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This article presents a case study based on the results of an archaeological survey conducted between 2011 and 2014 in Diros Bay, southern Lakonia, Greece. This survey, conducted as part of the Diros Project and under the auspices of the Ephorate of Paleo-anthropology and Speleology, was the first systematic, pedestrian survey to be undertaken in the Mani peninsula. Specifically, this article examines two concentrations of ceramic assemblages within the survey boundary that represent secure archaeological evidence for activity in the region from the Greek Classical to the Late Roman period. Together, the macroscopic, petrographic, chemical, and geophysical analyses presented in this article demonstrate the potential that lies in examining small, rural settlements. The goals of the present work are threefold: first, to demonstrate the importance of analyzing pedestrian surface survey finds and in recording the material culture in understudied regions; second, to illustrate the discrepancy between the historical record of classical antiquity and the actual record of occupation in the form of archaeological remains; and third, to emphasize the potential that this region holds for understanding the nature of rural settlements in the ancient Mani peninsula throughout classical antiquity. 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karstic landscapes, shaped by water dissolving rocks, are unique ecosystems with complex water systems. Karst aquifers, vital for over 25% of the world’s drinking water, offer a sustainable resource but are vulnerable, such as pollution and over-extraction. Therefore, it’s important to understand the potential and capacity of karst springs in areas suffering from water shortages. Hydrogeological and speleological studies are crucial for understanding the unique characteristics of karst springs. Moreover, epiphreatic caves located near the water table at the interface between vadose and phreatic zones in karst landscapes, hold valuable information about past geological events. By identifying their former presence and location in uplifted limestone regions, we can reveal phases of uplift, lowering of the base level, and the rate of vertical karst development. Consequently, epiphreatic caves and associated karst processes are of considerable interest for understanding past geological changes. Here, we present an integrated study of a spring in the epiphreatic Cokragan Cave, which is an important water resource for the Uşak region, using both speleology and hydrogeology. The complex Cokragan Cave system, stretching over 2050 m, reveals multiple past groundwater levels through its geometry, with elevation differences suggesting tectonic influence. Between 2003 and 2007, Cokragan spring discharged an average of 63.5 million m3/yr, while recharge averaged 62.37 million m3/yr. Measured discharge ranged from a maximum of 1.488 m3/s to a minimum of 0.108 m3/yr. In-situ measurements and analysis of 13 samples revealed the groundwater’s physicochemical characteristics, including major ions such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, and trace elements such as arsenic, boron, iron, manganese, and zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The work presented is a review of modern research conducted in Divya Cave—the longest cave in Perm Region, the first mention of which dates back to the 70’s of the eighteenth century. The cave provides the richest material for geologists, karstologists and speleologists, since it is a relic of an ancient aquifer, in which almost all types of secondary calcite formations found in caves are collected. The remote location of the cave from roads and settlements has never been an obstacle for explorers. The first plan of Divya cave was drawn up in 1949. Subsequently, a lot of speleologists kept exploring the cave, but not all passages were marked on the latest maps. Hydrogeological and hydrochemical research was done for the first time in 1948, 1956, 1962 and 1967. Numerous springs between the village of Divya and Divya cave were surveyed, water temperature and flow rates were measured and the hydrochemical indicators of water in the cave lakes were studied. Findings of cryogenic calcite in 1968 prompted further research related to the study of cave deposits, using isotopic analysis methods, taking into account their dating, to determine the migration of permafrost boundaries. From 2016 to 2020 the authors of this article conducted a number of studies in Divya cave itself and in the surrounding area, namely, they carried out instrumental and semi-instrumental topographic surveys of the cave and the surface, followed by the creation of a combined plan, and also determined the absolute marks of the earth’s surface, the entrance, the roof and the base of the cave and the new data on the length of the cave were obtained. For the first time, isotopic studies of atmospheric precipitation, surface channel runoff (the Kolva river) and groundwater emerging to the surface near Divya cave were carried out, and their relationship was determined. Data on the chemical composition of waters were supplemented. Samples of speleothems, including cryogenic calcite, were selected, their isotopic composition was studied and dating was carried out, which made it possible to obtain completely new information about interglacial periods. The modern data obtained allowed us to supplement previously known information about Divya cave.

