Presents the history and sights found in and around Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

While reading this book, young learners will explore the scientific research underway in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the site of one of the best-preserved ancient fossil reefs on Earth. With more than 100 spectacular caves, this park offers scientists and researchers the opportunity to study and explore countless unique cave formations. The Natural Laboratory: Scientists in National Parks series takes a look at the research and responsibilities of scientists working in U.S. national parks. Each 7.5" x 10" photo-filled book explores the topography of the park, its natural resources, the specific projects that have been undertaken there and why these projects are significant. Each 48-page book in the series also features quotes from scientists working in the featured park, to better explain to readers how and why things are done

For six exciting years Doug Thompson worked as a park ranger at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. In Underground Ranger he passes along the essence of what he learned on this unusual job and in his related adventures exploring the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. He overcame his fear of tight spaces and heights, learned to climb rope, and went on to explore many of the deep vertical caves in the Guadalupe Mountains of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico—including Lechuguilla Cave, one of the most spectacular underground wonders of the world. He even became a member of the park’s technical rescue team and made a fifty-story rappel into one of the deepest underground pits in the United States. In visceral detail, Thompson shares the physical and mythical stories of caves and shows what it’s like to experience the extravagant beauty of nature’s underground realm.

Describes the formations and plant and animal life of Carlsbad Caverns and examines the history of the national park which they have become.