The
National Showcaves - Dan Yr Ogof





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Introduction
The
National Showcaves Centre for Wales is situated within the stunning Brecon
Beacons National Park, and is a fascinating insight into the natural phenomena
of cave formation. The caves at Dan yr Ogof are made of carboniferous
limestone, formed some 315 million years ago. Because the rock has cracks
and fissures, water has been able to flow through it, dissolving the limestone
and carving out the cave system we see today.
There are three caves
to be explored: the Dan yr Ogof Showcave, the Cathedral Showcave and the
Bone Cave. All three caves display spectacular examples of cave formation.
In the Dan yr Ogof Showcave stalactites and stalagmites are the commonest
forms but a rare feature is the helectites, which grow out sideways, unlike
the stalactites and stalagmites that develop downwards and upwards, respectively.
New in Cathedral Cave, walk behind two forty foot high waterfalls and
experience the natural beauty of this incredible section of cave - The
Dome of St. Paul's.
The
Showcave also has good example of flowstone and curtains. An unusual formation
can be found in the Bone Cave, where the stalactites are in the form of
huge bosses, covered in a white deposit. This substance has been given
the name ‘Moonmilk’ because of its strange texture, which is like that
of thick yoghurt! Moonmilk is in fact another form of calcite, in which
the crystals have large quantities of water, and sometimes mud, trapped
around them.
Also at the National
Showcaves Centre for Wales is the Dinosaur Park with over 50 life-sized
dinosaurs, an authentic Iron Age farm, Shire Horse Centre, Millenium Stone
Circle and Museum.
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