caving techniques: specialized methods of moving through a cave system in order to be safe and not hurt yourself or the cavern
conservation: preserving natural resources; the process of protecting something from loss or injury
contaminate: to make impure; to pollute
fragile: easily broken or damaged
geologist: a scientist who studies the physical nature and history of the earth
hibernate: to be dormant through winter. When animals hibernate they are not just sleeping. In order to conserve energy, their breathing and heart rate slow down considerably to the point that they may appear dead at first glance.
illicit: unlawful, illegal, not allowed
motto: a word or phrase that expresses the guiding rules and principles of an organization
primitive: ancient from the earliest times
sacrifice: giving something to a god as an offering
show cave: a cave that has been developed with paths and lights for people to visit
spelunking: exploring caves
vandalism: the willful and/or malicious destruction or damage to something
