Gouffre Jean-Bernard

Infobox Cave
name = Gouffre Jean-Bernard
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location = Samoëns
depth = convert|1602|m|ft|0|abbr=on
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survey = [http://membres.lycos.fr/samoens/coupe.gifSurvey(section)] , [http://membres.lycos.fr/samoens/plan.gifSurey(plan)]
survey_electronic_format = (which cave software is it in)
discovery = Groupe Vulcain, 1959
geology = Limestone
number of entrances = > 8
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Gouffre Jean-Bernard or Réseau Jean Bernard, sometimes known simply as Jean Bernard, is one of the deepest known caves in the world. It is found in the Alps, in Samoëns, France. The first entrance to the cave was found by the Groupe Vulcain in 1959, and higher entrances have been found occasionally since then. Currently at least eight are known, of which the highest, above Samoëns, is at 2264 m above sea level.

In 1963, two speleologists of Groupe Vulcain, Jean Dupont and Bernard Raffy died in Ardèche. The Group named the cave "Jean-Bernard" in their memory.

Until the 1980s, it was thought to be the deepest cave in the world, but it has now been displaced to fourth [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4472585.stm] .

External links and references

* [http://membres.lycos.fr/samoens/pagesamgouffre.htm Le Gouffre Jean Bernard ] (in French)
* [http://membres.lycos.fr/samoens/coupe.gifMap of the Gouffre]