Historic water-filled cave discovered under Jerusalem construction site.
Historic water-filled cave discovered beneath Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem, Israel during construction work by Israeli Roads Company in May 2011. Extends approximately 300 meters into the ground with a maximum height of about 20 meters. Offers rare insights into aquifer system without disturbances or photographs. Largest and most significant water-filled cave found in Israel to date.
Ha'Uma cave, discovered beneath the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem, Israel, in May 2011, is a significant water-filled cave extending approximately 300 meters underground with a maximum height of about 20 meters. The cave was found during construction work by the Israeli Roads Company for the development of a rapid transit line to Jerusalem. Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Geography Department investigated and identified small waterfalls, stalactites, and other speleothems within the cave. Water flows through the cave in a northwest-to-southeast direction at a rate of about one liter per second, though its source remains unknown.
To prevent flooding during construction, the Israeli Roads Company diverted the water into a pipe system that allows it to continue flowing naturally through the cave. The Ha'Uma cave is now accessible for researchers and provides unique insights into Israel's underground aquifer systems without causing any disturbances or requiring photographs. According to geologists from Hebrew University, this cave is one of the largest and most significant water-filled caves discovered in Israel to date. Further details about the discovery can be found on the Haaretz website, a leading Israeli newspaper.
