Arko Pit, Ofra
- Grid ref.
- 1746/1507
- Location
- Ofra
- Elevation
- 828 m above sea level
Cave mapView the map (PDF)Description of the cave:
Arko Pit is a small karst pit consisting of three chimneys formed by vadose dissolution processes in limestone of Cenomanian age (Amminadav Formation). The total length of the pit spaces reaches 32 m and its maximum depth 26 m.
The cave was breached by Eliyahu Waldman in early 2012. The name of the cave was given to it after Eliyahu's dog.
The cave was mapped by Boaz Langford, Shemesh Yaaran and Hanan Zucker several months after its exposure.
The pit has a rounded entrance (dimensions 0.7X1 m) that was exposed in a rocky area west of the settlement of Ofra. The entrance area is the narrowest zone in the pit space. From the entrance extends a vertical chimney that gradually widens. About 10 m below the entrance the chimney connects to the top of a pair of small chimneys parallel to it on the north. Another connection to these chimneys exists at the bottom of the pit, where its dimensions reach 7X3 m. The floor of the bottom of the pit is covered with red terra rossa soil and a few stones. The floor slopes (downward) to the north and connects, through a low passage, to the bottom of the pair of chimneys. The floor of the chimneys is horizontal and covered with few stones. In the ceiling and walls of the chimneys many speleothems have been deposited (stalactites, flowstone sheets, cave corals, elephant ears and more).
In all parts of the pit tiny dark-colored slugs were seen. In the upper part of the pit there are many thousands of tiny gnats covering its walls. On the pit floor a yellow centipede and a camel spider (dead) were also seen.
Notes:
- It is possible to reach within 10 m of the pit entrance with a regular vehicle.
- Entering the pit requires use of a rope (about 30 m) that can be anchored to bolts installed next to the entrance.
Written by: Boaz Langford
