Jeita Grotto: Difference between revisions

Jeita Grotto
مغارة جعيتا
Jeita Grotto; مغارة جعيتا
	Upper cave at Jeita with the walkway
Location	Jeita, Lebanon
Coordinates	33°56′36.20″N 35°38′28.89″E / 33.9433889°N 35.6413583°E
Length	9 kilometres (6 mi)
Discovery	1836
Geology	Karstic
Entrances	2
Difficulty	none
Access	Jeita Grotto official website
Translation	roar or noise (water) (Aramaic)

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The Jeita Grotto (Arabic: مغارة جعيتا) is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves spanning an overall length of nearly 9 kilometres (5.6 mi). The caves are situated in the Nahr al-Kalb river valley within the locality of Jeita, 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Though inhabited in prehistoric times, the lower cave was not rediscovered until 1836 by Reverend William Thomson; it can only be visited by boat since it channels an underground river that provides fresh drinking water to more than a million Lebanese.

In 1958, Lebanese speleologists discovered the upper galleries 60 metres (200 ft) above the lower cave which have been accommodated with an access tunnel and a series of walkways to enable tourists safe access without disturbing the natural landscape. The upper galleries house the world's largest known stalactite. The galleries are composed of a series of chambers the largest of which peaks at a height of 12 metres (39 ft).^[3]

Location

The Jeita cave is situated at the center of the western flanks of the Lebanon mountains, more specifically in the Nahr al-Kalb valley, its natural entrance is about 100 metres (330 ft) above sea level. It's located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of the Mediterranean coastline and 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of Beirut within the confines of the municipality of Jeita, in the caza of Keserwan.^[4]^[5]

History

monochrome photograph of an elderly man wearing austere clerical clothing — Reverend Daniel L. Bliss, one of the first modern explorers of Jeita Grotto

Ancient vestiges of a foundry were found in a smaller cave near the Nahr al-Kalb river, suggesting that the cave was used in antiquity to produce swords.^[2]

The modern discovery of the underground river of Jeita in 1836 is credited to Reverend William Thomson (an American missionary) who ventured some 50 metres (160 ft) into the cave. Reaching the underground river, he fired a shot from his gun and the resulting echoes convinced him that he had found a cavern of major importance.^[6]

In 1873 W.J. Maxwell and H.G. Huxley, engineers with the Beirut Water Company, and their friend Reverend Daniel Bliss, president of the Syrian Protestant College (later the American University of Beirut) explored these caverns. In two expeditions carried out in 1873 and 1874, they penetrated 1,060 metres (3,480 ft) into the grotto before finding their progress blocked by an underground waterfall.^[6] The waterfall became known as "Hell's Rapids", as the torrents break onto razor sharp rocks.^[6] Dr. Bliss, Mr. Maxwell, and the other engineers recorded their names and the year on "Maxwell's Column", a great limestone pillar some 625 metres (2,051 ft) from the entrance. About 200 metres (660 ft) further on, in the so-called "Pantheon", they wrote their names and details of the expedition on paper, sealed it in a bottle and placed it on top of a stalagmite. The lime-impregnated water has since covered the bottle with a thin white film, permanently fixing it to the stone.^{[citation needed]}

Between 1892 and 1940 further expeditions were carried out by English, American, and French explorers. Their expeditions brought them to a depth of 1,750 metres (5,740 ft).^{[citation needed]}

Since the 1940s, Lebanese explorers have pushed even deeper into the Jeita grotto. Many of these spelunkers are members of the Speleo Club du Liban (Lebanese Caving Club) founded in 1951 by the first Lebanese speleologist Lionel Ghorra.^[7] Their expeditions revealed a great underground system which is now explored to an overall length of nearly 9 kilometres (5.6 mi).^[8]^[9]^[10]

In 1958 the lower caverns were opened to the public, meanwhile exploration was still underway mainly by the Lebanese Caving Club. This exploration led to the discovery of the elevated dry branch of the grotto later referred to as the upper galleries.^[8]

In 1962, the Spéléo Club contributed to a study of the upper galleries aiming to provide an access tunnel which was to be dug for touristic development purposes. Work on the access tunnel was begun in 1968.^[7] Its opening was followed by the installation of a series of walkways which permitted tourists safe access to the upper galleries without disturbing the natural landscape.^[11]

In 1969, a concert with electronic music by the French composer Francois Bayle was held in the cave to celebrate the inauguration of the upper galleries.^[8]^[12] This event was organized by the Lebanese artist and sculptor Ghassan Klink.^[8] Other cultural events have taken place in this unusual surrounding, including a concert by the world acknowledged German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen in November 1969,^[12]^[13] and more recently, in 2008 a classical music concert by Lebanese-Armenian composer and pianist Guy Manoukian.^[12]^[14]

The caverns closed to the public due to the Lebanese civil war in 1978;^[8] both tunnels leading to the lower and upper galleries were used to store munitions, and the outside buildings for military purposes.^[15] The caves reopened in 1995^[16] and remain one of the country's key natural attractions.^[17]^[18]9

Archaeology

Jeita I (sometimes referred to as Nahr-el-Kelb) is a dry cave, 56 metres deep to the east of the source cave from where the river flows and connected to it by narrow channels. It was first noted in 1833 by Botta and excavated by Godefroy Zumoffen in two positions in 1898, 1900, 1908 and 1910. It was later excavated by Auguste Bergy with materials from both excavations now with the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory, the Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut, and the private collection of Dr. Gigues. Henri Fleisch noticed an Upper Paleolithic level with further finds including polished Neolithic pieces, primitive potsherds, burned bones, and end scrapers. Jacques Cauvin noted similarities in these finds to the Néolithique Moyen period of Byblos. Evidence of later occupation included a Chalcolithic tripod pot found by Father Fleisch and a combed-ware sherd suggested to date to the Early Bronze Age levels at Byblos.^[19]

Jeita II (Dahr el-Mghara) is a rock shelter situated on a platform, above and equidistant between the dry cave of Jeita I and the entrance to the grotto at Jeita III. Excavations were made by the Duc de Luynes and Lartet in 1864, by Zumoffen in 1900 and 1908 and by Bergy in 1930. A large number of flint tools, bones, and hearths were found that were accredited to the Aurignacian. Further excavations were made in 1964 by Francis Hours which revealed much more extensive, deeper and richer deposits than had previously been suspected. Father Hours permitted Lorraine Copeland to disclose that the upper material appeared to display late Upper Paleolithic or early Mesolithic characteristics, probably including Kebaran. Excavation was to be continued but the area was fenced off and owned by the government.^[19]

Jeita III (The Caverns) was a deposit of brown soil that fell from a location suggested to be at the east end of Jeita II, just inside the entrance to the grotto where the tourists are conducted by boat. It was found in 1963 by the Speleologists Club and excavated by Father Hours. Flint tools found in the deposit were geometric in design and suggested to be a form of Natufian or later Mesolithic than discovered at Jeita II, from where it may have been displaced. Forms of these flints included rectangles with straight or oblique truncation, borers of the "crochet" type, micro-burins, end scrapers, bladelet cores, two transverse arrowheads, crescents, and short triangles. Some of the crescents had ridged backs and resembled those found at Nahal Oren. Material is stored with the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory.^[19]

Jeita IV (Mugharet-el-Mal) is a rock shelter in the cliff upstream from the grotto. It once contained a large quantity of Paleolithic material which has been looted and was deemed unfit for excavation by Sami Karkaby, Director of the Caverns in 1965. Study of the lithic remains at this shelter were hoped to shed further light on the Paleolithic or Mesolithic communities that inhabited the different sites at different times.^[19]

Geology

Brightly illuminated cave traversed by a bright emerald colored subterranean body of water encircling a variety of speleothems in the background — Lower cave at Jeita.

The Jeita grotto is located within the Lower-Middle Jurassic strata of Keserouane which has a stratigraphic thickness of 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) and consists of dolomite and micritic limestone.^[4]^[20] The Keserouane formation was exposed to air by a local uplift during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. The Keserouane strata became karstified after its aerial exposure and then was buried during the Cretaceous. In the Neogene, upon the final uplift of Mount Lebanon, this early karstification phase was reactivated.

At the Nahr al-Kalb valley, the impervious Upper Jurassic volcanic rocks and Lower Cretaceous sand slant almost vertically forming a hydrogeological barrier and forcing the outlet of the Jeita underground river to the surface. This barrier could be the reason for the westernmost, large cave chambers with heights exceeding 60 metres (200 ft). Karstification of the Keserouane limestone was further intensified by the steep topography of the area and the volume of precipitation over the Lebanon (more than 1200mm).^[20]

A ratio of total slope gradient of 1/100 is calculated between the entrance of the cave and its inland extremity. This shows its smooth flat course even though it is sometimes interrupted by several small cascades and rapids. From the west, the Jeita cave starts with large halls and meanders. Through some rapids, the dimension becomes narrower. Going forth, it is spacious with the Thompson's cavern (250 metres (820 ft) long and 60 metres (200 ft) wide), Grand Chaos (500 metres (1,600 ft) long) and Mroueh's Hall (200 metres (660 ft) long and 50 metres (160 ft) wide). The latter two are floored with collapsed blocks. The cave ends with a Y-shaped pattern, where, each branch ends with a siphon.^[20]

Description

The Jeita caves are solutional karst caves which have formed over millions of years due to the dissolution of limestone. The limestone is dissolved by carbonic acid charged rain water and groundwater;^[21] when the limestone, which is originally waterproof, contains cracks produced by tectonic forces the water oozes into the rock and starts to widen the cracks and solute caves inside the layers.^[22] Jeita is the longest cave complex in the Middle East;^[23] it sits at 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level and has a height difference of 305 metres (1,001 ft).^[8] Geologically, the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river, which is the principal source of Nahr al-Kalb.^[15]^[16]

The Jeita grotto is the longest explored cave in Lebanon.^[24] After many years of exploration, speleologists have penetrated about 6,200 metres (20,300 ft) from the entry point of the lower grotto to the far end of the underground river and about 2,130 metres (6,990 ft) of the upper galleries.^[25]^[26]^[27]

