Unlike scientific surveys on the surface, a cave can retain traces of a place for a long time, including its ancient geology, meteorology, paleontology and even hydrology, said Li Po, chief engineer of the Guizhou Academy of Sciences' Mountain Resource Research Institute.

"Those key elements will help us better understand the ancient environment and our current environment," he said. "Guizhou is truly rich in geological resources and many caves have unique ecosystems that need further research."