These caverns are the perfect requirements for certain gems and precious valuable stones to grow and some not so precious. Limestone, which is found in many caverns, is an example of a rock that is not valuable. However, it is not only about the rarity and wealth of caverns, but they are also favored for their historical values and their ability to be preserved for many years. The Howe caverns which were discovered twenty years before the Civil War and served as a great money maker for leaders of the Industrial Revolution.
It is amazing to wonder how these caverns stay so perfectly preserved and to seem untouched by human hands.
The Howe cavern which I stated was discovered 20 years before the civil war. Before the German Palatine men settled in the Schoharie Valley in the early 1700s, the Indians first had ownership of the cavern and called it “Otsgaragee" or "Cave of the Great Galleries." Although many people believe the translation is "Great Valley Cave," no one is completely sure of which translation is right. The non Indian to man to enter the cavern was John Schmul who was a peddler and this took place in the 1700's. Whenever there had been an Indian attack the safest place in which Schmul would hide was the cave entrance. The cavern got its name from Howe and his family who lived across from this hidden cavern.
Stalactites are formed from a deposit of calcium carbonate and various minerals, which is hydrated from mineralized water solutions. As a result, formations known as stalactites and stalagmites form. After long periods of time, large pillars of these are made. Every stalactite begins with a single mineral-laden drop of water. When the drop falls, it leaves behind the thinnest ring of calcite. Flowstones are also mineral deposits, however, they are usually found in caves that contain lots of limestone and require different chemicals to form.
Some of the food sources included in this cavern is bacteria's, many microorganisms, small insects, and other living things that find these living conditions to be perfect. These caverns are usually a home to animals that find comfort in damp, dark and cold climate. More specifically, animals such as bats prefer these places since the darkness provides a form of protection and helps them hunt using their sonar. The cavern is preserved and is maintained which allows wild life and insects to remain sheltered in this cavern. Destroying the environment by attempting to change the climate could lead to the destruction of natural habitats and the rocks inside the cavern.
Since the Howe cavern is mostly naturally maintained, it gives a more authentic and historical value. If it is to be destroyed by humans by environmental change or if it would be excessively used for its precious gems, it can completely wipe out something that took thousands of years to develop. In order to keep the cavern as original as possible, tourists are not allowed to bring certain items and they are not aloud to touch some of the caverns formations. Certain parts of the cave such as the stalactites and stalagmites are highly sensitive and if the mineral water is touched by human hand, it can disrupt the composition and discontinue the growth of these formations.
It is important to maintain the cavern because it can be considered a part of American History. Since it was used in the Civil war as a hiding spot from attacks, it has historical value and should not be destroyed. Yes it has many gems that are of high value, but gems can be replaced and once our history is destroyed, it is impossible to get it back. Maintenance of the cave shouldn't take much work due to the fact that for thousands of years it has maintained itself without the help of humans and machinery. Although we are trying to preserve this cave, it is best to let nature take over instead of trying to fix it.
Since Howe Caverns is a non-renewable resource, it would be nearly impossible to restore it to its original value. Many people believe that they have no authority to regulate how we treat this cavern but there are many steps we can take to help preserve this historical place. One way to help is to aware people such as close relatives or even set up a website to show why it is important to keep this cavern up and running. It is possible that your ideas can be taken into consideration and laws could be passed to help protect natural occurrences such as these. Also, you can go directly to the source and try to make a compromise to help reduce the amount of work done in the cavern. Other people may actually realize how you feel and try to help out. It is up to us as a nation to restore America to its historical value.
The trip was very informative and great. I learned much about the earths natural ability and how it is important. My favorite part would have to be the boat ride because we got an in depth analysis of the cave and saw how long it has been around. In my opinion, the whole trip was worth it and I also found the various animals that lived in the cavern to be interesting. The way animals adapt to their surroundings and use it as protective barriers and a way of getting food without being seen is also an example of how amazing natural occurrences such as these are
The way stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones were formed also interested me. All of the trip was informative and it helped me realize the value of nature.
