Some Fun Images From Vurley Over Three Years.
- Thread starter The Old Ruminator
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The Old Ruminator
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The Mendip Hills are a wonderful and an usual place. They have their genesis some 340 million years ago when the carboniferous limestone was laid down in warm tropical seas near the equator. The British Isles are part of a northward continental drift that one day may take us to the North Pole. In geological terms the known Mendip caves are relatively young as is the denuded plateau we know today. To understand caves you need to be able to relate them to the landscape and climate changes that have occurred over the last million years as well as the geology. That is very difficult as to us everything seems so static yet it is in a continual pattern of change. 250 million years ago the Mendips were a Triassic desert mountain a kilometre high. There are infilled wadis on the plateau and much Triassic material on the flanks. Lateral pressures pushed the limestone up to form the four denuded periclines that we know today. Indeed the pressure was so much that an upfold was forced up along the SW flank of the hills to form The Southwestern Overthrust. Vurley Swallet lies close to this and may even be on one of the subsidiary parallel faults. Unlike the classic Mendip cave model ( down dip ) Vurley will have to depart the Overthrust and travel along strike to reach Cheddar. ( If indeed that is where the water goes.). Vurley is not expected to emulate the Mendip classic mode of formation whereby swallet streams quickly reach the phreatic zone to enter deep flooded passages.
Reservoir Hole may have its origins some 700,000 years ago when High Country was actually the master cave ultimately truncated by Cheddar Gorge. Contrary to most casual observations the gorge is youthful and possibly only 150,000 years old. It is an anomaly and the only effect that it has had on cave formation is to lower base level and truncate the fossil passages . So it is possible that Goughs was once connected to Cox's Cave and the risings were higher at Long Hole and Great Ooones though they probably ceased to be a resurgence before 350,000 years ago. That prior to the long glacial maximum 280,000 to 330,000 years ago. In fact over the last 600,000 years sea levels were 100 metres plus lower than they are today on at least four occasions. Our separation from the continent at the last time being only some 12,000 years ago.
Stanton identified about 16 closed karst basins most of which are aligned along the Overthrust. The one at Vurley is closest to Cheddar Gorge and has an over spill col at one end leading to a dry valley in the escarpment. Little work seems to have been done in determining the basins age or development. In periglacial conditions the basins likely held lakes with the frozen ground unable to take drainage. At some point maybe 15,000 years ago loess blew in to be deposited as a sediment 7 metres deep within the basins effectively sealing any caves . Subsequent collapses within the sediments hint to voids beneath. We never thought Vurley to be a true swallet and were amazed to see the volume of water cascading down the entrance pipes in times of flood. Basically this comes as overspill from a nearby pond which I take to be artificial as there are several such dew ponds in the area. Previously this water must have sank though the loess but now we have a conduit drainage will be more effective. ( Resulting in the need to massively support the immediate area under the pipes which is an ongoing process.)
The upper parts of Vurley seem to be %50 boulders and %50 solid rock. Stalagmite formation seems to be almost non existent though large lumps have been found in the boulders suggesting various phases of development. Possibly some of the chambers were part filled with in washed loess which seems to be in the process of removal. Areas of river born gravels can be seen in some areas. Bone fragments were found at at about 12m depth and again much deeper at around 40m depth. The latter were tiny and might have been avian. Suddenly at around 66m depth the cave enters solid limestone and completely changes character. We still have not had time to evaluate this area properly due to the CO2. For the next 60m the cave becomes vertical. In Summer this area pretty much dries out but in Winter becomes very wet. Numerous small and sometimes vertical vadose trenches testify to the corrosive power of the water which has picked up CO2 in the deep soils . The first pitch seems to have been entirely formed by drip and is aligned along a fault before the passage runs down dip to the next pitch. At around 110m depth the vertical cave passes through the cobble layer near the base of the Clifton Down Limestone. The cobbles are very well exposed and indeed friable here making the climb a little hazardous. Quite probably this is the same layer seen in the passage roof between Goughs Sump Two and Three. The layer is also poorly exposed in the cliff face opposite the landslip quarry in the gorge. At around 140m depth there appears to be large scallops which may correlate with a developmental stage in Reservoir Hole. Vurley bottom ( as yet unentered ) still has some 50m to go to reach the current base level at around 28m. Vurley has a total depth potential of close to 200m. So currently Vurley is unique on Mendip being the only cave to reach a considerable depth within a closed karst basin. There is a temptation to think that others exist and could be linked by deep water flow along the Overthrust with Vurley the last in line. Much depends on where the Vurley water goes. It could discharge through springs in the Triassic escarpment or take take the longer route along strike within the limestone to emerge at Cheddar. Clearly there is a lot more interpretation to be formed and this view is merely that of an enthusiastic amateur.
