Movile Cave Ecosystem

Movile Cave is a cave near Mangalia, Constanța County, Romania discovered in 1986 by Cristian Lascu during construction work a few kilometers from the Black Sea coast. It is notable for its unique subterranean groundwater ecosystem abundant in hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, but low in oxygen. Life in the cave has been separate…
Movile Cave is a cave near Mangalia, Constanța County, Romania discovered in 1986 by Cristian Lascu during construction work a few kilometers from the Black Sea coast. It is notable for its unique subterranean groundwater ecosystem abundant in hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, but low in oxygen. Life in the cave has been separated from the outside for the past 5.5 million years and it is based completely on chemosynthesis. Due to its extreme environment, access to Movile Cave is strictly controlled, and a limited number of researchers have permission to study its conditions.
  • Location: Near Mangalia, Constanța County, Romania
  • Discovery: 1986
  • Entrances: 1 (artificial)
  • Hazards: Hypoxic atmosphere, with dangerous levels of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia
  • Features: Naturally sealed cave containing unique ecosystem supported by chemosynthesis
Data from: en.wikipedia.org