The ice stored in caves is a widespread yet neglected cryospheric component. The cold-adapted biodiversity of ice caves has received very little attention from research, despite the potential abundance of endemic troglobiotic and cryophilic species and their consequent sensitivity to the changing climate. In this study, we investigated the invertebrate diversity of two ice caves in Northeastern Italy (Bus delle Taccole and Caverna del Sieson, Veneto Region). During 2022 and 2023, we sampled, using pitfall traps, the invertebrates dwelling at different locations in each cave: the shaft base, an intermediate hall, and the cave bottom. At each cave location, we also collected ice samples, on which we measured the stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen (δ18O, δ2H), and monitored the air temperature with data-loggers. The two caves had different invertebrate communities, both dominated by a combination of troglobiotic and cryophilic taxa. Despite a low taxonomic richness, which was higher at Taccole (15 taxa) than at Sieson (11 taxa), both caves hosted rare/endemic species, four of which are not described yet. At each cave, the ice water isotopic signatures differed among cave locations, suggesting the ice had formed under different climatic conditions, and/or resulted from different frequencies of thawing/freezing events. The occurrence of summer melt at both caves suggests that these unique ecosystems will quickly disappear, along with their specialized and unique biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article identifies the Nongkhlieh area of eastern Meghalaya as a potential site for the development of karstic geopark or karstic national park since it is the largest karst system in the state (and also one of the best karst systems of the world) showing prominent surficial and sub-surficial karstic and speleological features. ~ 200 caves are present in this area, most of which are active and also support various lifeforms and contain fossils. It is a good representative karst area with ample scope for various scientific studies, especially geology, which is essentially a field-based subject. Along with academic benefit, the creation of geopark would also help in revenue generation and local development through tourism. Protection of this area of geological wonder against the perils of mining and ignorant human activities needs immediate attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andrej Kranjc was one of the leading geographers of his generation at the national and international level. His research covers a wide range of topics related to karst geomorphology, speleology, and hydrology, as well as the history of karstology and karst terminology. This article presents his fruitful and active research activities, his contribution to geography, and his role and importance to karstology. His research and publications were honoured by his appointment as a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Through his scientific, professional, and educational work, Kranjc has had a lasting impact on Slovenian geography and has contributed significantly to the establishment of karstology in the professional community and among the general public. In addition, his work led to many important initiatives, such as the International Karstological School and the Doctoral study programme Karstology. It is also thanks to him that Slovenia is recognised as a karst country and is among the world leaders in karstology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Cave could be referred to as the extension part of the Kotumsar Cave of Kanger Valley National Park, but one can not traverse from one to another. In this study, we mapped the cave carefully and the environmental conditions have been checked carefully at each defined zone of this cave. Based on observed habitat and other behavioural characteristics the species identified from this cave are given their proper cavernicolous status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ice stored in caves is a widespread yet neglected cryospheric component. The cold-adapted biodiversity of ice caves has received very little attention from research, despite the potential abundance of endemic troglobiotic and cryophilic species and their consequent sensitivity to the changing climate. In this study, we investigated the invertebrate diversity of two ice caves in Northeastern Italy (Bus delle Taccole and Caverna del Sieson, Veneto Region). During 2022 and 2023, we sampled, using pitfall traps, the invertebrates dwelling at different locations in each cave: the shaft base, an intermediate hall, and the cave bottom. At each cave location, we also collected ice samples, on which we measured the stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen (δ18O, δ2H), and monitored the air temperature with data-loggers. The two caves had different invertebrate communities, both dominated by a combination of troglobiotic and cryophilic taxa. Despite a low taxonomic richness, which was higher at Taccole (15 taxa) than at Sieson (11 taxa), both caves hosted rare/endemic species, four of which are not described yet. At each cave, the ice water isotopic signatures differed among cave locations, suggesting the ice had formed under different climatic conditions, and/or resulted from different frequencies of thawing/freezing events. The occurrence of summer melt at both caves suggests that these unique ecosystems will quickly disappear, along with their specialized and unique biodiversity.