I really did not mean to depart from the thread in a long textual way but there it is done now and maybe it has put some of the images into context. Maybe also it will give a clearer insight into the cave's development by others more erudite than I
Reservoir Hole may have its origins some 700,000 years ago when High Country was actually the master cave ultimately truncated by Cheddar Gorge. Contrary to most casual observations the gorge is youthful and possibly only 150,000 years old. It is an anomaly and the only effect that it has had on cave formation is to lower base level and truncate the fossil passages . So it is possible that Goughs was once connected to Cox's Cave and the risings were higher at Long Hole and Great Ooones though they probably ceased to be a resurgence before 350,000 years ago. That prior to the long glacial maximum 280,000 to 330,000 years ago. In fact over the last 600,000 years sea levels were 100 metres plus lower than they are today on at least four occasions. Our separation from the continent at the last time being only some 12,000 years ago.
Stanton identified about 16 closed karst basins most of which are aligned along the Overthrust. The one at Vurley is closest to Cheddar Gorge and has an over spill col at one end leading to a dry valley in the escarpment. Little work seems to have been done in determining the basins age or development. In periglacial conditions the basins likely held lakes with the frozen ground unable to take drainage. At some point maybe 15,000 years ago loess blew in to be deposited as a sediment 7 metres deep within the basins effectively sealing any caves . Subsequent collapses within the sediments hint to voids beneath. We never thought Vurley to be a true swallet and were amazed to see the volume of water cascading down the entrance pipes in times of flood. Basically this comes as overspill from a nearby pond which I take to be artificial as there are several such dew ponds in the area. Previously this water must have sank though the loess but now we have a conduit drainage will be more effective. ( Resulting in the need to massively support the immediate area under the pipes which is an ongoing process.)
The upper parts of Vurley seem to be %50 boulders and %50 solid rock. Stalagmite formation seems to be almost non existent though large lumps have been found in the boulders suggesting various phases of development. Possibly some of the chambers were part filled with in washed loess which seems to be in the process of removal. Areas of river born gravels can be seen in some areas. Bone fragments were found at at about 12m depth and again much deeper at around 40m depth. The latter were tiny and might have been avian. Suddenly at around 66m depth the cave enters solid limestone and completely changes character. We still have not had time to evaluate this area properly due to the CO2. For the next 60m the cave becomes vertical. In Summer this area pretty much dries out but in Winter becomes very wet. Numerous small and sometimes vertical vadose trenches testify to the corrosive power of the water which has picked up CO2 in the deep soils . The first pitch seems to have been entirely formed by drip and is aligned along a fault before the passage runs down dip to the next pitch. At around 110m depth the vertical cave passes through the cobble layer near the base of the Clifton Down Limestone. The cobbles are very well exposed and indeed friable here making the climb a little hazardous. Quite probably this is the same layer seen in the passage roof between Goughs Sump Two and Three. The layer is also poorly exposed in the cliff face opposite the landslip quarry in the gorge. At around 140m depth there appears to be large scallops which may correlate with a developmental stage in Reservoir Hole. Vurley bottom ( as yet unentered ) still has some 50m to go to reach the current base level at around 28m. Vurley has a total depth potential of close to 200m. So currently Vurley is unique on Mendip being the only cave to reach a considerable depth within a closed karst basin. There is a temptation to think that others exist and could be linked by deep water flow along the Overthrust with Vurley the last in line. Much depends on where the Vurley water goes. It could discharge through springs in the Triassic escarpment or take take the longer route along strike within the limestone to emerge at Cheddar. Clearly there is a lot more interpretation to be formed and this view is merely that of an enthusiastic amateur.
I really did not mean to depart from the thread in a long textual way but there it is done now and maybe it has put some of the images into context. Maybe also it will give a clearer insight into the cave's development by others more erudite than I
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Bum. Post again. 
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Perhaps if I post a few singular images.
7m loess deposit with angular boulder layer at 6m.
7m loess deposit with angular boulder layer at 6m.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
In situ bone fragments at 12m.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Hooray Page 2.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Will splodge some more photos now we are happily on our way with page two. If the page turns with say 25 posts I can add less images per post that might get us to page 3 quicker. ( if I even get that far ).
The cement run.
Looking back after looking ahead.
I have a 3m reach with the selfie stick. Useful for looking onward in unknown territory. Camera on Programme with 12 sec timer.
The cement run.
Looking back after looking ahead.
I have a 3m reach with the selfie stick. Useful for looking onward in unknown territory. Camera on Programme with 12 sec timer.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Experimenting with Flickr.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
I have just upgraded to Pro with Flickr as my account was locked for exceeding the 1,000 image limit. It would be much easier for all of us if I can post directly from Flickr and reduce the file size to medium. My Flickr images are chronological so its easier for me to select them where before I was searching all over the place for Photobucket images. The upload is quicker and no constant refreshing the Photobucket upload page.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
The drill . Went down some 70m depth from the generator. Got a bit " twitchy " sometimes .
