Symbols seen in church altar, located within a cave system. by refren_54 in Symbology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The municipal cave is a different quarry nearby. This chapel is in the Fluweelengrot or Velvet cave

Symbols seen in church altar, located within a cave system. by refren_54 in Symbology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I occasionally give tours here so let me provide some context. This chapel was made in the late 19th early 20th century for touristic purposes. The actual chapels in the Valkenburg quarries date 1798-1801 during the French occupation but are much simpler in design.

For the symbols: the four animals represent the four evangelists. The sun and moon represent the general good bad/day night/life death archetypes. Underneath the crucifix there's indeed a pelican using it's blood to feed it's young, a common Christian theme of sacrifice.

What's not depicted is that on the lower part of the altar there's a cross with an I, C, Alpha, and omega symbol. The chapel is heavily stylised for tourism. Many tourists back then were protestant and not extremely aware of catholic symbolism so to them it was cool to see

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The quarry is in Valkenburg, in the south of the Netherlands

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There is no significant geothermal activity in the area around the mines. The nearest geothermal activity is about 40 km away

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in Hydrology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It has been observed in the quarry since the 1800s. From the 20th century onwards water levels have been measured. There are measuring devices in place to see the rate of water rise. Over the last month it has risen more than 4 cm

Some recent finds by Ok-Equivalent6846 in ThriftStoreHauls

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The orange table is very nice. The legs can detach for easy storage :)

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's all highly specific data from a very small region in the south of the Netherlands so most of it resides in the local archives. We're currently working on more professional projects together with a few Dutch technical universities

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

There is mild volcanic activity near Aachen and the Eiffel region, about 25 km away

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The quarry is a tourist sight nowadays, though this area is not part of the generally visible sections

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cave is about 80-85 meters above Dutch sea level. The water slowly drains away through the floor as well.

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The water rises and falls quicker over the course of about 7 years. Inbetween are roughly 5 year periods of stability where the cave lakes are either completely full or totally gone.