Upper cave

The Jeita upper cave has an overall length of 2,130 metres (6,990 ft) of which only 750 metres (2,460 ft) are accessible to visitors via a specially conceived walkway; access to the remainder of the cave was restricted to prevent ecological damage which may occur due to the flocking tourists. The upper cave contains a great concentration of a variety of crystallized formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, mushrooms, ponds, curtains, and draperies.^[27] The upper gallery is famous for its formations, lit by an effective lighting system. It is entered through a 117 metres (384 ft) long concrete tunnel. The part accessible by visitors has three huge chambers. The first is called the White Chamber, the second Red Chamber. White dripstones are pure calcite without defilement, the red color is given by iron oxide (rust) in small amounts. In Lebanon, iron oxide has a red color instead of the brown beige color which is common in northern countries. The reason is a different chemical reaction caused by the high temperature which produces a different kind of iron oxide. The White Chamber is medium-sized, but has the most impressive formations of the cave. The Red Chamber is up to 106 metres (348 ft) high, and 30 metres (98 ft) to 50 metres (160 ft) wide. The third chamber is the biggest of all three chambers and has a height of more than 120 metres (390 ft).^[8] The longest stalactite in the world is located in Jeita's White Chamber; it measures 8.2 metres (27 ft) long.^[28]

Lower cave

The lower gallery which has an overall length of 6,200 metres (20,300 ft)^[29] is located 60 metres (200 ft) below the upper gallery. It is traversed by a smooth underwater river and a lake (the "Dark Lake"). The river is broken up by several small cataracts and rapids.^[20] The lower cave's "Thompson's Cavern", is a massive hall with impressive speleothems such as the Eagle Obelisk stalagmite. Other halls in the lower gallery include the Pantheon, Grand Chaos and Shangri-la.^[30] Visitors are transported in the lower gallery by electric boats for a distance of 500 metres (1,600 ft).^[20] In winter the lower level is closed, when the water level is too high.^[8]

Economic and social importance

Today, the Jeita Grotto is a popular recreational show cave and a major tourist attraction. It hosts approximately 280,000 visitors per year.^[29]

The Jeita grotto contributes heavily to the public life of the region. MAPAS, the firm which runs the grotto, is an important employer and provides full-time jobs for around 115 local residents of Jeita (30% of which are female).^[20] In addition to employment, the Jeita caves contribute 5% of ticket fees to the local municipality, between 10 and 20% of general revenue to the Lebanese ministry of tourism, and an additional 10% of ticket fees along with the 10% VAT to the Lebanese ministry of Finance.^[29]

Moreover, the Jeita cave emits a spring with a flow ranging from 1–2 m³/s,^[31] providing fresh drinking water for one-and-a-half million inhabitants of the capital, Beirut.^[32] However, water pollution, due to domestic and agricultural runoff, remains a serious concern as recent analysis detected an increasing presence of coliform bacteria.^[33]

Awards

In 2002, then French President Jacques Chirac, the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the World Bank accorded the top Sustainable Development in Tourism prize to MAPAS (the company that manages the site) at a summit dubbed “New Ties between Tourism and Culture” in Geneva.^{[citation needed]}

In December 2003, on behalf of the Beirut-based private company MAPAS, Jeita received a prestigious award from the fifth Tourism Summits in Chamonix, France. "Les sommets du tourisme" recognized MAPAS’ efforts in restoring Lebanon's important touristic sites.^[29]

The Jeita Grotto was a candidate for the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition.^[34]^[35]^[36] It was selected as one of 28 finalists and is the only cave to be selected among the nominees.^[37]^[38] The New7Wonders Foundation announced the new wonders of nature in 2011. Jeita was not on the list.

Other awards and certificates include:

2000 Certificate of Recognition from "Sukleen"-Lebanon for its sorting and recycling campaign.
2000 Appreciation from the Arab Musical Association".
1998 "Best Tourism Project" from the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism.
1997 International Environmental Award from the German Travel Association (DRV).^[29]

Other names

The name of the cave changed several times since its discovery. Initially referred to as the Grottos of Nahr al-Kalb, it was subsequently known as Djaita, Jehita, and finally Jeita. Nahr al-Kalb is the name of the river that runs through the grottoes, while Jeita, meaning "roaring water" in Aramaic, is the town in which the cave's entrance is located. The transition from Grottoes of Nahr al-Kalb to Jeita Grottoes occurred in 1927 as newspapers widely used the latter name.^[30]

Numismatics and philately

In 1961, Jeita became a national symbol when Lebanese authorities issued a stamp featuring the lower cavern to promote national tourism. Mr. Maroun Hajj, the oarsman shown on the stamp, still leads boat tours forty years after the stamp was issued.^[39] The Jeita Grotto is also featured on the 1964 one Lira (Lebanese pound) verso.^[40]

Popular culture

Several scenes of the 1977 Hindi film Chandi Sona (starring Sanjay Khan and Parveen Babi) were shot at the site.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ "Lebanese Maronite villages or towns". Maronite heritage. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
^ ^a ^b "Qada' (caza) Keserwan" (PDF). Kesserwan brochure. Lebanese Ministry of Tourism. Archived from the original (.pdf) on 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
^ "Where does the water that feeds the Jeita Grotto come from?". Prestige Magazine. 2014-11-17. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
^ ^a ^b Verheyden, Sophie; Fadi Nader; Hai Cheng; Lawrence Edwards; Rudy Swennen (2008). "Paleoclimate reconstruction in the Levant region from the geochemistry of a Holocene stalagmite from the Jeita cave, Lebanon" (PDF). Quaternary Research. 70 (3): 368. Bibcode:2008QuRes..70..368V. doi:10.1016/j.yqres.2008.05.004. S2CID 53589749. Retrieved 2009-03-09.
^ Centre de development et de recherche (CDR) (2008). "Jaaita - Localiban". Localiban. Archived from the original (local development) on 2010-12-17. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
^ ^a ^b ^c Scheffel, Richard L.; Wernet, Susan J., eds. (1980). Natural Wonders of the World. United States of America: Reader's Digest Association, Inc. p. 192. ISBN 0-89577-087-3.
^ ^a ^b "Spéléo Club du Liban - History". Spéléo Club du Liban. Archived from the original on October 21, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Duckeck, Jochen (6 January 2008). "Magharet Jeita". Archived from the original on 21 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
^ Short, Ramsay (2003-05-24). "Jeita Grotto awes even the most skeptical of visitors". Daily Star. Archived from the original on 2008-06-20. Retrieved 2008-06-10.
^ Larwood, Elaine; Hassan Salamé - Sarkis. "Jeita rediscovered". Lebanese Ministry of Tourism. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
^ ARCHNET; Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). "Jeita Grotto". ARCHNET digital library. Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
^ ^a ^b ^c Blesser, Barry; Linda-Ruth Salter (2007). Spaces speak, are you listening?: experiencing aural architecture (illustrated ed.). MIT Press. p. 437.
^ Anne-Marie Deshayes (1969). Stockhausen in den Höhlen von Jeita (Stockhausen in the caves of Jeita) (DVD). Jeita, Lebanon: MIDEM.
^ Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (Director) (2008). Manoukian's Concert inside Jeita Grotto (in Arabic). Jeita Grotto: LBC PAC. Archived from the original on 2013-04-19. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
^ ^a ^b Fadi H., Nader (2004). "The Jeita cave resource development – Lebanon: impacts and assessment" (pdf). Trans-KARST 2004. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
^ ^a ^b Carter, Terry; Lara Dunston, Amelia Thomas (2008). Syria & Lebanon (3 ed.). Lonely Planet. p. 436. ISBN 9781741046090.
^ "Jeita Grotto". Lebanon Tourism. Archived from the original on 2009-11-22. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
^ Oxford Business Group (2008). The Market: Real Estate 2008. Oxford Business Group. ISBN 9781902339061.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Lorraine Copeland; P. Wescombe (1965). Inventory of Stone-Age sites in Lebanon, p. 90-91. Imprimerie Catholique. Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Sandrine, El Nawwar; Nader, Fadi. "The Jeita cave (Lebanon): An example of sustainable development of a typical karstic resource" (PDF). IKS. Archived from the original (.pdf) on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
^ Virginia department of Conservation & Recreation. "Ten questions about caves and the Virginia Cave Board". Virginia.gov. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
^ Duckeck, Jochen (6 January 2008). "Karst caves". Retrieved 2008-06-11.
^ Krieger, Kimberly. Lebanon's limestone: Where the mountains meet the sea. Geotimes. Retrieved 2008-06-10.
^ Lebanese Ministry of Environment. "Lebanon State of the Environment Report" (PDF). Lebanese Ministry of Environment. Archived from the original (.pdf) on October 5, 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
^ Doumit, Laudy Maroun (2007). La valorisation du patrimoine endokarstique Libanais (in French). Université Saint Joseph. p. 280.
^ Association Libanaise d’etudes spéléologiques. "Association Libanaise d'etudes spéléologiques - Historique". alesliban.org (in French). Archived from the original (educational) on 2009-10-23. Retrieved 2009-09-16.
^ ^a ^b MAPAS. "Jeita Grotto". Archived from the original on August 4, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
^ Duckeck, Jochen (6 January 2008). "Caves with the longest stalactite". Retrieved 2008-06-11.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Les Sommets du Tourisme - Chamonix (PDF) (in French). Chamonix: Association Les Sommets du tourisme. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-08-28. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
^ ^a ^b Karanouh, Rena. "Jiita". Caves of Lebanon. Speleo Club du Liban. Archived from the original (.html) on October 21, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
^ Krothe, Noel; Fei Jin (1997). Hydrogeology: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress, Beijing, China, 4–14 August 1996. VSP. p. 315. ISBN 9789067642538.
^ Friend, Sandra (2002). Sinkholes. Pineapple Press. pp. 96. ISBN 9781561642588.
^ Makki, Ismail, Safeguarding the water supply of beirut -protection of the Jeita spring (PDF), Council for Development and Reconstruction CDR, Lebanon, retrieved 2009-09-15^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ Lebanon Caves a New Wonder? (National Geographic News). United States: National Geographic. 2008. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008.
^ Heyer, Hazel (2008-06-09). "Lebanon in a race to be a world 'wonder'". ETurboNews. ETN. Retrieved 2008-06-10.
^ "Jeita Grotto vying to make 'new 7 wonders of nature' list". Annahar. Beirut. 2008-06-09. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
^ Heyer, Hazel (2009-09-18). "Lebanon's New7Wonders of Nature bid". ETurboNews. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
^ New Open World Corporation (2009). "Jeita Grotto - Vote7". Archived from the original on 2009-07-31. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
^ Thomas, Lera (January–February 2001). "Cave Exploring" (PDF). Topical Time. 52 (1): 22–24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-24.
^ Bank of Lebanon (2007). "One Lebanese Pound". Banque du Liban. Archived from the original on 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

External links

[mh-1] "Lebanese Maronite villages or towns". Maronite heritage. Retrieved 2008-06-12.