Chapada Diamantina is among the best known and most visited landscapes in Brazil. Located in the state of Bahia, Northeast region of the country, it is characterized by mountains and plateaus that developed on Proterozoic sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks. Much of its territory is covered by carbonate and siliciclastic rocks, where relevant karst systems develop, marked by the occurrence of sinking streams, sinkholes, and caves with a great diversity of morphologies, speleothems, subterranean fauna, and paleontological and archaeological records. Relevant carbonate systems occur in Iraquara, such as the Lapa Doce, Torrinha, and Pratinha caves, which represent important tourist attractions. Also in these rocks, stand out the Brejões Cave, with a 106-m high entrance, and the Toca da Boa Vista, the largest cave in South America, extending across 114 km. Cultural manifestations are present in the prehistoric cave paintings at Santa Marta Shelter and recent religious pilgrimages at Mangabeiras Cave, in Ituaçu. In turn, siliciclastic karst systems are mainly in Serra do Sincorá. The Lapão and Castelo caves have expressive speleogens and speleothems, as well as the Torras Cave, in the Igatu region, ranked as the second largest in Brazil considering siliciclastic rocks.

The Arcos-Pains Karst Region is approximately 850 km2, formed by massive carbonate rocks that host hundreds of caves, rock shelters and shafts. Many fossil discoveries exist in the region; one can also find rock paintings and other archaeological remains. A ruiniform landscape, weathered caves and continuous or isolated outcrops characterize the karst. They are cut by diaclasis, fractures and fissures, separated by flattened relief with dolines, uvalas, ponors and blind valleys. The evolution of karst morphology in the region reflects pluviometric and paleoclimatic variations, with faults and fractures from neotectonics events exerting control over water flows. One can observe four geomorphological compartments in this region, each with specific characteristics. The region is an outstanding example of the Brazilian intertropical karst and one of the most important Brazilian mineral deposits of limestone and dolomite. So, delimitating its geomorphological units can facilitate understanding the speleological heritage and guide strategic decisions for sustainable use.

The study of subterranean life in general and cave life in particular has been given several names, most especially biospeleology and speleobiology. Historically, biospeleology came first, and signalled that biological study was part of speleology, the science of caves. Speleology itself has come to have several meanings beyond the science of caves, but as a discipline it has not fully developed. Speleobiology emphasizes the connection with biology, especially ecology and evolutionary biology. Biospeleology can be construed as the taxonomic and distributional aspects of the biology of caves while speleobiology can be construed as the aspects pertaining to general biological principles such as evolution.

Jaskinia Lodowa w Ciemniaku (Ice Cave in Ciemniak), in the Tatra Mountains (Tatry), is believed to host the largest subterranean ice mass in Poland. It has been known for over a century, however, the onset of its scientific investigations dates back to 1922, when Tadeusz and Stefan Zwoliński mapped it. Since then, it has become one of the best-known caves in Poland. It was described in over a hundred scientific and popular science papers. They include findings of international importance, e.g. works related to radioisotopes, ice-mass balance and age. However, some of the questions asked a century ago are still partly unanswered. One may wonder if they will be delivered before climate warming causes the largest 'cave glacier' in Poland to disappear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea caves are a type of cave formed primarily by the wave action of the sea. The coastal scenery of the Gozitan coast is very interesting in that sea caves and other coastal landforms, such as sea arches, develop at the sea level. We mapped seventy-nine semi-submerged sea caves opening at the sea level, five completely submerged sea caves, seven sea arches, one sea stack, and one shelter around the coast of Gozo, mainly in the Western and Eastern parts of the island, due to favorable lithological and topographical conditions. Additionally, we surveyed the topography of the emerged part of nine sea caves using the iPhone build-in LiDAR sensor, and eight sea caves in the submerged part using SCUBA equipment. This inventory represents the most detailed example of a database of coastal caves and related forms in the Mediterranean, mainly sourced from a swimming survey along the entire island. Thanks to the combination of outputs of the above-water emerged and submerged surveys, we defined three types of semi-submerged sea caves: (i) box caves, (ii) joint caves, and (iii) complex caves. Moreover, we added a cave-like landform above the sea level on calcarenites called shelter, or a little extended notch deeply carved into the cliff. The shape mainly depends on the structural and lithological setting of sea cliffs. In the Western sector of the island, we also discovered the only sea cave in Gozo, measuring 122 m in length and 10 m in width, with its floor developing above the mean sea level. This cave base is of interest due to rounded landforms related to marine erosion. In the innermost part of the cave, there is also a beach with rounded pebble at an elevation of about 7 m asl. Considering the tectonic stability of the island, it could be possibly related to the MIS 5.5 highstand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arcos-Pains Karst Region is approximately 850 km², formed by massive carbonate rocks that host hundreds of caves, rock shelters and shafts. Many fossil