Muscat: An Omani team of geologists has discovered a new cave in Al Jibool village of Jabal Al Akhdar last week.
The cave, which is 140 metres long and 50 metres deep, was found on the edge of the village’s mountains.
The cave was formed in Hajar Mountain Range of deposited limestone during the Jurassic period millions of years ago, according to the geologists.
Limestone can be easily dissolved by water.
Moreover, the thickness of those rocks does not exceed 20 centimetres, so it can easily fall with the passage of time, which helps the cave expand gradually.
Living insects were found in the cave as well as animal carcasses.
In March, a team of Omani and German geologists announced the discovery of two new caves in Kislat Al Ruwais and Hayl Al Diyar villages of Jabal Al Akhdar.
The Kislat Al Ruwais cave has a depth of 30 metres and beautiful rock formations, Dr Hilal Al Kindi, the chairman of the Omani Geological Association, said.
The other cave in Hayl Al Diyar is 100 metres long and 40 metres deep.
Al Kindi said the discovery of the two caves is an additional asset to the sultanate’s rich geology as well as tourist attractions for many adventure travellers.
Oman has more than eight famous caves, varying in size, length and geographic formation. The Abu Haban, Al Kittan, Al Hootah, Majlis Al Jinn, Jernan, Muqal, Al Marnif and Teeq and Twi Ateer caves are among favourites of tourists in the country
Majlis Al Jinn is considered the second largest cave chamber in the world. Located on Salma plateau, Qurayat province, it is 1,380 metres above sea level.