[destination-2] "Qada' (caza) Keserwan" (PDF). Kesserwan brochure. Lebanese Ministry of Tourism. Archived from the original (.pdf) on 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

[3] "Where does the water that feeds the Jeita Grotto come from?". Prestige Magazine. 2014-11-17. Retrieved 2016-12-27.

[study-4] Verheyden, Sophie; Fadi Nader; Hai Cheng; Lawrence Edwards; Rudy Swennen (2008). "Paleoclimate reconstruction in the Levant region from the geochemistry of a Holocene stalagmite from the Jeita cave, Lebanon" (PDF). Quaternary Research. 70 (3): 368. Bibcode:2008QuRes..70..368V. doi:10.1016/j.yqres.2008.05.004. S2CID 53589749. Retrieved 2009-03-09.

[LLB-5] Centre de development et de recherche (CDR) (2008). "Jaaita - Localiban". Localiban. Archived from the original (local development) on 2010-12-17. Retrieved 2009-09-18.

[readersnatural-6] Scheffel, Richard L.; Wernet, Susan J., eds. (1980). Natural Wonders of the World. United States of America: Reader's Digest Association, Inc. p. 192. ISBN 0-89577-087-3.

[speleoclub-7] "Spéléo Club du Liban - History". Spéléo Club du Liban. Archived from the original on October 21, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-11.

[scave-8] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Duckeck, Jochen (6 January 2008). "Magharet Jeita". Archived from the original on 21 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-11.

[Lebanon_wire-9] Short, Ramsay (2003-05-24). "Jeita Grotto awes even the most skeptical of visitors". Daily Star. Archived from the original on 2008-06-20. Retrieved 2008-06-10.

[nahar2-10] Larwood, Elaine; Hassan Salamé - Sarkis. "Jeita rediscovered". Lebanese Ministry of Tourism. Retrieved 2008-06-15.

[ARC-11] ARCHNET; Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). "Jeita Grotto". ARCHNET digital library. Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

[MIT-12] Blesser, Barry; Linda-Ruth Salter (2007). Spaces speak, are you listening?: experiencing aural architecture (illustrated ed.). MIT Press. p. 437.

[vid-13] Anne-Marie Deshayes (1969). Stockhausen in den Höhlen von Jeita (Stockhausen in the caves of Jeita) (DVD). Jeita, Lebanon: MIDEM.

[LBC-14] Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (Director) (2008). Manoukian's Concert inside Jeita Grotto (in Arabic). Jeita Grotto: LBC PAC. Archived from the original on 2013-04-19. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

[geo2-15] Fadi H., Nader (2004). "The Jeita cave resource development – Lebanon: impacts and assessment" (pdf). Trans-KARST 2004. Retrieved 2009-03-12.

[SL-16] Carter, Terry; Lara Dunston, Amelia Thomas (2008). Syria & Lebanon (3 ed.). Lonely Planet. p. 436. ISBN 9781741046090.

[til-17] "Jeita Grotto". Lebanon Tourism. Archived from the original on 2009-11-22. Retrieved 2009-03-12.

[Oxf-18] Oxford Business Group (2008). The Market: Real Estate 2008. Oxford Business Group. ISBN 9781902339061.

[CopelandWescombe1965-19] Lorraine Copeland; P. Wescombe (1965). Inventory of Stone-Age sites in Lebanon, p. 90-91. Imprimerie Catholique. Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.

[geo-20] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Sandrine, El Nawwar; Nader, Fadi. "The Jeita cave (Lebanon): An example of sustainable development of a typical karstic resource" (PDF). IKS. Archived from the original (.pdf) on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2008-06-12.

[DCR-21] Virginia department of Conservation & Recreation. "Ten questions about caves and the Virginia Cave Board". Virginia.gov. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

[karst-22] Duckeck, Jochen (6 January 2008). "Karst caves". Retrieved 2008-06-11.

[geotimes-23] Krieger, Kimberly. Lebanon's limestone: Where the mountains meet the sea. Geotimes. Retrieved 2008-06-10.

[Biod-24] Lebanese Ministry of Environment. "Lebanon State of the Environment Report" (PDF). Lebanese Ministry of Environment. Archived from the original (.pdf) on October 5, 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-14.

[Laudy-25] Doumit, Laudy Maroun (2007). La valorisation du patrimoine endokarstique Libanais (in French). Université Saint Joseph. p. 280.

[ALES-26] Association Libanaise d’etudes spéléologiques. "Association Libanaise d'etudes spéléologiques - Historique". alesliban.org (in French). Archived from the original (educational) on 2009-10-23. Retrieved 2009-09-16.

[official-27] MAPAS. "Jeita Grotto". Archived from the original on August 4, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

[scave1-28] Duckeck, Jochen (6 January 2008). "Caves with the longest stalactite". Retrieved 2008-06-11.

[SDTo-29] Les Sommets du Tourisme - Chamonix (PDF) (in French). Chamonix: Association Les Sommets du tourisme. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-08-28. Retrieved 2009-03-08.

[speleoC-30] Karanouh, Rena. "Jiita". Caves of Lebanon. Speleo Club du Liban. Archived from the original (.html) on October 21, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-13.

[hyd-31] Krothe, Noel; Fei Jin (1997). Hydrogeology: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress, Beijing, China, 4–14 August 1996. VSP. p. 315. ISBN 9789067642538.

[skh-32] Friend, Sandra (2002). Sinkholes. Pineapple Press. pp. 96. ISBN 9781561642588.

[hdev-33] Makki, Ismail, Safeguarding the water supply of beirut -protection of the Jeita spring (PDF), Council for Development and Reconstruction CDR, Lebanon, retrieved 2009-09-15^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[vid2-34] Lebanon Caves a New Wonder? (National Geographic News). United States: National Geographic. 2008. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008.

[etn-35] Heyer, Hazel (2008-06-09). "Lebanon in a race to be a world 'wonder'". ETurboNews. ETN. Retrieved 2008-06-10.

[nahar-36] "Jeita Grotto vying to make 'new 7 wonders of nature' list". Annahar. Beirut. 2008-06-09. Retrieved 2008-06-12.

[eth-37] Heyer, Hazel (2009-09-18). "Lebanon's New7Wonders of Nature bid". ETurboNews. Retrieved 2009-09-19.

[nw-38] New Open World Corporation (2009). "Jeita Grotto - Vote7". Archived from the original on 2009-07-31. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

[bk-39] Thomas, Lera (January–February 2001). "Cave Exploring" (PDF). Topical Time. 52 (1): 22–24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-24.

