Journal of Cave and Karst Studies - ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 58 Number 2: 76-80 - August 1996

A publication of the National Speleological Society

The Value of Small Expeditions to Regional Cave Research: A Reconnaissance to the Cayo District of Belize
Pete Hollings

Abstract

During a five week period, 19 caves were explored by a team of four cavers comprising the 1994 Mendip Caving Group (MCG) expedition to Belize. Six sizable caves were identified in the Cretaceous limestone, west of the Maya Mountains, and surveyed a total length of 2.5 km. Time spent in the field is broken down so as to show both the advantages and disadvantages of a small-scale expedition. Suggestions are made as to how future groups could benefit from the experiences of the expedition with regard to conducting significant research with a small team. The MCG expedition is compared to other larger expeditions, with the results showing that lightweight expeditions are more easily financed and organized than larger expeditions; however, they may not be suitable if detailed scientific studies are intended.

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