by John Lovaas » Sep 7, 2014 6:22 pm
Well, there is a writeup in Speleogenesis(for those following at home, pg. 282).
The author(Andrej Filippov) mentions a passage density of 136km/km2. That's a number- not an indication of potential.
The bedrock the cave is formed in is dipping 6-8 degrees to the northeast. The author has the waters that formed the cave moving down-dip, eventually reaching springs on the Lena River.
The cave is bounded on three sides by valleys that are about 2km from the entrance. There is high ground to the northwest, but given the dip, I'd be surprised if the cave had much development to the northwest- unless you have a more recent map; the Speleogenesis map is from 1992.
With the quoted passage density, you'll need 294km2 of Ust'-Kost uninterrupted by valleys. A quick check of the geologic map on pg. 283 makes that seem pretty unlikely- unless they've got passage going 10km northwest of the entrance. Then you're in high ground- but given the dip(and the accepted genesis of the cave), it seems unlikely.
I'm surprised a scientist would attach a number to the amount of unexplored passage in a given cave; that's normally something commercial cave guides do to entertain visitors.
imbecile sheepherder.