Journal of Cave and Karst Studies - ISSN 0146-9517
Volume 59 Number 3: 106-111 -December 1997

A publication of the National Speleological Society

Harlansburg Cave: The Longest Cave in Pennsylvania
J. Philip Fawley and Kenneth M. Long

Abstract

Harlansburg Cave is a network maze developed in the Vanport Limestone. The cave covers an area of approximately 200 meters by 200 meters, and 6647 meters of passage have been mapped. Typical passages are mud and water floored. Three pools in the southern portion of the cave were studied for their geological and biological characteristics. Geological studies indicate the cave to be a reservoir for water seepage from the overlying fields. The water is highly aggressive as a result of the overlying Kittaning Sandstone. Biological analysis indicate that the bacteria/actinomycete populations are the result of infiltration from the overlying fields. The exception is Hafnia sp. which apparently arises from the raccoon population which frequents areas of the cave.

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