World's Deepest Cave with a Depth of 2,212 meters

The Verëvkina (Veryovkina) cave, situated in the Arabika Massif of Abkhazia, holds the distinction of being the deepest cave ever measured on Earth. With a record depth of 2,212 meters (7,257 feet), it surpasses all other known caves in terms of vertical descent. The cave's discovery dates back to 1968 when Soviet speleologists initially explored a section reaching 115 meters (377 feet). However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that further expeditions organized by the Perovo Speleo and Speleoclub Perovo caving organizations delved deeper into the cave's immense system.

The exploration of Verëvkina cave was a formidable challenge that required multiple days of descent and ascent. The cavers had to overcome various obstacles, including navigating through water- and mud-filled passages and descending thousands of feet using ropes. The cave's vertical nature and abundance of small horizontal passages presented a challenging environment, exacerbated by the constant flow of water splashing through narrow tributaries. These conditions created high humidity levels of 100% and a temperature range of 4 °C to 7 °C (39 °F to 45 °F), subjecting the cavers to freezing temperatures throughout their journey.

Despite the harsh conditions and the extended time spent inside the cave, the exploration team benefited from communication links with a surface base, allowing them to stay connected with the outside world and share updates on their progress. This remarkable achievement in cave exploration showcases both the dedication of the speleologists and the awe-inspiring natural wonders hidden within the depths of the Verëvkina cave in Abkhazia.