Seasonal Ice Caves of Georgia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/ggj.2025.05.03.04Keywords:
Natural freezers, seasonal ice caves, mystical cavesAbstract
This article examines the seasonal ice caves of Georgia, unique physical and geographical formations in which ice forms during summer and melts in winter. Similar phenomena, known as seasonal ice caves, occur in many countries worldwide and are characterised by ice accumulation during warm periods and comparatively higher internal temperatures during cold winters. This unusual behaviour has not yet been fully explained scientifically and is therefore often described by local populations as “mystical”. The study presents case analyses of the Khorkhebi, Khiza, and Khikhadziri seasonal ice caves. The aim of the article is to raise awareness of the existence of seasonal ice caves among both the scientific community and the general public and to provide a foundation for potential future research collaboration.
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