Sima Martel

Sima Martel

Sima Martel is seen in the far background, in the middle part - Sima Humboldt
Location Venezuela, Bolívar (state), Sarisariñama
Coordinates 4°40′39″N 64°13′20″W / 4.6776°N 64.2221°W / 4.6776; -64.2221Coordinates: 4°40′39″N 64°13′20″W / 4.6776°N 64.2221°W / 4.6776; -64.2221
Depth 248 m (814 ft)
Discovery 1961
Access By special researcher permit only

Sima Martel (Sima Menor) is an enormous sinkhole located on the summit of plateau of Sarisariñama tepui, in Bolívar State, Venezuela. It is unusual due to several factors including its enormous size and depth, location on the top of the only forested tepui and having a patch of forest on its base. Named after speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel.

History

Together with the neighbouring Sima Humboldt it was first spotted in 1961 by pilot Harry Gibson.[1]

It was first descended and explored during the 1970s.

In total there are four caves on Sarisariñama.

References

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