VTG logo
  • Results: 0
  • Obanul Mare și Peștera Movile
    Obanul Mare și Peștera Movile © Alex Petrescu

Obanul Mare și Peștera Movile

Cave

quick facts


report a problem
Any suggestion that might improve the content is highly appreciated. Thanks!
You are not logged in!
Obanul Mare and Movile Cave, located near the city of Mangalia, represent one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century in Romania. This natural complex, unique in the world, has captivated both researchers and the general public due to its extremely special ecosystem and its importance for understanding evolutionary processes.

Obanul Mare is a circular depression, with a diameter of approximately 100-150 meters, formed in Sarmatian limestone. This geological formation is a characteristic element of the area, and the specific vegetation, with xerophytic and ruderal species, gives it a special appearance.

The Movile cave, hidden under the oban, is the real treasure of this natural complex. Discovered in the 80s, the cave remained isolated from the outside environment for about 5.5 million years, which allowed the development of a unique ecosystem based on chemosynthesis.

Chemosynthesis is a process by which organisms produce organic substances from inorganic compounds using chemical energy. In the case of Movile Cave, bacteria convert methane and sulfur into energy, thus creating the food base for a complex community of living things.

Why is Movile Cave so special?

Isolation: The cave was completely isolated from the outside world for millions of years, which allowed the development of unique species adapted to the extreme conditions underground.
Lack of light: In the absence of sunlight, life relies on chemosynthesis, a fundamentally different process than photosynthesis.
Toxic atmosphere: The air in the cave is rich in sulfur and carbon dioxide, which would be lethal to most organisms.
Unique Biodiversity: The cave is home to an impressive variety of species, many of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.
Scientific importance
Movile Cave has attracted the attention of researchers around the world because it provides a window into the past and allows us to better understand the origin of life on Earth. Also, the study of this extreme ecosystem may have important implications for space exploration, as conditions in the cave are similar to those on other planets.
Alex Petrescu
5 years ago

REVIEWS

0

4 out of 5 stars

based on 0 reviews

Review data

Share your thoughts

If you’ve visited this place, share your thoughts with others

write review

Recent reviews