List a short summary of the main Expedition objectives.
The expedition will be re-visiting the C4 entrance to the Verdelluenga cave system, which drops into a significant streamway at approximately 580 m depth believed to feed the 2/7 system, ultimately resurging at Cueva Culiembro. Surveys of both the Verdelluenga system and 2/7 show the caves to almost overlap with the likely connection point being the downstream sump of the Verdelluenga system. The primary objectives of the expedition will be to re-rig C4 (some of which was achieved during the 2014 expedition to the Ario plateau) in order to put a diver in the downstream sump, as well as push the upstream limit of the Verdelluenga master cave (currently a 15m high waterfall) towards the highest known feeders to the Verdelluenga - 2/7 - Culiembro system. A connection between C4 and 2/7 would give the combined system a vertical range of approximately 1,500m, with the upstream lead likely to extend this towards 1,800m+Please explain the aspects of the trip which make it eligible for Ghar Parau funding.
Unlike previous expeditions to the Ario plateau, the trip to C4 will be a smaller affair with a small team size and so costs to individual members are likely to be higher since more ropes, metalwork, bolts, drill batteries etc will need to be sourced, likely bought. The team is still evolving, but currently involves not only several keen and very experienced individuals with many years caving experience, but also the expedition leader from the previous expedition to C4 carried out in 1996, the author of one of the most inspirational caving books of all time - Beneath the Mountains, members of last years expedition who helped to partially rig C4 and finally at least one up and coming young OUCC caver who will enjoy the benefit of learning much of expedition caving with a small, close-knit group of experienced cavers. Unlike many expeditions, we already have 2 exciting leads to go at within what is already one of the deepest cave systems in the world, with potential to go much deeper!Give a more detailed account of the purpose of the trip, including any particular known caves you intend to visit, specific areas where you will explore for new cave, and scientific experiments you will attempt.
The main objectives of the expedition will be to:Give details of any previous work in this area by your own and other teams. Include references to reports and articles published on the area, and the names of any local cavers or academics with whom you have discussed the Expedition.
Oxford University Caving Club have been extremely active in the area since the early 60s, and the results of their efforts well documented. See the following links for more information on expedition objectives by year, as well as a list of journals:Travel plans: |
# from UK: | 10 | Travel costs breakdown (for personnel leaving from the UK): |
Total costs from UK: | £2,620 | £600 = 4 x flights from UK to Asturias (£150 pp return) £720 = 4 x flights from UK to Asturias (£180 pp return including extra hold bag) £300 = 2 x hire cars from the airport for two weeks (inc. fuel) £1000 = 1 x van travelling from UK to Santander via ferry with 2 people (inc. fuel) |
# from outside UK: | 1 | Travel costs breakdown (for personnel leaving from the UK): |
Total costs from outside UK: | £300 | £300 = 1 x car travelling from Grenoble |
Travel total: | £2,920 | Travel p.p. from UK: | £262 |
Travel p.p. from outside UK: | £300 |
Total: | £3,344 | Comments: |
Subsistence p.p.: | £304 | The expedition will be based at the Refugio vega de ario (£9 pppn). Meals will be made by the team to bring costs down (£10 pppd) 16 days in field x 11 people x £19 = £3,344 |
Total: | £1,120 | Comments: |
Gear p.p.: | £102 | Rope = £350 Metalwork (hangers/maillons/karabiners) = £300 Tape sling = £40 Throughbolts = £90 Drill batteries = £120 Tackle bags = £160 Dry bags = £50 Dive line = £10 |
Exped Total: | £7,384 | Exped cost p.p. travelling from UK: | £667 |
Exped cost p.p. travelling from outside UK: | £705 | ||
Mean Exped cost per person: | £671 |
Total: | £0 | Comments: |
Total shortfall: | £7,384 | Mean shortfall per person: | £671 |
Please give the names, addresses and phone numbers of two suitably qualified people whom the Committee can contact. You should ensure that they are aware of the objectives of your trip, and that you have their permission for the Committee to contact them.
Reason: Member of OUCC who has taken part in several expeditions to the Picos in the past
Reason: Member of OUCC who has taken part in several expeditions to the Picos in the past, including leading several