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Mammoth Cave National Park Tree frog ©Raymond Klass. Used by permission.
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Cave/Karst Systems
 
Nature and Science

The Sinkhole Plain

The Longest Cave: The total surveyed extent of Mammoth Cave currently stands at 580 kilometers (360 miles) with potential for a 1600 kilometer (1000 mile) system. In addition, there are more than 200 caves within the park which are disconnected fragments of the larger system or associated with local drainage features. The geology and geography of the area has resulted in a variety of karst basins, which have become the most thoroughly understood conduit flow aquifer in the world.

Karst Landscapes: These regions are characterized by rapid subsurface drainage through limestone and cave systems, account for approximately 20% of the Earth's land surface, 25% of the continental United States and 45% of the area east of the Mississippi River. Approximately 40% of the U.S. population relies upon karst aquifers for drinking water.

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Musicians often played in Mammoth Cave.

Did You Know?
For many years, the chambers of Mammoth Cave rang with the sound of music. Visiting bands such as Landram's Sax-Horn Band and Luther Ewing's String Band, along with the Mammoth Cave Hotel's own local musicians, entertained visitors underground into the early 20th century.
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Last Updated: July 12, 2011 at 14:26 MST