discoveries exist in the region; one can also find rock paintings and other archaeological remains. A ruiniform landscape, weathered caves and continuous or isolated outcrops characterize the karst. They are cut by diaclasis, fractures and fissures, separated by flattened relief with dolines, uvalas, ponors and blind valleys. The evolution of karst morphology in the region reflects pluviometric and paleoclimatic variations, with faults and fractures from neotectonics events exerting control over water flows. One can observe four geomorphological compartments in this region, each with specific characteristics. The region is an outstanding example of the Brazilian intertropical karst and one of the most important Brazilian mineral deposits of limestone and dolomite. So, delimitating its geomorphological units can facilitate understanding the speleological heritage and guide strategic decisions for sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of subterranean life in general and cave life in particular has been given several names, most especially biospeleology and speleobiology. Historically, biospeleology came first, and signalled that biological study was part of speleology, the science of caves. Speleology itself has come to have several meanings beyond the science of caves, but as a discipline it has not fully developed. Speleobiology emphasizes the connection with biology, especially ecology and evolutionary biology. Biospeleology can be construed as the taxonomic and distributional aspects of the biology of caves while speleobiology can be construed as the aspects pertaining to general biological principles such as evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of caves in a seasonally dry tropical forest area in northeastern Brazil, a new species of the genus Maxchernes was discovered and it is formally described here. The new species, named Maxchernes kapinawai sp. n., has affinities with M. iporangae, known from São Paulo State, Southeast Brazil. The new species, obtained from Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil, is characterized by the robust pedipalps, the measurements of pedipalpal femur, and patella different from other known Maxchernes species, in addition to the number of chelal teeth and males larger than females. This new species also represents the north-most record of Maxchernes genera so far. Ecological and conservation comments are included, as well as a map including reports known about the previous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the growing debate on issues related to the conservation of the global geoheritage, and with the understanding that there is an urgent need to make available a mechanism for the qualification of caves for educational use and scientific communication, this article proposes a new qualification method and the results of its application in the Vale do Ribeira caves. The main objective of this method is to give input for new approaches to the geosciences in middle schools and to provide more data to justify strategies for the conservation of the Brazilian speleological heritage. Regarding the region under study, the researchers evaluated one of the richest speleological provinces in Brazil. The present study describes how the methodology was developed, considering a collective method and local knowledge for the cave’s evaluation process. They discuss the subjectivity of the process and the main characteristics necessary to support educational strategies, scientific dissemination, and communication about caves. The conclusions suggest using the methodology as a quick resource for preliminary studies on characterisation and comparison between caves and karst regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the rich mountainous natural features that Bosnia and Herzegovina has as a small country, it has numerous natural values that need to be further touristic valorization and evaluated. In this paper, emphasis is placed on touristic and recreational activities that are focused on the analysis of the natural predisposition for hiking, climbing, speleology, and ski touring. The analyzed part of the central Dinaric Mountain area is suitable for tourist affirmation of this kind of mountain tourism. It is necessary to promote these mentioned sports and recreational activities in the surrounding area and the same country. It is particularly highlighted in this paper to expand the protected areas in this country, which would stimulate economic development and better organize the mentioned types of mountain tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the speleological exploration conducted by the Czech and Slovak Speleological Societies in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico over a period of twenty years. Starting with the inaugural expedition in 2003, more than 20 subsequent expeditions have been carried out. The focus of the exploration has been on the region between the villages of Chemuyil and Akumal, where hundreds of cenotes have been investigated, leading to the discovery of significant cave systems with a cumulative length of over 138 km. Among these, the Koox Baal underwater cave system stands out as the third longest in the world. Additionally, the explorers have revisited and resurveyed several previously discovered underwater caves due to the lack of existing maps from the initial explorations. Notably, the exploration efforts have resulted in significant paleontological discoveries, and strong connections have been forged with local landowners and the speleological community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartography is a key step in cave exploration. As models of caves, maps help determine locations to be used for organism capture traps by Biologists, sample collection sites for Chemists, Physicists, Geologists and Speleologists in general. Today, available