The Creux de Soucy, a chasm in Besse Saint Anastaise
The Gouffre du Creux de Soucy, located in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, is periodically studied by experts during an excursion to the heart of this natural abyss. Supervised by speleologists, this scientific operation brings together volunteer experts, including volcanologists, speleologists, geochemists and microbiologists, to observe and take samples.
A better knowledge of the Creux de Soucy
The origin and operation of the Creux de Soucy have evolved considerably over the past ten years. Some hypotheses formerly evoked in scientific writings have been confirmed, while others are called into question.
Size of the chasm
The underground visit showed the immensity of the cavity, with a diameter of 60 meters and a depth of 22 meters. Darkness reigns, only a few rays of light coming from the access hole illuminate the center of the hollow. The walls and the roof of the cavity are made up of large blocks of basalt from the second lava flow of Montchal, dating back 7,000 years.
On the ground, one can observe piles of stones as well as traces of clay and sandy textures. Experts carefully examine the geological composition of the sinkhole using their headlamps. Volcanologists are concentrating on studying the materials present, while the blocks that fell to the ground then slipped.
The fauna of the Creux de Soucy
Experts regularly count the species that live inside the Gouffre du Creux du Soucy. species of Bats have invaded the Chasm.
A lake at the bottom of the Creux de Soucy
At the bottom of the cavity is a lake, the most enigmatic geological element of the Creux de Soucy. the water in the lake rises in the spring and then gradually empties until January, but no one knows where this water disappears. The legend that the waters of Soucy were connected to Lake Pavin has been denied, which is now almost certain. For the moment the exact depth of the lake is not known.
A better knowledge of the Gouffre du Creux de Soucy
Regular excursions into the heart of the Creux de Soucy have allowed experts to observe this mysterious geological formation up close. The new data collected during the numerous expeditions will certainly make it possible to advance in the understanding of the origin and the functioning of the Creux de Soucy.
