The area of our investigation is situated in the western part of Ukraine in Ternopil region. In geological terms, this area is situated on Volyn-Podilska plate. Its basement is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks of Archean and early Proterozoic Age. But the most interesting fact about this area is that in the formation of Neogene gypsum there are many caves.

The world’s largest currently known gypsum cave is Optimistichna and it is the second longest cave of any type known in the world. The five longest gypsum caves, all located in western Ukraine (Borshchiv district), account for well over half of the total known length of gypsum caves. This apparent bias is related partly to the unique artesian setting with a clastic cover that protects the huge mazes.

The area we will study is situated on the bank of Seret river. This place is significant due to the Verteba cave. It is not only famous for its geology, but for its archeological merit too. Verteba is a gypsum cave in the Ternopil region, the length of its underground passages is 9021 m. In the XIX century, there were found over 400 complete vessels, more than 35 thousand clay and ceramic fragments, almost 120 anthropomorphic figures, 200 instruments of bones and horns, and 300 bone and stone products. All these are examples of Trypillya archeological culture.

This area is very exceptional that is why we decided to organize the Field Camp here. We believe that getting to know the geology of the area and applying geophysical methods will give unique experience for participants.