Sannur Cave

Sannur Cave Protectorate is located in the Beni-Suef governorate of Egypt and lies at 70 km southeast of the city of Beni Suef and 200 km from Cairo.[2] The place has many geographical formations of stalactites and stalagmites as well. The reserve becomes even more important due to the natural formations present here many of which are rare and hard to find elsewhere. The reserve is filled with a large number of quarries dating back to different eras.[1]

Discovery

The Sannur Caves were discovered in the 1989s after a blasting in the quarry led to opening of an entrance way to the chamber. The cave is overlaid with alabaster that has been brought by the thermal springs and the chamber is made of limestone. The unique geography and natural formations make this place very popular and have helped the same get recognized as a protectorate by the prime minster decree in 1992.[1]

Formation

Sannur Cave is a classic karst cave created by groundwater percolating through the Eocene limestone of the Galala Plateau. It is the best example of this type of cave in Egypt. As the water percolates downwards, excess calcium carbonates are deposited on the roof and floor of the cave forming spectacular stalactites and stalagmites of various forms. When a light is shone on them, they glitter like a wonderland. Above ground, there are deposits of the red soil (terra rossa) associated with such formations, as well as several swallow-holes (dolines).

References

http://www.geologypage.com/2016/04/sannur-cave-beni-suef-egypt.html

http://www.benisuef.gov.eg/New_Portal/Reports/Cave.aspx

http://www.sis.gov.eg/Ar/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=1583#.VwwcT0d8N60