[bdl-40] Bank of Lebanon (2007). "One Lebanese Pound". Banque du Liban. Archived from the original on 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2009-09-15.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{short description|Cave}}
+{{short description|Cave in Lebanon}}
 {{Infobox Cave
@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 | hazards =
 | access = [http://www.jeitagrotto.com/ Jeita Grotto official website]
-| translation = roar or noise (water)<ref name= "mh">{{cite web|url=http://www.maronite-heritage.com/LNE.php?page=Lebanese%20Maronite%20Villages |title=Lebanese Maronite villages or towns|publisher= Maronite heritage|accessdate=2008-06-12}}</ref><ref name="destination">{{cite web
+| translation = roar or noise (water)<ref name= "mh">{{cite web|url=http://www.maronite-heritage.com/LNE.php?page=Lebanese%20Maronite%20Villages |title=Lebanese Maronite villages or towns|publisher= Maronite heritage|access-date=2008-06-12}}</ref><ref name="destination">{{cite web
  |title=Qada' (caza) Keserwan
  |work=Kesserwan brochure
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
  |url=http://download.destinationlebanon.com/destleb/promenade/keserwan.pdf
  |format=.pdf
- |accessdate=2009-09-15
+ |access-date=2009-09-15
  |url-status=dead
- |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516050309/http://download.destinationlebanon.com/destleb/promenade/keserwan.pdf
+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516050309/http://download.destinationlebanon.com/destleb/promenade/keserwan.pdf
- |archivedate=2011-05-16
+ |archive-date=2011-05-16
 }}</ref>
 | language = [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]]
@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
 }}
-The '''Jeita Grotto''' ({{lang-ar|مغارة جعيتا}}) is a system of two separate, but interconnected, [[Karst topography|karstic]] [[limestone]] [[cave]]s spanning an overall length of nearly {{convert|9|km|mi}}. The caves are situated in the [[Nahr al-Kalb]] valley within the locality of [[Jeita]], {{convert|18|km|mi}} north of the [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] capital [[Beirut]]. Though inhabited in [[Prehistory|prehistoric times]], the lower cave was not rediscovered until 1836 by Reverend William Thomson; it can only be visited by boat since it channels an [[Subterranean river|underground river]] that provides fresh drinking water to more than a million Lebanese.
+The '''Jeita Grotto''' ({{langx|ar|مغارة جعيتا}}) is a system of two separate, but interconnected, [[Karst topography|karstic]] [[limestone]] [[cave]]s spanning an overall length of nearly {{convert|9|km|mi}}. The caves are situated in the [[Nahr al-Kalb]] river valley within the locality of [[Jeita]], {{convert|18|km|mi}} north of the [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] capital [[Beirut]]. Though inhabited in [[Prehistory|prehistoric times]], the lower cave was not rediscovered until 1836 by Reverend William Thomson; it can only be visited by boat since it channels an [[Subterranean river|underground river]] that provides fresh drinking water to more than a million Lebanese.
 In 1958, Lebanese speleologists discovered the upper galleries {{convert|60|m|ft}} above the lower cave which have been accommodated with an access tunnel and a series of walkways to enable tourists safe access without disturbing the [[natural landscape]]. The upper galleries house the world's largest known [[stalactite]].  The galleries are composed of a series of chambers the largest of which peaks at a height of {{convert|12|m|ft}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.prestigemag.co/2014/11/where-does-the-water-that-feeds-the-jeita-grotto-come-from/|title=Where does the water that feeds the Jeita Grotto come from?|date=2014-11-17|newspaper=Prestige Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2016-12-27}}</ref>
-Aside from being a Lebanese [[national symbol]] and a top tourist destination, the Jeita grotto plays an important social, economic and cultural role in the country. It was one of top 14 finalists in the [[New7Wonders of Nature|New 7 Wonders of Nature]] competition.
 ==Location==
 [[File:Jeita Aerial lift 1.jpg|thumb|[[Cableway]] that transports visitors to the area of the grotto]]
-The Jeita cave is situated at the center of the western flanks of [[Mount Lebanon|the Lebanon]] mountains, more specifically in the Nahr al-Kalb valley, its natural entrance is about {{convert|100|m|ft}} above sea level. It's located {{convert|5|km|mi}} east of the Mediterranean coastline and {{convert|18|km|mi}} north of Beirut within the confines of the municipality of [[Jeita]], in the [[Keserwan District|caza of Keserwan]].<ref name = "study" >{{Cite journal | last1= Verheyden | first1= Sophie |author2= Fadi Nader |author3= Hai Cheng |author4= Lawrence Edwards |author5= Rudy Swennen | title = Paleoclimate reconstruction in the Levant region from the geochemistry of a Holocene stalagmite from the Jeita cave, Lebanon | journal= Quaternary Research | volume= 70 | issue= 3 | pages= 368 | accessdate = 2009-03-09 | url = https://lirias.kuleuven.be/bitstream/123456789/214347/1/ST-QR+paper.pdf | bibcode= 2008QuRes..70..368V | year= 2008 | doi= 10.1016/j.yqres.2008.05.004 }}</ref><ref name = "LLB">{{Cite web | last = Centre de development et de recherche (CDR) | title = Jaaita - Localiban | work = Localiban | format = local development | accessdate = 2009-09-18 | year = 2008 | url = http://www.localiban.org/spip.php?article4471 }}</ref>
+The Jeita cave is situated at the center of the western flanks of [[Mount Lebanon|the Lebanon]] mountains, more specifically in the Nahr al-Kalb valley, its natural entrance is about {{convert|100|m|ft}} above sea level. It's located {{convert|5|km|mi}} east of the Mediterranean coastline and {{convert|18|km|mi}} north of Beirut within the confines of the municipality of [[Jeita]], in the [[Keserwan District|caza of Keserwan]].<ref name = "study" >{{Cite journal | last1= Verheyden | first1= Sophie |author2= Fadi Nader |author3= Hai Cheng |author4= Lawrence Edwards |author5= Rudy Swennen | title = Paleoclimate reconstruction in the Levant region from the geochemistry of a Holocene stalagmite from the Jeita cave, Lebanon | journal= Quaternary Research | volume= 70 | issue= 3 | pages= 368 | access-date = 2009-03-09 | url = https://lirias.kuleuven.be/bitstream/123456789/214347/1/ST-QR+paper.pdf | bibcode= 2008QuRes..70..368V | year= 2008 | doi= 10.1016/j.yqres.2008.05.004 | s2cid= 53589749 }}</ref><ref name = "LLB">{{Cite web | last = Centre de development et de recherche (CDR) | title = Jaaita - Localiban | work = Localiban | format = local development | access-date = 2009-09-18 | year = 2008 | url = http://www.localiban.org/spip.php?article4471 | archive-date = 2010-12-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101217070151/http://www.localiban.org/spip.php?article4471 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
 == History ==
@@ Line 46: / Line 44: @@
 Ancient vestiges of a [[foundry]] were found in a smaller cave near the Nahr al-Kalb river, suggesting that the cave was used in antiquity to produce swords.<ref name ="destination" />
-The modern discovery of the underground river of Jeita in 1836 is credited to Reverend [[William McClure Thomson|William Thomson]] (an American [[missionary]]) who ventured some {{convert|50|m|ft}} into the cave. Reaching the underground river, he fired a shot from his gun and the resulting echoes convinced him that he had found a cavern of major importance.<ref name="readersnatural">{{Cite book|title=Natural Wonders of the World|publisher=Reader's Digest Association, Inc|year=1980|isbn=0-89577-087-3|editor-last=Scheffel|editor-first=Richard L.|location=United States of America|pages=192|quote=|editor-last2=Wernet|editor-first2=Susan J.|via=}}</ref>
+The modern discovery of the underground river of Jeita in 1836 is credited to Reverend [[William McClure Thomson|William Thomson]] (an American [[missionary]]) who ventured some {{convert|50|m|ft}} into the cave. Reaching the underground river, he fired a shot from his gun and the resulting echoes convinced him that he had found a cavern of major importance.<ref name="readersnatural">{{Cite book|title=Natural Wonders of the World|publisher=Reader's Digest Association, Inc|year=1980|isbn=0-89577-087-3|editor-last=Scheffel|editor-first=Richard L.|location=United States of America|pages=192|editor-last2=Wernet|editor-first2=Susan J.}}</ref>
-In 1873 W.J. Maxwell and H.G. Huxley, engineers with the Beirut Water Company, and their friend Reverend [[Daniel Bliss]], president of the [[American University of Beirut|Syrian Protestant College]] (later the [[American University of Beirut]]) explored these caverns. In two expeditions carried out in 1873 and 1874, they penetrated {{convert|1060|m|ft}} into the grotto before finding their progress blocked by an underground waterfall.<ref name="readersnatural" /> The waterfall became known as "Hell's Rapids", as the torrents break onto razor sharp rocks.<ref name="readersnatural" /> Dr. Bliss, Mr. Maxwell and the other engineers recorded their names and the year on "Maxwell's Column", a great limestone pillar some {{convert|625|m|ft}} from the entrance. About {{convert|200|m|ft}} further on, in the so-called "[[Pantheon, Rome|Pantheon]]", they wrote their names and details of the expedition on paper, sealed it in a bottle and placed it on top of a stalagmite. The lime-impregnated water has since covered the bottle with a thin white film, permanently fixing it to the stone.
+In 1873 W.J. Maxwell and H.G. Huxley, engineers with the Beirut Water Company, and their friend Reverend [[Daniel Bliss]], president of the [[American University of Beirut|Syrian Protestant College]] (later the [[American University of Beirut]]) explored these caverns. In two expeditions carried out in 1873 and 1874, they penetrated {{convert|1060|m|ft}} into the grotto before finding their progress blocked by an underground waterfall.<ref name="readersnatural" /> The waterfall became known as "Hell's Rapids", as the torrents break onto razor sharp rocks.<ref name="readersnatural" /> Dr. Bliss, Mr. Maxwell, and the other engineers recorded their names and the year on "Maxwell's Column", a great limestone pillar some {{convert|625|m|ft}} from the entrance. About {{convert|200|m|ft}} further on, in the so-called "[[Pantheon, Rome|Pantheon]]", they wrote their names and details of the expedition on paper, sealed it in a bottle and placed it on top of a stalagmite. The lime-impregnated water has since covered the bottle with a thin white film, permanently fixing it to the stone.{{fact|date=September 2024}}
-Between 1892 and 1940 further expeditions were carried out by English, American and French explorers. Their expeditions brought them to a depth of {{convert|1750|m|ft}}.
+Between 1892 and 1940 further expeditions were carried out by English, American, and French explorers. Their expeditions brought them to a depth of {{convert|1750|m|ft}}.{{fact|date=September 2024}}