Nigel Cox in La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Upper La La Land.
La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
A big one in The Egg Timer.
Tony Boycott in La La Land. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
So if somebody can confirm the images are there and not just a URL code it would help. Thanks.
Nigel Cox in La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrUpper La La Land.
La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrA big one in The Egg Timer.
Tony Boycott in La La Land. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrSo if somebody can confirm the images are there and not just a URL code it would help. Thanks.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Image size 800 x 600 and you get an additional description. Sadly it also blows my cover as The Old Ruminator.
The Flickr engine does seem to " improve " an image when added to the photostream. I suppose this comes across in the post as well.
So awaiting confirmation that others can see the images. I am not too clever with this internet thing.
The Flickr engine does seem to " improve " an image when added to the photostream. I suppose this comes across in the post as well.
So awaiting confirmation that others can see the images. I am not too clever with this internet thing.
tony from suffolk
Well-known member
Yep, I can see the images just fine Mr OR. Or should that be...Mr Chipchase?
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Thanks Tony I will continue with Flickr.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Winter 17/18 continued.
Vurley collage. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
With the loss of the original Egg Timer ( it fell down a hole. ) a new Egg Timer was built.
The Egg Timer. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
This was the deepest point in August 17. Thankfully it was goodbye to The Egg Timer Choke though some time later we would meet again.
Vurley. Deepest point to date. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
The phantom sandwich snatcher lurked.
Phantom Sandwich Snatcher. Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
It was all tiresome work.
" Rob " by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Vurley collage. by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrWith the loss of the original Egg Timer ( it fell down a hole. ) a new Egg Timer was built.
The Egg Timer. by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrThis was the deepest point in August 17. Thankfully it was goodbye to The Egg Timer Choke though some time later we would meet again.
Vurley. Deepest point to date. by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrThe phantom sandwich snatcher lurked.
Phantom Sandwich Snatcher. Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrIt was all tiresome work.
" Rob " by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
La La land base camp.
La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
So goodbye for now Egg Timer choke as a vertical shaft forming a bypass was excavated.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Much capping and hauling up to La La Land which is starting to fill up. We always find another chamber in such circumstance so stay hopeful.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
PB140042 by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Eventually the shaft is cleared of boulders.
Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
And we find -
Our old friend The Egg Timer Choke looking angrier than ever and no other way on.
A small hematite rock in the centre.
Vurley red rock in situ 70m down by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Terminal choke now collapsed at Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Choke with stream below about 70m down in Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
15m of that all the way back up to La La Land.
It all looked pretty hopeless.
La La Land by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrSo goodbye for now Egg Timer choke as a vertical shaft forming a bypass was excavated.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrMuch capping and hauling up to La La Land which is starting to fill up. We always find another chamber in such circumstance so stay hopeful.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
PB140042 by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrEventually the shaft is cleared of boulders.
Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrAnd we find -
Our old friend The Egg Timer Choke looking angrier than ever and no other way on.
A small hematite rock in the centre.
Vurley red rock in situ 70m down by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Terminal choke now collapsed at Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Choke with stream below about 70m down in Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr15m of that all the way back up to La La Land.
It all looked pretty hopeless.
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
We are a trifle dismayed.
Chris Milne. Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Hematite.
Odd rock from 70m down in Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
View up the shaft.
Pitch below The Egg Timer. Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
A choke 15m up to La La Land. Stacking space restricted, no apparent way on , a long staged haul all up The Egg Timer.
Seemed like the whole project had hit the buffers --
But --
Chris Milne. Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrHematite.
Odd rock from 70m down in Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrView up the shaft.
Pitch below The Egg Timer. Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrA choke 15m up to La La Land. Stacking space restricted, no apparent way on , a long staged haul all up The Egg Timer.
Seemed like the whole project had hit the buffers --
But --
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Just this one today. Most of the group and you might guess who is the most useful.
Not the twit at the back.
P3040207 by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Not the twit at the back.
P3040207 by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
There is always hope.
Remote view of solid rock and a small stream behind The Egg Timer choke.
Small unentered streamway at Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Engineering might solve it. Two acro props are fitted with pins into solid rock on either side of the choke.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Then braced back to the solid wall at the bottom of the shaft.
Peter Glanvill. Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
P1300023 by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
It looks a mess but every pole has a purpose.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Eventually we can work around the choke.
Mac and Tony in Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Remote view of solid rock and a small stream behind The Egg Timer choke.
Small unentered streamway at Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrEngineering might solve it. Two acro props are fitted with pins into solid rock on either side of the choke.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrThen braced back to the solid wall at the bottom of the shaft.
Peter Glanvill. Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
P1300023 by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrIt looks a mess but every pole has a purpose.
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr
Vurley by Nicholas Chipchase, on FlickrEventually we can work around the choke.
Mac and Tony in Vurley. by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr