TIN (Krem)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

An unspecified cave entrance (unidentified shape, unidentified dimensions, unidentified characteristics) faces south-west (Arbenz, T 2013.11.16 Tinplan.pdf) and is said to give access to something along the lines of 139 metres associated with a relatively deep shaft leading to water, muddy (anonymous Brooks, S J 2012.06.23 undated Mss: Meghalaya 2012 Survey Summary Kopli.xls). ETYMOLOGY: The origin and meaning of the recorded cave name Krem Tin (note 1) has not yet been discovered (note 2). Nevertheless it is not only suspected to derive rather from the standard Khasi -tieng- (note 3) than from -ting- (note 4) but also inferred to signify rather a fear inducing cave than an afraid cave. On the other hand, the Khasi (English loan word) -ka tin- is the same as the Khasi ”ka sador” (SINGH, N 1920: 530; BLAH, E 2007: 308), another word for tin (SINGH, N 1920: 530; BLAH, E 2007: 308), the silvery-white metal, the chemical element of atomic number 50. (Symbol: Sn). SITUATION 2013: On the wet flank of the Moo Knor spur, in a small valley which is a feeder to Wah Lympriang (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krem Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc). SITUATION 2012: Krem Tin … is situated half way down the slope to the Kopili below Moo Knor (anonymous Arbenz, T et al. 2013.08.07 Mss: Diary 2012.doc: 17th February). APPROACH 2013: From Moo Knor Village (at main crossing) take the 4WD road towards the Kopili. At the Y-junction near N25°24’18’’ / E92°37’08’’ turn right (east) towards Sahiong. Near a farm, at N25°24’04.6’’/ E92°37’24.3’’ (alt 827m) leave the track and follow the footpath to North East through open meadows and later through an open karst area. The path reaches a dry river bed at the same spot where the cave entrance is (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krem Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc). APPROACH 2012: Brian D. Kharpran Daly was transported on 20th February 2012 (Monday) … [by] truck to Moo Knor and down the track to stop just past the farm of Lius Dkhar on the left (east) side. A tur is taken to the valley on the right (west), which is just about opposite that of the valley of Krem Tin (anonymous Arbenz, T et al. 2013.08.07 Diary 2012.doc). CAVE DESCRIPTION 2012.02.17: … an exurgence, which at times must carry a huge amount of water with considerable speed. The first part of the cave was a phreatic tube, pear-shaped, with some nice but partially eroded formations. It carried on for a good 120 m, there was some water, up to knee deep. The team had to end the survey at the top of a pitch, not having the appropriate tackle with them. They could see down the pitch for 12 m to a muddy ledge, but stones hurled down suggested a much deeper shaft … giving access to wet passage (anonymous Arbenz, T et al. 2013.08.07 Diary 2012.doc). CAVE DESCRIPTION 2013.02.11: Krem Tin … consisted of some fine joint controlled passage ending in a [continuation, that is a] sloping pitch, as per the description from the previous year. … The bolts at the pitch head are in good condition andwell placed and the pitch is split by a ledge at mid height (Brooks, S J in: anonymous Arbenz, T 2013.08.07 Mss: Meghalaya Expedition 2013 Diary: 11th February). CAVE DESCRIPTION 2013.11.16: A 1.2 m high by 1.7 m wide, half circular-shaped opening at the head of a short inlet, facing east gives access to a seasonal exurgence fed from an important riser (14 m pitch) from the water level below. Probably draining a bigger area in the Stanghar square and possibly from Krem Sahiong. The beginning is a man-sized passage with some gravel (1.6 m high, 2 m wide) which gradually gets higher. After about 15 m the [penetration of the] cave turns [penetrators] from NW towards SW. There are some stalactites and columns along the generally muddy passage. The mud as well as distinct flood marks reach up to the roof. The cave leads on for another 129 m and reaches a prominent pitch. This is estimated 14 m deep (12 m to a muddy ledge + 2 m to the water. A solid rock column provides a good belay for therigging of the pitch. The way on would be in deep water and mud towards north. A small oxbow gallery on the SE side, shortly before the pitch has a small, slightly draughting continuation which is too small to penetrate (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krem Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc). TACKLE 2012: Hardcore caver requested (anonymous Brooks, S J 2012.06.23 undated Mss: Meghalaya 2012 Survey Summary Kopli.xls). TACKLE 2013a: At least 19 m of vertical (ladder) equipment will be required for this pot. The bolts at the pitch head are in good condition and well placed (Brooks, S J in: anonymous Arbenz, T 2013.08.07 Mss: Meghalaya Expedition 2013 Diary: 11th February). TACKLE 2013b: Rope and hangers plus a short ladder for the pitch. After the pitch: Neoprene suit and life jacket (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krem Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc). CAVE LIFE - Chiroptera: An unknown observer noticed the presence of bats (flying) on an unidentified day at an unspecified time (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krm Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc).rigging of the pitch. The way on would be in deep water and mud towards north. A small oxbow gallery on the SE side, shortly before the pitch has a small, slightly draughting continuation which is too small to penetrate (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krem Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc). TACKLE 2012: Hardcore caver requested (anonymous Brooks, S J 2012.06.23 undated Mss: Meghalaya 2012 Survey Summary Kopli.xls). TACKLE 2013a: At least 19 m of vertical (ladder) equipment will be required for this pot. The bolts at the pitch head are in good condition and well placed (Brooks, S J in: anonymous Arbenz, T 2013.08.07 Mss: Meghalaya Expedition 2013 Diary: 11th February). TACKLE 2013b: Rope and hangers plus a short ladder for the pitch. After the pitch: Neoprene suit and life jacket (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krem Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc). CAVE LIFE - Chiroptera: An unknown observer noticed the presence of bats (flying) on an unidentified day at an unspecified time (Arbenz, T 2013.11.17 Mss -Krm Tin 19.2.2012- Krem Tin.doc).