-Since the 1940s, Lebanese explorers have pushed even deeper into the Jeita grotto. Many of these spelunkers are members of the [[Speleo Club du Liban]] (Lebanese Caving Club) founded in 1951 by the first Lebanese speleologist Lionel Ghorra.<ref name="speleoclub">{{cite web|url=http://www.speleoliban.com/history.htm|title=Spéléo Club du Liban - History|first=|publisher=Spéléo Club du Liban |accessdate=2008-06-11|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041021070350/http://www.speleoliban.com/history.htm|archivedate=October 21, 2004}}</ref> Their expeditions revealed a great underground system which is now explored to an overall length of nearly {{convert|9|km|mi}}.<ref name = "scave"/><ref name="Lebanon wire">{{Cite news|url=http://www.lebanonwire.com/0305/03052413DS.asp|title=Jeita Grotto awes even the most skeptical of visitors|last=Short|first=Ramsay|newspaper=Daily Star|date=2003-05-24|accessdate=2008-06-10|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620151228/http://www.lebanonwire.com/0305/03052413DS.asp|archivedate=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name = "nahar2" >{{cite news | last1= Larwood | first1= Elaine |author2= Hassan Salamé - Sarkis |url=http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/About+Lebanon.nsf/Sections/60BFAB666A8158ABC22567910047326A?OpenDocument| title = Jeita rediscovered |publisher= Lebanese Ministry of Tourism |accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref>
+Since the 1940s, Lebanese explorers have pushed even deeper into the Jeita grotto. Many of these spelunkers are members of the [[Speleo Club du Liban]] (Lebanese Caving Club) founded in 1951 by the first Lebanese speleologist Lionel Ghorra.<ref name="speleoclub">{{cite web|url=http://www.speleoliban.com/history.htm|title=Spéléo Club du Liban - History|publisher=Spéléo Club du Liban |access-date=2008-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041021070350/http://www.speleoliban.com/history.htm|archive-date=October 21, 2004}}</ref> Their expeditions revealed a great underground system which is now explored to an overall length of nearly {{convert|9|km|mi}}.<ref name = "scave"/><ref name="Lebanon wire">{{Cite news|url=http://www.lebanonwire.com/0305/03052413DS.asp|title=Jeita Grotto awes even the most skeptical of visitors|last=Short|first=Ramsay|newspaper=Daily Star|date=2003-05-24|access-date=2008-06-10|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620151228/http://www.lebanonwire.com/0305/03052413DS.asp|archive-date=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name = "nahar2" >{{cite news | last1= Larwood | first1= Elaine |author2= Hassan Salamé - Sarkis |url=http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/About+Lebanon.nsf/Sections/60BFAB666A8158ABC22567910047326A?OpenDocument| title = Jeita rediscovered |publisher= Lebanese Ministry of Tourism |access-date=2008-06-15}}</ref>
 In 1958 the lower caverns were opened to the public, meanwhile exploration was still underway mainly by the Lebanese Caving Club.  This exploration led to the discovery of the elevated dry branch of the grotto later referred to as the upper galleries.<ref name = "scave"/>
-In 1962, the Spéléo Club contributed to a study of the upper galleries aiming to provide an access tunnel which was to be dug for touristic development purposes. Work on the access tunnel was begun in 1968.<ref name = "speleoclub"/>  Its opening was followed by the installation of a  series of walkways which permitted tourists safe access to the upper galleries without disturbing the [[natural landscape]].<ref name=ARC>{{Cite web|last1=ARCHNET |author2=Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) |title=Jeita Grotto |work=ARCHNET digital library |accessdate=2009-09-15 |url=http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=75 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619082209/http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=75 |archivedate=2010-06-19 }}</ref>
+In 1962, the Spéléo Club contributed to a study of the upper galleries aiming to provide an access tunnel which was to be dug for touristic development purposes. Work on the access tunnel was begun in 1968.<ref name = "speleoclub"/>  Its opening was followed by the installation of a  series of walkways which permitted tourists safe access to the upper galleries without disturbing the [[natural landscape]].<ref name=ARC>{{Cite web|last1=ARCHNET |author2=Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) |title=Jeita Grotto |work=ARCHNET digital library |access-date=2009-09-15 |url=http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=75 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619082209/http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=75 |archive-date=2010-06-19 }}</ref>
-In 1969, a concert with electronic music by the [[France|French]] composer [[François Bayle|Francois Bayle]] was held in the cave to celebrate the inauguration of the upper galleries.<ref name = "scave" >{{cite web |url=http://www.showcaves.com/english/misc/showcaves/Jeita.html|title=Magharet Jeita| last =Duckeck| first = Jochen| date = 6 January 2008 |publisher=|accessdate=2008-06-11}}</ref><ref name = "MIT">{{Cite book | edition = illustrated | publisher = MIT Press | pages = 437 | last1= Blesser | first1= Barry |author2= Linda-Ruth Salter | title = Spaces speak, are you listening?: experiencing aural architecture | year = 2007}}</ref> This event was organized by the Lebanese artist and sculptor Ghassan Klink.<ref name = "scave" /> Other cultural events have taken place in this unusual surrounding, including a concert by the world acknowledged [[Germany|German]] composer [[Karlheinz Stockhausen]] in November 1969,<ref name = "MIT"/><ref name = vid>{{cite video | people =Anne-Marie Deshayes | title = Stockhausen in den Höhlen von Jeita (Stockhausen in the caves of Jeita) | medium = DVD | publisher = MIDEM | location = Jeita, Lebanon |date = 1969}}</ref> and more recently, in 2008 a classical music concert by Lebanese-Armenian composer and pianist [[Guy Manoukian]].<ref name = "MIT"/><ref name="LBC">{{Cite video | publisher = LBC PAC | people = Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (Director) | title = Manoukian’s Concert inside Jeita Grotto | location = Jeita Grotto | accessdate = 2009-09-15 | date = 2008 | url = http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/manoukians-concert-inside-jeita-grotto/2705449260 | language = ar }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
+In 1969, a concert with electronic music by the [[France|French]] composer [[François Bayle|Francois Bayle]] was held in the cave to celebrate the inauguration of the upper galleries.<ref name = "scave" >{{cite web|url=http://www.showcaves.com/english/misc/showcaves/Jeita.html|title=Magharet Jeita|last=Duckeck|first=Jochen|date=6 January 2008|access-date=2008-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621050416/http://www.showcaves.com/english/misc/showcaves/Jeita.html|archive-date=21 June 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name = "MIT">{{Cite book | edition = illustrated | publisher = MIT Press | pages = 437 | last1= Blesser | first1= Barry |author2= Linda-Ruth Salter | title = Spaces speak, are you listening?: experiencing aural architecture | year = 2007}}</ref> This event was organized by the Lebanese artist and sculptor Ghassan Klink.<ref name = "scave" /> Other cultural events have taken place in this unusual surrounding, including a concert by the world acknowledged [[Germany|German]] composer [[Karlheinz Stockhausen]] in November 1969,<ref name = "MIT"/><ref name = vid>{{cite video | people =Anne-Marie Deshayes | title = Stockhausen in den Höhlen von Jeita (Stockhausen in the caves of Jeita) | medium = DVD | publisher = MIDEM | location = Jeita, Lebanon |date = 1969}}</ref> and more recently, in 2008 a classical music concert by Lebanese-Armenian composer and pianist [[Guy Manoukian]].<ref name = "MIT"/><ref name="LBC">{{Cite video | publisher = LBC PAC | people = Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (Director) | title = Manoukian's Concert inside Jeita Grotto | location = Jeita Grotto | access-date = 2009-09-15 | date = 2008 | url = http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/manoukians-concert-inside-jeita-grotto/2705449260 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130419152435/http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/manoukians-concert-inside-jeita-grotto/2705449260 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-04-19 | language = ar }}</ref>
-The caverns closed to the public due to the [[Lebanese Civil War|Lebanese civil war]] in 1978;<ref name = "scave"/> both tunnels leading to the lower and upper galleries were used to store munitions, and the outside buildings for military purposes.<ref name = "geo2 ">{{cite paper  | first = Nader | last = Fadi H. |authorlink =  |title = The Jeita cave resource development – Lebanon: impacts and assessment  | version = | publisher = Trans-KARST 2004 | year = 2004  | url = http://www.citeulike.org/group/506/article/1350682 | format =pdf | accessdate =2009-03-12 }}</ref> The caves reopened in 1995<ref name="SL"/> and remain one of the country's key natural attractions.<ref name="til">{{cite web|url=http://www.tourism-lebanon.com/Jeita.asp |title=Jeita Grotto |publisher=Lebanon Tourism |accessdate=2009-03-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122141319/http://www.tourism-lebanon.com/Jeita.asp |archivedate=2009-11-22 }}</ref><ref name="Oxf">{{Cite book | publisher = Oxford Business Group | isbn =9781902339061 | last = Oxford Business Group | title = The Market: Real Estate 2008 | year = 2008 }}</ref>
+The caverns closed to the public due to the [[Lebanese Civil War|Lebanese civil war]] in 1978;<ref name = "scave"/> both tunnels leading to the lower and upper galleries were used to store munitions, and the outside buildings for military purposes.<ref name = "geo2 ">{{cite web  | first = Nader | last = Fadi H. |title = The Jeita cave resource development – Lebanon: impacts and assessment  | publisher = Trans-KARST 2004 | year = 2004  | url = http://www.citeulike.org/group/506/article/1350682 | format =pdf | access-date =2009-03-12 }}</ref> The caves reopened in 1995<ref name="SL"/> and remain one of the country's key natural attractions.<ref name="til">{{cite web|url=http://www.tourism-lebanon.com/Jeita.asp |title=Jeita Grotto |publisher=Lebanon Tourism |access-date=2009-03-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122141319/http://www.tourism-lebanon.com/Jeita.asp |archive-date=2009-11-22 }}</ref><ref name="Oxf">{{Cite book | publisher = Oxford Business Group | isbn =9781902339061 | last = ((Oxford Business Group)) | title = The Market: Real Estate 2008 | year = 2008 }}</ref>9
 ==Archaeology==
-'''Jeita I''' (sometimes referred to as Nahr-el-Kelb) is a dry cave, 56 metres deep to the east of the source cave from where the river flows and connected to it by narrow channels. It was first noted in 1833 by Botta and excavated by [[Godefroy Zumoffen]] in two positions in 1898, 1900, 1908 and 1910. It was later excavated by [[Auguste Bergy]] with materials from both excavations now with the [[Museum of Lebanese Prehistory]], the [[Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut]] and the private collection of Dr. Gigues. [[Henri Fleisch]] noticed an [[Upper Paleolithic]] level with further finds including polished [[Neolithic]] pieces, primitive potsherds, burned bones and end scrapers. [[Jacques Cauvin]] noted similarities in these finds to the [[Néolithique Moyen]] period of [[Byblos]]. Evidence of later occupation included a [[Chalcolithic]] tripod pot found by Father Fleisch and a combed-ware [[sherd]] suggested to date to the [[Early Bronze Age]] levels at Byblos.<ref name="CopelandWescombe1965">{{cite book|author1=Lorraine Copeland|author2=P. Wescombe|title=Inventory of Stone-Age sites in Lebanon, p. 90-91|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6YsRRwAACAAJ|accessdate=21 July 2011|year=1965|publisher=Imprimerie Catholique}}</ref>
