Fantastic 'Virgin Pool' Never Before Seen By Humans Discovered Deep In New Mexico Cave (Video & Pictures)

Wisshak added: Such untouched pools are scientifically important because water samples are relatively free of contaminants and the microbial organisms that may live in those pools are only those that belong there. Contamination can occur from the surface above the cave, but in case of Lechuguilla Cave, that's not a big issue, since it is situated in a well-protected wilderness area. It can also occur via aerosols in the air. However, a newly discovered pool in Lechuguilla Cave is about as pristine as it gets.