List of longest caves
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This list of longest caves includes caves in which the combined length of documented passageways exceeds 100 kilometres (62 mi). In some of these caves, passageways are still being discovered.[1][2]
Geographical distribution
Caves are found around the world, though the largest tend to form in karstic landscapes, where soluble rocks such as carbonates and evaporites are dissolved by groundwater.[3] Though karst cave formation is complex, preferable conditions include a high density of joints or fractures in the rock, suitable rainfall to maintain groundwater levels, and low topography to allow for ease of infiltration.[3]
The highest concentrations of long caves in the world are found in the Pennyroyal Plateau of southern Kentucky, United States, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States, and in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.