+'''Jeita I''' (sometimes referred to as Nahr-el-Kelb) is a dry cave, 56 metres deep to the east of the source cave from where the river flows and connected to it by narrow channels. It was first noted in 1833 by Botta and excavated by [[Godefroy Zumoffen]] in two positions in 1898, 1900, 1908 and 1910. It was later excavated by [[Auguste Bergy]] with materials from both excavations now with the [[Museum of Lebanese Prehistory]], the [[Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut]], and the private collection of Dr. Gigues. [[Henri Fleisch]] noticed an [[Upper Paleolithic]] level with further finds including polished [[Neolithic]] pieces, primitive potsherds, burned bones, and end scrapers. [[Jacques Cauvin]] noted similarities in these finds to the [[Néolithique Moyen]] period of [[Byblos]]. Evidence of later occupation included a [[Chalcolithic]] tripod pot found by Father Fleisch and a combed-ware [[sherd]] suggested to date to the [[Early Bronze Age]] levels at Byblos.<ref name="CopelandWescombe1965">{{cite book|author1=Lorraine Copeland|author2=P. Wescombe|title=Inventory of Stone-Age sites in Lebanon, p. 90-91|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6YsRRwAACAAJ|archive-url=https://archive.today/20111224033744/http://books.google.com/books?id=6YsRRwAACAAJ|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 24, 2011|access-date=21 July 2011|year=1965|publisher=Imprimerie Catholique}}</ref>
-'''Jeita II''' (Dahr el-Mghara) is a rock shelter situated on a platform, above and equidistant between the dry cave of Jeita I and the entrance to the grotto at Jeita III. Excavations were made by the [[Duc de Luynes]] and Lartet in 1864, by Zumoffen in 1900 and 1908 and by Bergy in 1930. A large number of flint tools, bones and hearths were found that were accredited to the [[Aurignacian]]. Further excavations were made in 1964 by [[Francis Hours]] which revealed much more extensive, deeper and richer deposits than had previously been suspected. Father Hours permitted [[Lorraine Copeland]] to disclose that the upper material appeared to display late [[Upper Paleolithic]] or early [[Mesolithic]] characteristics, probably including [[Kebaran]]. Excavation was to be continued but the area was fenced off and owned by the government.<ref name="CopelandWescombe1965"/>
+'''Jeita II''' (Dahr el-Mghara) is a rock shelter situated on a platform, above and equidistant between the dry cave of Jeita I and the entrance to the grotto at Jeita III. Excavations were made by the [[Duc de Luynes]] and Lartet in 1864, by Zumoffen in 1900 and 1908 and by Bergy in 1930. A large number of flint tools, bones, and hearths were found that were accredited to the [[Aurignacian]]. Further excavations were made in 1964 by [[Francis Hours]] which revealed much more extensive, deeper and richer deposits than had previously been suspected. Father Hours permitted [[Lorraine Copeland]] to disclose that the upper material appeared to display late [[Upper Paleolithic]] or early [[Mesolithic]] characteristics, probably including [[Kebaran]]. Excavation was to be continued but the area was fenced off and owned by the government.<ref name="CopelandWescombe1965"/>
-'''Jeita III''' (The Caverns) was a deposit of brown soil that fell from a location suggested to be at the east end of Jeita II, just inside the entrance to the grotto where the tourists are conducted by boat. It was found in 1963 by the Speleologists Club and excavated by Father Hours. [[Flint]] tools found in the deposit were geometric in design and suggested to be a form of [[Natufian]] or later [[Mesolithic]] than discovered at Jeita II, from where it may have been displaced. Forms of these flints included rectangles with straight or oblique truncation, borers of the "crochet" type, micro-burins, end scrapers, bladelet cores, two transverse arrowheads, crescents and short triangles. Some of the crescents had ridged backs and resembled those found at [[Nahal Oren]]. Material is stored with the [[Museum of Lebanese Prehistory]].<ref name="CopelandWescombe1965"/>
+'''Jeita III''' (The Caverns) was a deposit of brown soil that fell from a location suggested to be at the east end of Jeita II, just inside the entrance to the grotto where the tourists are conducted by boat. It was found in 1963 by the Speleologists Club and excavated by Father Hours. [[Flint]] tools found in the deposit were geometric in design and suggested to be a form of [[Natufian]] or later [[Mesolithic]] than discovered at Jeita II, from where it may have been displaced. Forms of these flints included rectangles with straight or oblique truncation, borers of the "crochet" type, micro-burins, end scrapers, bladelet cores, two transverse arrowheads, crescents, and short triangles. Some of the crescents had ridged backs and resembled those found at [[Nahal Oren (archaeological site)|Nahal Oren]]. Material is stored with the [[Museum of Lebanese Prehistory]].<ref name="CopelandWescombe1965"/>
 '''Jeita IV''' (Mugharet-el-Mal) is a rock shelter in the cliff upstream from the grotto. It once contained a large quantity of [[Paleolithic]] material which has been looted and was deemed unfit for excavation by Sami Karkaby, Director of the Caverns in 1965. Study of the lithic remains at this shelter were hoped to shed further light on the Paleolithic or Mesolithic communities that inhabited the different sites at different times.<ref name="CopelandWescombe1965"/>
@@ Line 74: / Line 72: @@
 ==Geology==
 [[Image:Jeitag3.jpg|thumb|220px|alt=Brightly illuminated cave traversed by a bright emerald colored subterranean body of water encircling a variety of speleothems in the background|Lower cave at Jeita.]]
-The Jeita grotto is located within the Lower-Middle [[Jurassic]] strata of Keserouane which has a stratigraphic thickness of {{convert|1000|m|ft}} and consists of [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]] and [[micrite|micritic]] [[limestone]].<ref name = "study"/><ref name = "geo "/> The Keserouane formation was exposed to air by a local [[Tectonic uplift|uplift]] during  the Late Jurassic-Early [[Cretaceous]]. The Keserouane strata became karstified after its aerial exposure and then was buried during the [[Cretaceous]]. In the [[Neogene]], upon the final uplift of Mount Lebanon, this early karstification phase was reactivated.
+The Jeita grotto is located within the Lower-Middle [[Jurassic]] strata of Keserouane which has a stratigraphic thickness of {{convert|1000|m|ft}} and consists of [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]] and [[micrite|micritic]] [[limestone]].<ref name = "study"/><ref name = "geo "/> The Keserouane formation was exposed to air by a local [[Tectonic uplift|uplift]] during  the Late Jurassic-Early [[Cretaceous]]. The Keserouane strata became [[karst|karstified]] after its aerial exposure and then was buried during the [[Cretaceous]]. In the [[Neogene]], upon the final uplift of Mount Lebanon, this early karstification phase was reactivated.
-At the Nahr al-Kalb valley, the impervious Upper Jurassic volcanic rocks and Lower Cretaceous sand slant almost vertically forming a hydrogeological barrier and forcing the outlet of the Jeita underground river to the surface. This barrier could be the reason for the westernmost, large cave chambers with heights exceeding {{convert|60|m|ft}}. Karstification of the Keserouane limestone was further intensified by the steep topography of the area and the volume of precipitation over the Lebanon (more than 1200mm).<ref name="geo ">{{cite paper|first1=El Nawwar |last1=Sandrine |authorlink=Sandrine El Nawwar |author2=Nader, Fadi |title=The Jeita cave (Lebanon): An example of sustainable development of a typical karstic resource |publisher=IKS |url=http://www.zrc-sazu.si/iks/sola%2006/14th%20IKS-abstracts.pdf |format=.pdf |accessdate=2008-06-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718172343/http://www.zrc-sazu.si/iks/sola%2006/14th%20IKS-abstracts.pdf |archivedate=2011-07-18 }}</ref>
+At the Nahr al-Kalb valley, the impervious Upper Jurassic volcanic rocks and Lower Cretaceous sand slant almost vertically forming a hydrogeological barrier and forcing the outlet of the Jeita underground river to the surface. This barrier could be the reason for the westernmost, large cave chambers with heights exceeding {{convert|60|m|ft}}. Karstification of the Keserouane limestone was further intensified by the steep topography of the area and the volume of precipitation over the Lebanon (more than 1200mm).<ref name="geo ">{{cite web|first1=El Nawwar |last1=Sandrine |author-link=Sandrine El Nawwar |author2=Nader, Fadi |title=The Jeita cave (Lebanon): An example of sustainable development of a typical karstic resource |publisher=IKS |url=http://www.zrc-sazu.si/iks/sola%2006/14th%20IKS-abstracts.pdf |format=.pdf |access-date=2008-06-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718172343/http://www.zrc-sazu.si/iks/sola%2006/14th%20IKS-abstracts.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-18 }}</ref>
 A ratio of total slope gradient of 1/100 is calculated between the entrance of the cave and its inland extremity. This shows its smooth flat course even though it is sometimes interrupted by several small cascades and rapids. From the west, the Jeita cave starts with large halls and [[meander]]s. Through some rapids, the dimension becomes narrower. Going forth, it is spacious with the Thompson's cavern ({{convert|250|m|ft}} long and {{convert|60|m|ft}} wide), Grand Chaos ({{convert|500|m|ft}} long) and Mroueh's Hall ({{convert|200|m|ft}} long and {{convert|50|m|ft}} wide). The latter two are floored with collapsed blocks. The cave ends with a Y-shaped pattern, where, each branch ends with a [[siphon]].<ref name="geo"/>
@@ Line 82: / Line 80: @@
 ==Description==
 [[Image:Guardian of time Jeita 2.jpg|thumb|alt= Sculpture of a mature bearded man with long hair locks that cover his nudity. The man stands on his left foot, his right foot and left hand rest atop a wet mossy rock. He has a peaceful facial expression and gazes at the viewer, his left shoulder and arm protrude from under his thick hair locks and show prominent musculature.| "The Guardian of Time", a sculpture by Lebanese artist Tony Farah outside the lower cave at Jeita.]]
-The Jeita caves are solutional karst caves which have formed over millions of years due to the dissolution of limestone. The limestone is dissolved by carbonic acid charged rain water and groundwater;<ref name = "DCR" >{{Cite web | last = Virginia department of Conservation & Recreation | title = Ten questions about caves and the Virginia Cave Board | work = Virginia.gov | accessdate = 2009-09-15 | url = http://www.amazingcaves.com/learn_formed.html }}</ref> when the limestone, which is originally waterproof, contains cracks produced by tectonic forces the water oozes into the rock and starts to widen the cracks and solute caves inside the layers.<ref name = "karst" >{{cite web |url=http://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Speleology/Karst.html|title=Karst caves| last =Duckeck| first = Jochen| date = 6 January 2008|accessdate=2008-06-11}}</ref> Jeita is the longest cave complex in the Middle East;<ref name = "geotimes" >{{Cite book |url=http://www.geotimes.org/dec04/Travels1204.html |last = Krieger | first = Kimberly |title=Lebanon's limestone: Where the mountains meet the sea  |publisher= Geotimes|accessdate=2008-06-10}}</ref> it sits at {{convert|300|m|ft}} above sea level and has a height difference of {{convert|305|m|ft}}.<ref name = "scave"/>  Geologically, the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river, which is the principal source of Nahr al-Kalb.<ref name = "geo2 "/><ref name="SL">{{Cite book | edition = 3 | publisher = Lonely Planet | isbn =9781741046090 | pages = 436 | last1= Carter | first1= Terry |author2= Lara Dunston, Amelia Thomas | title = Syria & Lebanon | year = 2008 }}</ref>
