The Ticks Cave at Ein Alva
- Grid ref.
- 19260/27096
- Location
- Ein Alva - Nahal Gush Halav
- Elevation
- 690 m above sea level
Description of the cave:
The Ticks Cave is the largest cave in this complex, its cumulative length reaches 170 m and it has the morphology of a horizontal network cave. The cave is built of two main passages that developed along fracture planes perpendicular to each other.
Passage A is the entrance passage and it connects two openings located at its two ends. It is about 75 m long and developed on a southeast - northwest axis. The passage ceiling is made of a horizontal rock surface in which small dissolution domes open. The floor of the passage is horizontal and covered with a thick layer of organic material. The passage walls are rounded and chert concretions are embedded in them. The typical width of the passage is about 2.5 m and its height varies from 1.5 m at its ends to 0.5 m in the middle.
In the middle of the passage there is a split to the north leading to passage B. This passage is about 45 m long and is lower and narrower than the entrance passage. Its ceiling is made of a rock surface, its floor is covered with mud and in all its parts there are many cave deposits.
Near the southern opening of passage A there is a split to a narrow passage continuing west. This passage is about 5 m long and leads to the third opening of the cave.
Human presence:
Potsherds of a variety of vessels were found in the cave. Some of them have a green glaze and various decorations. Also, at the entrance of passage B there is a built wall that somewhat blocks the entrance area of the passage.
Animals:
- Bats that were not identified were observed in the cave.
- Throughout the cave there are porcupine droppings and quills.
- During the mapping of the cave, 2 individual hyraxes were observed in it.
- In all parts of the cave there is a presence of the cave tick.
Equipment:
- Protection against the cave tick.
Written by: Boaz Langford
