Mushkarova Yama

The cave is located on the north-eastern slope of Mushkarov Mountain, after which it is named. Excursions here are extremely rare despite the fact that it has a huge number of unique galleries and underground lakes. Currently, the number of equipped sites is small, as the exploration of the cave is relatively recent.

Description of the Mushkarova Yama Cave

The cave is impressive with its low and fairly wide galleries, spacious halls with pillar-shaped lintels. Due to the carbonate overhangs, some surfaces are decorated with very bright red and black colors, formed by elements of iron and manganese. The cave is very poorly ventilated. Its frequent guests are foxes and bats. There is often water in the lowest parts of the labyrinths in the warm season. Many researchers note the amazing similarity of Mushkarova Yama and Verteba.

Video from the cave Mushkarova Yama Cave

History of discovery

The first excavations in the cave began to be carried out by speleologists of the "Karst" club and "Arsenal" in the summer of 2008. Specialists then used the progressive method of topographical surveying and modern high-precision equipment. Scientists laid the bases on the surface of the cave and all over the cave, carried out geological, geophysical and physical-chemical investigations. Today, work continues regarding the study of the Mushkarova Yama and searching for answers to questions regarding the history of its origin.

Morphometric indicators

The entrance to the cave Mushkarova Yama is at the bottom of a large conical well, formed by erosion, whose diameter reaches 50 meters and a depth of more than 14 meters. It should be noted that the absolute height of the bottom of the well is 269.09 meters. The projected total length of the tunnels as of spring 2021 is equal to 6532 meters. The absolute height of the place where the entrance to the cave begins is 276.68 meters. The total area of the formation does not exceed 1.26 hectares, and its perimeter is 8162 meters. It is interesting that the fluctuation of the water level in the groundwater reservoirs is within 3 meters.

The galleries of the cave

The labyrinth accessible for excursions is formed mainly in the middle layer of gypsum. The tunnels of this tier have, as a rule, rectangular intersection with sub - horizontal ceiling vaults, adjacent to the upper part of the cave, bentonite layer. Sometimes the passages are cut by cracks rushing upwards. Rare gallery corridors are located in the main upper crystalline layer and form the corresponding tier. Open cracks that are the result of the impact of water on the rock often shine at the base of the passages of the upper floor. It is interesting that all of them go into the middle and lower tiers.

There are also separate, silt-covered cellars with an arched vault-type ceiling. They are laid in the lower shallow crystalline gypsum layer. Usually, the water level in the cellars lowers during the cold season, making small tunnels and grottos accessible for viewing. The general three-level superstructure of the labyrinth, which has several floors and transitions, deserves attention. The total vertical interval of the accessible part of the passage is 14 meters. The main part of the cave (central and eastern) morphologically reminds Verteba, where there are the same wide low "U" shaped galleries and halls, separated by narrow lintels and columns, more like pillars. Most of the rooms are up to 30 meters wide and no more than 2 meters high. On the ceiling you can sometimes see fragments of perfect horizontal surfaces, standing out against a background of corrugated plaster layers. This confirms the fact that such areas were formed by the mirror of the waters flowing here earlier.

The extreme southern and western sections of the cave are much smaller. There the width of the passages does not exceed 2 meters with the width of the lintels up to 10 meters. In those areas the cave has a pronounced labyrinthine structure. The eastern boundaries of the cave are the most dangerous to pass, because the gypsum there is highly crumbled. Moreover, the passage of some sections is complicated by large accumulations of large crystalline blocks. In general, the cave is heavily silted, so you should take it into account when choosing your outfit.

Interesting facts

The cave Mushkarova Yama is a unique closed object, in which all kinds of research and expeditions are regularly held. Its "young" age allows to learn the history of the origin of similar dungeons more clearly and accurately and to study their composition in detail.

Visiting conditions

Entrance to the cave is restricted. It is allowed to visit for the purpose of scientific research. Regarding the possibility of excursions must be clarified in advance. It is better to take a classic "kit" cave explorer, including warm waterproof clothes, flashlight, helmet and good shoes.

Location

The Mushkarova Yama Cave is located 2 kilometers north of Verteby, Borschevsky district, Ternopil region, in the village of the same name. The easiest way to get there by public transport is to take a bus from the regional center. The final destination is Mushkariv village.