+The Jeita caves are solutional karst caves which have formed over millions of years due to the dissolution of limestone. The limestone is dissolved by carbonic acid charged rain water and groundwater;<ref name = "DCR" >{{Cite web | last = Virginia department of Conservation & Recreation | title = Ten questions about caves and the Virginia Cave Board | work = Virginia.gov | access-date = 2009-09-15 | url = http://www.amazingcaves.com/learn_formed.html }}</ref> when the limestone, which is originally waterproof, contains cracks produced by tectonic forces the water oozes into the rock and starts to widen the cracks and solute caves inside the layers.<ref name = "karst" >{{cite web |url=http://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Speleology/Karst.html|title=Karst caves| last =Duckeck| first = Jochen| date = 6 January 2008|access-date=2008-06-11}}</ref> Jeita is the longest cave complex in the Middle East;<ref name = "geotimes" >{{Cite book |url=http://www.geotimes.org/dec04/Travels1204.html |last = Krieger | first = Kimberly |title=Lebanon's limestone: Where the mountains meet the sea  |publisher= Geotimes|access-date=2008-06-10}}</ref> it sits at {{convert|300|m|ft}} above sea level and has a height difference of {{convert|305|m|ft}}.<ref name = "scave"/>  Geologically, the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river, which is the principal source of Nahr al-Kalb.<ref name = "geo2 "/><ref name="SL">{{Cite book | edition = 3 | publisher = Lonely Planet | isbn =9781741046090 | pages = 436 | last1= Carter | first1= Terry |author2= Lara Dunston, Amelia Thomas | title = Syria & Lebanon | year = 2008 }}</ref>
-The Jeita grotto is the longest explored cave in Lebanon.<ref name = "Biod" >{{cite paper | first =  | last = Lebanese Ministry of Environment  | author = |authorlink = |title = Lebanon State of the Environment Report| version = | publisher = Lebanese Ministry of Environment| date = | url =http://www.moe.gov.lb/NR/rdonlyres/705C346C-CE5A-4900-9C6D-2AAECA2EED69/0/Chap10Biodiversity.pdf| format =.pdf | accessdate =2008-06-14 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071005131033/http://www.moe.gov.lb/NR/rdonlyres/705C346C-CE5A-4900-9C6D-2AAECA2EED69/0/Chap10Biodiversity.pdf |archivedate = October 5, 2007}}</ref> After many years of exploration, speleologists have penetrated about {{convert|6200|m|ft}} from the entry point of the lower grotto to the far end of the underground river and about {{convert|2130|m|ft}} of the upper galleries.<ref name="Laudy">{{Cite paper | publisher = Université Saint Joseph | pages = 280 | last = Doumit | first = Laudy Maroun | title = La valorisation du patrimoine endokarstique Libanais | year = 2007 |language=fr}}</ref><ref name="ALES">{{Cite web|last=Association Libanaise d’etudes spéléologiques |title=Association Libanaise d’etudes spéléologiques - Historique |work=alesliban.org |format=educational |accessdate=2009-09-16 |url=http://www.alesliban.org/historique.asp |language=fr |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023161146/http://www.alesliban.org/historique.asp |archivedate=2009-10-23 }}</ref><ref name="official"/>
+The Jeita grotto is the longest explored cave in Lebanon.<ref name = "Biod" >{{cite web | last = Lebanese Ministry of Environment  |title = Lebanon State of the Environment Report| publisher = Lebanese Ministry of Environment| url =http://www.moe.gov.lb/NR/rdonlyres/705C346C-CE5A-4900-9C6D-2AAECA2EED69/0/Chap10Biodiversity.pdf| format =.pdf | access-date =2008-06-14 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071005131033/http://www.moe.gov.lb/NR/rdonlyres/705C346C-CE5A-4900-9C6D-2AAECA2EED69/0/Chap10Biodiversity.pdf |archive-date = October 5, 2007}}</ref> After many years of exploration, speleologists have penetrated about {{convert|6200|m|ft}} from the entry point of the lower grotto to the far end of the underground river and about {{convert|2130|m|ft}} of the upper galleries.<ref name="Laudy">{{cite book | publisher = Université Saint Joseph | pages = 280 | last = Doumit | first = Laudy Maroun | title = La valorisation du patrimoine endokarstique Libanais | year = 2007 |language=fr}}</ref><ref name="ALES">{{Cite web|last=Association Libanaise d’etudes spéléologiques |title=Association Libanaise d'etudes spéléologiques - Historique |work=alesliban.org |format=educational |access-date=2009-09-16 |url=http://www.alesliban.org/historique.asp |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023161146/http://www.alesliban.org/historique.asp |archive-date=2009-10-23 }}</ref><ref name="official"/>
 ===Upper cave===
-The Jeita upper cave has an overall length of {{convert|2130|m|ft}} of which only {{convert|750|m|ft}} are accessible to visitors via a specially conceived walkway; access to the remainder of the cave was restricted to prevent ecological damage which may occur due to the flocking tourists. The upper cave contains a great concentration of a variety of crystallized formations such as stalactites, [[stalagmite]]s, columns, mushrooms, ponds, curtains and draperies.<ref name="official">{{Cite web|last=MAPAS |title=Jeita Grotto |work=Jeita Grotto |accessdate=2009-09-15 |url=http://www.jeitagrotto.com/siteE.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804072537/http://www.jeitagrotto.com/siteE.html |archivedate=August 4, 2009 }}</ref> The upper gallery is famous for its formations, lit by an effective lighting system. It is entered through a {{convert|117|m|ft}} long concrete tunnel. The part accessible by visitors has three huge chambers. The first is called the White Chamber, the second Red Chamber.
+The Jeita upper cave has an overall length of {{convert|2130|m|ft}} of which only {{convert|750|m|ft}} are accessible to visitors via a specially conceived walkway; access to the remainder of the cave was restricted to prevent ecological damage which may occur due to the flocking tourists. The upper cave contains a great concentration of a variety of crystallized formations such as stalactites, [[stalagmite]]s, columns, mushrooms, ponds, curtains, and draperies.<ref name="official">{{Cite web|last=MAPAS |title=Jeita Grotto |access-date=2009-09-15 |url=http://www.jeitagrotto.com/siteE.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804072537/http://www.jeitagrotto.com/siteE.html |archive-date=August 4, 2009 }}</ref> The upper gallery is famous for its formations, lit by an effective lighting system. It is entered through a {{convert|117|m|ft}} long concrete tunnel. The part accessible by visitors has three huge chambers. The first is called the White Chamber, the second Red Chamber.
 White dripstones are pure calcite without defilement, the red color is given by iron oxide (rust) in small amounts. In Lebanon, iron oxide has a red color instead of the brown beige color which is common in northern countries. The reason is a different chemical reaction caused by the high temperature which produces a different kind of iron oxide.
-The White Chamber is medium-sized, but has the most impressive formations of the cave. The Red Chamber is up to {{convert|106|m|ft}} high, and {{convert|30|m|ft}} to {{convert|50|m|ft}} wide. The third chamber is the biggest of all three chambers and has a height of more than {{convert|120|m|ft}}.<ref name="scave"/> The longest stalactite in the world is located in Jeita's White Chamber; it measures {{convert|8.2|m|ft}} long.<ref name = "scave1" >{{cite web |url=http://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Statistics/Stalactites.html|title=Caves with the longest stalactite| last =Duckeck| first = Jochen| date = 6 January 2008 |publisher=|accessdate=2008-06-11}}</ref>
+The White Chamber is medium-sized, but has the most impressive formations of the cave. The Red Chamber is up to {{convert|106|m|ft}} high, and {{convert|30|m|ft}} to {{convert|50|m|ft}} wide. The third chamber is the biggest of all three chambers and has a height of more than {{convert|120|m|ft}}.<ref name="scave"/> The longest stalactite in the world is located in Jeita's White Chamber; it measures {{convert|8.2|m|ft}} long.<ref name = "scave1" >{{cite web |url=http://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Statistics/Stalactites.html|title=Caves with the longest stalactite| last =Duckeck| first = Jochen| date = 6 January 2008 |access-date=2008-06-11}}</ref>
 ===Lower cave===
-The lower gallery which has an overall length of {{convert|6200|m|ft}}<ref name = "SDTo" /> is located {{convert|60|m|ft}} below the upper gallery. It is traversed by a smooth underwater river and a lake (the "Dark Lake"). The river is broken up by several small cataracts and rapids.<ref name="geo"/> The lower cave's "Thompson's Cavern", is a massive hall with impressive [[speleothem]]s such as the Eagle Obelisk stalagmite. Other halls in the lower gallery include the Pantheon, Grand Chaos and Shangri-la.<ref name ="speleoC" >{{cite web | last = Karanouh | first = Rena | authorlink = |title = Jiita | work =Caves of Lebanon | publisher = Speleo Club du Liban | date = | url =http://www.speleoliban.com/jiita.htm | format =.html | doi = | accessdate =2008-06-13 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20041021124721/http://www.speleoliban.com/jiita.htm |archivedate = October 21, 2004}}</ref> Visitors are transported in the lower gallery by electric boats for a distance of {{convert|500|m|ft}}.<ref name="geo"/> In winter the lower level is closed, when the water level is too high.<ref name = "scave"/>
+The lower gallery which has an overall length of {{convert|6200|m|ft}}<ref name = "SDTo" /> is located {{convert|60|m|ft}} below the upper gallery. It is traversed by a smooth underwater river and a lake (the "Dark Lake"). The river is broken up by several small cataracts and rapids.<ref name="geo"/> The lower cave's "Thompson's Cavern", is a massive hall with impressive [[speleothem]]s such as the Eagle Obelisk stalagmite. Other halls in the lower gallery include the Pantheon, Grand Chaos and Shangri-la.<ref name ="speleoC" >{{cite web | last = Karanouh | first = Rena |title = Jiita | work =Caves of Lebanon | publisher = Speleo Club du Liban | url =http://www.speleoliban.com/jiita.htm | format =.html | access-date =2008-06-13 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041021124721/http://www.speleoliban.com/jiita.htm |archive-date = October 21, 2004}}</ref> Visitors are transported in the lower gallery by electric boats for a distance of {{convert|500|m|ft}}.<ref name="geo"/> In winter the lower level is closed, when the water level is too high.<ref name = "scave"/>
 ==Economic and social importance==
@@ Line 100: / Line 98: @@
 The Jeita grotto contributes heavily to the public life of the region. MAPAS, the firm which runs the grotto, is an important employer and provides full-time jobs for around 115 local residents of Jeita (30% of which are female).<ref name="geo"/> In addition to employment, the Jeita caves contribute 5% of ticket fees to the local municipality, between 10 and 20% of general revenue to the [[Ministry of Tourism (Lebanon)|Lebanese ministry of tourism]], and an additional 10% of ticket fees along with the 10% [[VAT]] to the [[Ministry of Finance (Lebanon)|Lebanese ministry of Finance]].<ref name = "SDTo"/>
-Moreover, the Jeita cave emits a spring with a flow ranging from 1–2&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup>/s,<ref name="hyd">{{cite book | last1= Krothe | first1= Noel | authorlink = |author2= Fei Jin | title = Hydrogeology: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress, Beijing, China, 4–14 August 1996| publisher = VSP | year = 1997 | location = | pages =315 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =9789067642538}}</ref> providing fresh drinking water for one-and-a-half million inhabitants of the capital, [[Beirut]].<ref name="skh">{{cite book | last = Friend | first = Sandra | authorlink = |title = Sinkholes| publisher =Pineapple Press | year = 2002 | location = | pages =96 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =9781561642588}}</ref> However, water pollution, due to domestic and agricultural runoff, remains a serious concern as recent analysis detected an increasing presence of [[coliform bacteria]].<ref name="hdev">{{Citation|publisher=Council for Development and Reconstruction CDR, Lebanon |last=Makki |first=Ismail |title=Safeguarding the water supply of beirut -protection of the Jeita spring |accessdate=2009-09-15 |url=http://www.bgr.bund.de/nn_333158/EN/Themen/Wasser/Veranstaltungen/symp__sanitat-gwprotect/poster__makki__pdf,templateId=raw,property=publicationFile.pdf/poster_makki_pdf.pdf }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
