half-Blood Prince poster* Very beautiful places though.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Absolutely beautiful. I would love to visit some of these great sites in the future.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
The one in Banff is a hot spring and the ‘lake’ is about 10 feet across and it flows out of the cave and down into a valley. It probably takes a couple hours to fill the ‘lake’. Do your research before posting stuff on websites..
September 10th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Aw. That’s pretty… :)
September 10th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I am also glad to see Melissani (correct sp) mentioned at #6. Beautiful place even though I’m a bit biased being from the island and all. Also, Melissani is located On the island of Kefalonia, not “near” it.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Glad to See Hamilton Pool. I’ve lived in Austin for over 30 years, and when I was younger and more of a risk taker, it was some of the best cliff diving in Texas. There’s one point that’s over 60 feet above the water. Beautiful pics, thanks!
September 11th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Wow, beautiful.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
great collections
September 12th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
wonderful images. great article.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:39 am
The one in Borneo, Mulu Caves is pretty awesome too.
http://mpalace.tripod.com/maptour/mulucave.htm
September 15th, 2008 at 7:59 am
These are stunning images.
I’ve actually been scuba diving through an underwater cave complex in Mexico. It’s incredible to swim amongst the stalagtites and stalagmites, and some of the colours you get are unbelievable. There were access holes in places allowing natural light in but mostly you just used a powerful flashlight.
Strangely, despite the fact you could very easily die down there, it wasn’t claustrophobic in the least. I think the sheer marvel of the place completely dispells any such negative thoughts.
For non-divers there are caves you can explore on foot or swim in. It’s a wonderful experience I’d recommend to anyone.
Steve N. Lee
author of eco-blog http://www.lionsledbysheep.com
and suspense thriller ‘What if…?’
September 17th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Great pictures!
Hamilton Pool (2 & 3) looks very much like the pool in the great film ‘Teeth’.
September 19th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
A lot of these places were featured on Planet Earth by the BBC (later adapted and re-narrated by Discovery Channel).
If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and go watch it. Whether you;’re an environmentalist or not, the sheer beauty this planet holds that has been completely untouched by humans, is astounding.
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 am
They are all beautiful wish I could visit each one of them. The pictures are good but I bet it does not give the place justest. One has to be there to see it in all it’s beatuifuties…
November 7th, 2008 at 6:25 am
wow These are really beautiful!
November 11th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Just too marvelous
November 25th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Waaa very good-looking. There could for the party of sex..?
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Especially 8. image is looking very fantastic. Also in our country we have an underwater lake like this.(Pamukkale)
December 9th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Description for #7, you say “Continental United States”, the United States isn’t a continent, its a country. The continent is called America, sometimes “The Americas”, and modern atlases have split it into two continents, North America and South America, the United States of America is a COUNTRY in the CONTINENT of North America.
Other than that, its a nice collection of pictures.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Thanks for all the pics and correct clarifications. Glad you liked them.
And in answer to your comment, Allan:
I’m very aware of the layout of the continents thanks, but I think you’ll find that there is a continental United States. Here’s what wiki says, but there are many other versions too:
“The term continental United States sometimes refers to the 48 contiguous states located on the North American continent south of the border with Canada, plus the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.”
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_United_States
December 11th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Dit zijn echt fantastiche foto’s van grotten.
December 14th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Really Amazing
May God Bless you.
December 18th, 2008 at 7:31 am
When I heard stories about underground water in childhood, I didn’t really think it was real. Thank you so much for publishing these breath-taking photos!
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:51 am
photoshopped, all of them, i can tell by the pixels…
everything on the net is photoshopped
FACT.
FTW.
December 24th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
These are some of the most spectacular places on this earth that I have ever seen,I do hope to visit some of them, someday. Thank you for bringing these photographs to those of us that are unable to go to them.
December 24th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Hey Allen, thanks for the geographical lesson, do you think you could appreciate the efforts of those that bring to you, these amazing places, rather than spoil them with your trivial knowledge.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:12 am
cool dog!!!
February 6th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Good to see such marvelous and amazing places created by Almighty God.
Perhaps , saifulmalook,pakistan is as likewise amazing & gorgeous.
one can try to rediscover the rythem and flow of ice water at an height of 12000 feet or so,.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Pakistan is gifted with delightful scenaries of KAGAN VALLEY, BALTISTAN VALLEY,NARAN VALLEY,CHITRAL VALLEY,SAKARDU VALLEY .One can see and admire the beatifulness of such places while on tour through pakistan.Great inspiration for nature lover,hikers,mountaniers,tourists,and travellers of all times.
February 28th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Nice Picture
March 1st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
very good pics,,photography is quiet nice.(decentshan4u@yahoo.com)
March 1st, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Your heading said, “Stalactites adorn the roof of Luray Caverns”. Nicely worded, especially the choice of “adorn”, since many of them in the photo were cemented in place. :( It does make for a pretty photo, although it requires a concrete rim to hold in the water to create the reflection.
Glad you didn’t call it a “lake”. The whole thing is 15 or 20 feet wide, 18 inches high, and the water is 2 or 3 inches deep.
Luray does have some nice natural features and it’s well worth seeing. It’s just too bad they felt they had to tart it up ……. or didn’t at least do a good job of it.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:51 am
These pics are awesome! I wonder if they’ve been used for any movies.
March 7th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
As a location photographer, and a Fasion photographer. These underground things, make me want to use them as a studio idea.
March 8th, 2009 at 7:53 am
these pictures are magnificant wonderful and have driven me dumbstruck.these pictures relax me while iam tensed.
April 8th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Really incredible, great photos too.
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
#5 reminds me of ‘The Cave’ from Harry Potter.
April 29th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
very interesting looking lakes. hope to visit one soon :)
May 1st, 2009 at 4:04 am
Wow…These are all so beautiful!
I want to visit every single one of these subterranean lakes! Wow…
Kimberly :)
May 30th, 2009 at 2:45 am
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May 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
A Plesent & surprisingly Picture. It is wonder of Nature really.
Keep smiling .
June 17th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Error on the last post. Should be underground. Not underwater.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
to all check the below link
http://www.jeitagrotto.com/index/gallery/?height=1024&width=1280
this is a cave in Lebanon, with 3 level, with the lowest one a large lake, it is a candidate for 7 wonder of the world
July 5th, 2009 at 11:10 am
there’s also one in the philippines. 8 kilometers of navigable underground river. The St. paul Subterranean river in Palawan, running for the 7th wonder of nature..
August 16th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
very beautiful
August 19th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Excelente!!
September 8th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
breathtaking. thank you!
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
…And some say there is no God…..Are they Fluckin’ serious? Incredible proof!!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 4:26 am
I toured the Guilin’s Reed Flute Cave, it has beautiful underground lakes. Best part is that they are all decrorated by colorful lights. I was totally impressed by such nature wonder.