Avenc de Vallmajor
A 70 m deep pothole in Albinyana (Baix Penedès), about 50 metres E-SE of the Cova de Vallmajor.
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Avenc de Vallmajor
A 70 m deep pothole in Albinyana (Baix Penedès), about 50 metres E-SE of the Cova de Vallmajor.
Albinyana · Baix Penedès
Length: 170 m · Depth: 70 m
Updated record
https://espeleoworld.com/en/c/avenc-de-vallmajor
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A 70 m deep pothole in Albinyana (Baix Penedès), about 50 metres E-SE of the Cova de Vallmajor.
Topographic
Espeleoindex · CC BY-NC 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ · Image © its author.
Description
Morphology
The mouth measures 1 by 0.60 metres. It is a typical detachment fissure running NW-SE.
Progression
The mouth gives access to a first 6.5-metre pit. At its bottom and in a corner, a narrow opening gives access to a new 4-metre drop, followed by another 6.8-metre pit. The bottom of this second pit is a false gallery where the mouths of three pits open; all of them join a few metres further down. Descending through the pit situated furthest N, by means of a drop and a 4-metre pit, we reach a short gallery, at the end of which we progress about 3 metres along a fissure running E-W, perpendicular to the main fissure. Returning to this one, we continue descending down some ramps and small drops until reaching a very narrow passage that allows access to a 12-metre pit; its base is 20 metres wide and at its S end a new 5-metre pit opens through a narrow orifice. A couple more drops lead to the bottom of the cavity (elevation – 69.8 m).
Returning to the false gallery above, we now descend through the central pit, 12.2 metres, followed by two short drops, and we reach the bottom of this second route (elevation – 46.5 m).
History
The location and first exploration of this pit was carried out by members of the SES – CE Puigmal (Barcelona) down to the bottom of the first pit, baptising it as Avenc d'en Baco (perhaps referring to the god of wine?, in Catalan: Bacus), although later some call it d'en Bacó?.
By chance, on 4 May 1967, while removing some rubble, a team from the GES – CMB found its continuation, but three new narrow passages still had to be cleared before reaching the bottom of the cavity (November 1967). Being unaware of the first partial visit by the SES, they renamed the pit with the name Vallmajor, which is the one by which it has been most known subsequently. The survey carried out indicates a depth of 92 metres, a widely exaggerated elevation.
Subsequently, in 1977, another survey was published, carried out by the SES of the CE Puigmal, in which the underestimated elevation of – 60 was indicated.
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Bibliography
- Agüera, A. (1977).- “El macizo cavernoso de Albinyana”. Més Avall (1): 14-102. SES – Club Esquí Puigmal. Barcelona.
- Borràs, J.; Miñarro,JM.; Talavera, F. (1978).- Catàleg Espeleològic de Catalunya. Vol. 2 (l'Alt Camp, la Conca de Barberà,el Baix Penedès i el Tarragonès):246 pp. Ed. Poliglota. Barcelona.
- Marqués, C.; Sandoval, J. (1986).- “Avenc de Vallmajor o d'en Bacó (Albinyana, Baix Penedès)” Espeleòleg (37): 23-24. ERE del CEC. Barcelona.
- Ribé, G. (1969).- “Avenc de Vallmajor” Geo y Bio Karst (19): 23-24. Ed. J.Mª Armengou. Barcelona.
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Source: Espeleoindex (espeleoindex.com), modified. CC BY-NC 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/