+Moreover, the Jeita cave emits a spring with a flow ranging from 1–2&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup>/s,<ref name="hyd">{{cite book | last1= Krothe | first1= Noel |author2= Fei Jin | title = Hydrogeology: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress, Beijing, China, 4–14 August 1996| publisher = VSP | year = 1997 | pages =315 | isbn =9789067642538}}</ref> providing fresh drinking water for one-and-a-half million inhabitants of the capital, [[Beirut]].<ref name="skh">{{cite book | last = Friend | first = Sandra | title = Sinkholes | publisher = Pineapple Press | year = 2002 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/sinkholes0000frie/page/96 96] | url = https://archive.org/details/sinkholes0000frie/page/96 | isbn = 9781561642588 }}</ref> However, water pollution, due to domestic and agricultural runoff, remains a serious concern as recent analysis detected an increasing presence of [[coliform bacteria]].<ref name="hdev">{{Citation|publisher=Council for Development and Reconstruction CDR, Lebanon |last=Makki |first=Ismail |title=Safeguarding the water supply of beirut -protection of the Jeita spring |access-date=2009-09-15 |url=http://www.bgr.bund.de/nn_333158/EN/Themen/Wasser/Veranstaltungen/symp__sanitat-gwprotect/poster__makki__pdf,templateId=raw,property=publicationFile.pdf/poster_makki_pdf.pdf }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
 ==Awards==
-In 2002, then French President [[Jacques Chirac]], the United Nations [[World Tourism Organization]] and the [[World Bank]] accorded the top [[Sustainable development|Sustainable Development]] in Tourism prize to MAPAS (the company that manages the site) at a summit dubbed “New Ties between Tourism and Culture” in Geneva.
+In 2002, then French President [[Jacques Chirac]], the United Nations [[World Tourism Organization]] and the [[World Bank]] accorded the top [[Sustainable development|Sustainable Development]] in Tourism prize to MAPAS (the company that manages the site) at a summit dubbed “New Ties between Tourism and Culture” in Geneva.{{fact|date=September 2024}}
-In December 2003, on behalf of the Beirut-based private company MAPAS, Jeita received a prestigious award from the fifth Tourism Summits in [[Chamonix]], France. "Les sommets du tourisme" recognized MAPAS’ efforts in restoring Lebanon's important touristic sites.<ref name="SDTo">{{Cite conference|publisher=Association Les Sommets du tourisme |title=Les Sommets du Tourisme - Chamonix |location=Chamonix |accessdate=2009-03-08 |url=http://www.sommets-tourisme.org/f/prix/2002/5.pdf |language=fr |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828155015/http://www.sommets-tourisme.org/f/prix/2002/5.pdf |archivedate=2008-08-28 }}</ref>
+In December 2003, on behalf of the Beirut-based private company MAPAS, Jeita received a prestigious award from the fifth Tourism Summits in [[Chamonix]], France. "Les sommets du tourisme" recognized MAPAS’ efforts in restoring Lebanon's important touristic sites.<ref name="SDTo">{{Cite conference|publisher=Association Les Sommets du tourisme |title=Les Sommets du Tourisme - Chamonix |location=Chamonix |access-date=2009-03-08 |url=http://www.sommets-tourisme.org/f/prix/2002/5.pdf |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828155015/http://www.sommets-tourisme.org/f/prix/2002/5.pdf |archive-date=2008-08-28 }}</ref>
-The Jeita Grotto was a candidate for the [[New7Wonders of Nature|New 7 Wonders of Nature]] competition.<ref name = "vid2" >{{cite video|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080702-cave-video-ap.html| people = | title = Lebanon Caves a New Wonder? | medium = National Geographic News| publisher = National Geographic | location = United States |date =2008 }}</ref><ref name = "etn" >{{cite news | last = Heyer | first = Hazel |title = Lebanon in a race to be a world 'wonder' | work = ETurboNews| pages = |publisher = ETN | date = 2008-06-09 | url = http://www.eturbonews.com/2946/lebanon-a-race-be-a-world-wonder  | accessdate = 2008-06-10}}</ref><ref name = "nahar" >{{cite journal| last =  | first =  | authorlink =  |title = Jeita Grotto vying to make 'new 7 wonders of nature' list| journal = Annahar | volume = | issue = | pages = | publisher = Annahar| location = Beirut | date = 2008-06-09  | url = http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/935A357199501A17C225746300257C53?OpenDocument | doi =  | id = | accessdate = 2008-06-12}}</ref> It was selected as one of 28 finalists and is the only cave to be selected among the nominees.<ref name="eth">{{Cite news | last = Heyer | first = Hazel | title = Lebanon’s New7Wonders of Nature bid  | work = ETurboNews | accessdate = 2009-09-19 | date = 2009-09-18 | url = http://www.eturbonews.com/11758/lebanon-s-new7wonders-nature-bid }}</ref><ref name="nw">{{Cite web|last=New Open World Corporation |title=Jeita Grotto - Vote7 |accessdate=2009-09-15 |year=2009 |url=http://www.vote7.com/n7w/nature/finalists/jeita-grotto |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731125624/http://www.vote7.com/n7w/nature/finalists/jeita-grotto |archivedate=2009-07-31 }}</ref> The New7Wonders Foundation announced the new wonders of nature in 2011. Jeita was not on the list.
+The Jeita Grotto was a candidate for the [[New7Wonders of Nature|New 7 Wonders of Nature]] competition.<ref name = "vid2" >{{cite video|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080702-cave-video-ap.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706193941/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080702-cave-video-ap.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 6, 2008| title = Lebanon Caves a New Wonder? | medium = National Geographic News| publisher = National Geographic | location = United States |date =2008 }}</ref><ref name = "etn" >{{cite news | last = Heyer | first = Hazel |title = Lebanon in a race to be a world 'wonder' | work = ETurboNews|publisher = ETN | date = 2008-06-09 | url = http://www.eturbonews.com/2946/lebanon-a-race-be-a-world-wonder  | access-date = 2008-06-10}}</ref><ref name = "nahar" >{{cite journal|title = Jeita Grotto vying to make 'new 7 wonders of nature' list| journal = Annahar | location = Beirut | date = 2008-06-09  | url = http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/935A357199501A17C225746300257C53?OpenDocument | access-date = 2008-06-12}}</ref> It was selected as one of 28 finalists and is the only cave to be selected among the nominees.<ref name="eth">{{Cite news | last = Heyer | first = Hazel | title = Lebanon's New7Wonders of Nature bid  | work = ETurboNews | access-date = 2009-09-19 | date = 2009-09-18 | url = http://www.eturbonews.com/11758/lebanon-s-new7wonders-nature-bid }}</ref><ref name="nw">{{Cite web|last=New Open World Corporation |title=Jeita Grotto - Vote7 |access-date=2009-09-15 |year=2009 |url=http://www.vote7.com/n7w/nature/finalists/jeita-grotto |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731125624/http://www.vote7.com/n7w/nature/finalists/jeita-grotto |archive-date=2009-07-31 }}</ref> The New7Wonders Foundation announced the new wonders of nature in 2011. Jeita was not on the list.
 Other awards and certificates include:
@@ Line 117: / Line 115: @@
 ==Other names==
 [[Image:Outside Jeita.jpg|alt=Two story stone structure built into the side of a cliff. The second floor has an outdoor balcony.|thumb|Tourist facilities in the vicinity of the grotto]]
-The name of the cave changed several times since its discovery. Initially referred to as the Grottoes of Nahr al-Kalb, it was subsequently known as Djaita, Jehita, and finally Jeita. Nahr al-Kalb is the name of the river that runs through the grottoes, while  Jeita, meaning "roaring water" in Aramaic, is the town in which the cave's entrance is located. The transition from Grottoes of Nahr al-Kalb to Jeita Grottoes occurred in 1927 as newspapers widely used the latter name.<ref name = "speleoC"/>
+The name of the cave changed several times since its discovery. Initially referred to as the Grottos of Nahr al-Kalb, it was subsequently known as Djaita, Jehita, and finally Jeita. Nahr al-Kalb is the name of the river that runs through the grottoes, while  Jeita, meaning "roaring water" in Aramaic, is the town in which the cave's entrance is located. The transition from Grottoes of Nahr al-Kalb to Jeita Grottoes occurred in 1927 as newspapers widely used the latter name.<ref name = "speleoC"/>
 ==Numismatics and philately==
-In 1961, Jeita became a national symbol when Lebanese authorities issued a stamp featuring the lower cavern to promote national tourism. Mr. Maroun Hajj, the oarsman shown on the stamp, still leads boat tours forty years after the stamp was issued.<ref name="bk">{{cite journal|last=Thomas |first=Lera |authorlink=Lera Thomas |title=Cave Exploring |journal=Topical Time |volume=52 |issue=1 |pages=22–24 |date=January–February 2001 |url=http://www.ontis.nl/articles/speleo-articles/2/Exploring.pdf |format=PDF |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724162608/http://www.ontis.nl/articles/speleo-articles/2/Exploring.pdf |archivedate=2011-07-24 }}</ref> The Jeita Grotto is also featured on the 1964 one Lira (Lebanese pound) verso.<ref name="bdl">{{Cite web|last=Bank of Lebanon |title=One Lebanese Pound |work=Banque du Liban |accessdate=2009-09-15 |year=2007 |url=http://www.bdl.gov.lb/paysys/lbp/1.htm |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114053034/http://www.bdl.gov.lb/paysys/lbp/1.htm |archivedate=2009-01-14 }}</ref>
+In 1961, Jeita became a national symbol when Lebanese authorities issued a stamp featuring the lower cavern to promote national tourism. Mr. Maroun Hajj, the oarsman shown on the stamp, still leads boat tours forty years after the stamp was issued.<ref name="bk">{{cite journal|last=Thomas |first=Lera |author-link=Lera Thomas |title=Cave Exploring |journal=Topical Time |volume=52 |issue=1 |pages=22–24 |date=January–February 2001 |url=http://www.ontis.nl/articles/speleo-articles/2/Exploring.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724162608/http://www.ontis.nl/articles/speleo-articles/2/Exploring.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-24 }}</ref> The Jeita Grotto is also featured on the 1964 one Lira ([[Lebanese pound]]) verso.<ref name="bdl">{{Cite web|last=Bank of Lebanon |title=One Lebanese Pound |work=Banque du Liban |access-date=2009-09-15 |year=2007 |url=http://www.bdl.gov.lb/paysys/lbp/1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114053034/http://www.bdl.gov.lb/paysys/lbp/1.htm |archive-date=2009-01-14 }}</ref>
 ==Popular culture==
-Several scenes of the 1977 Hindi film ''[[Chandi Sona]]'' (starring [[Sanjay Khan]] and [[Parveen Babi]]) were shot at the site.
+Several scenes of the 1977 Hindi film ''[[Chandi Sona]]'' (starring [[Sanjay Khan]] and [[Parveen Babi]]) were shot at the site.{{fact|date=September 2024}}
 {{clr}}
+==See also==
+*[[List of Lebanese monuments]]
 ==References==
@@ Line 148: / Line 149: @@
 [[Category:Archaeological sites in Lebanon]]
 [[Category:Neolithic settlements]]
+[[Category:Kebaran culture]]

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