software utilizes numerical and hand drawn data to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital cave maps. These applications require the cartographer to interact heavily with the software in the decision making process particularly when it comes to determining the position of the cave walls which is crucial to cave cartography since the outline they form is in essence the two-dimensional map and also serves as a base for all surface plots and maps. We present a novel approach for determining the position of cave walls by performing simple cylindrical interpolation on individual sections of the cave to extract the desired cave walls coordinates. We have incorporated this approach to caveGEOmap, a free standalone application that treats survey measurements as data points from a two variable piecewise- function. These data points are interpolated using the data itself to estimate some of the necessary variables producing the desired cave maps. The process is completed using only the entry of the data and interpolation scales as an input for the creation of the maps. This allows the cartographer to use caveGEOmap effortlessly to produce various two and three- dimensional digital cave maps and calculate maximum cave height and approximate volume. We include the upper passage of Water- Cave as a case study to present both the internal processes and possible two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital maps

In human cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology studies, laboratory-based research tasks have been important to establish principles of brain function and its relationship to behaviour; however, they differ greatly from real-life experiences. Several elements of real-life situations that impact human performance, such as stressors, are difficult or impossible to replicate in the laboratory. Expeditions offer unique possibilities for studying human cognition in complex environments that can transfer to other situations with similar features. For example, as caves share several of the physical and psychological challenges of safety-critical environments such as spaceflight, underground expeditions have been developed as an analogue for astronaut training purposes, suggesting that they might also be suitable for studying aspects of behaviour and cognition that cannot be fully examined under laboratory conditions. While a large range of topics and tools have been proposed for application in such environments, few have been used in the field. Methods and procedures for maximizing the robustness and scientific value of expedition research designs must first be developed and validated. We tested the feasibility of collecting human physiological, cognitive, and subjective experience data concerning brain state, sleep, cognitive workload, and fatigue, during a speleological expedition in a remote region. We document our approaches and challenges experienced, and provide recommendations and suggestions to aid future work. The data support the idea that cave expeditions are relevant naturalistic paradigms that offer unique possibilities for cognitive neuroscience to complement laboratory work and help improve human performance and safety in operational environments. • Studying complex, naturalistic behaviours in humans complements laboratory work investigating brain function and behaviour. • The current work tested data collection techniques and tools, in the context of a speleological expedition. • Results support the feasibility of data collection in real expeditions and suggest practical steps for robust fieldwork. • We propose a framework categorizing experimental designs and addressing challenges in naturalistic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 15 % of the global ice-free continental surface is characterized by the presence of karstifiable carbonate rock. In Austria, about 20 % of the surface area consists of water-soluble rocks such as limestone or dolomite. Karstification may result in the formation of various cavities with varying size and distribution. Karst massifs are highly complex systems in which the water moves along different geological discontinuities that range in a broad spatial scale, from intragranular cracks (in the micro- to centimeter range) to fractures and cave systems, which can extend over kilometers. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is widely used for cave detection, yet associated limitations have not been addressed so far. This study investigates subsurface conditions favoring the detection of cavities with ERT as well as the geological settings limiting the method. In a first step, we use a numerical study to evaluate the ability of the inversion method to recover the geometry of well-known resistivity anomalies, by varying the resistivity values of the host rock. Synthetic data is used to understand the contrasts required between the anomaly and the host rock. In a second step, we present extensive ERT data collected to delineate the geometry of the "Forststraß eneinbruch" cavity. This area is located near Lunz am See in the Northern Calcareous Alps and was first mentioned in December 2016 due to a sinkhole formed on a forest road. The geometry of the accessible parts of the cave was recorded using a speleological survey and could be used to evaluate the field results. Moreover, ERT result can be used to detect other cavities not found during the speleological survey. By using the speleological survey data we could create realistic models of the subsurface, from which synthetic data were derived to understand the ability of the inversion to retrieve a well-known model. The ERT images show in general a good agreement with the known geometry of the cave and could be validated through the synthetic models and the further available information. However, the size of the anomalies point out to the presence of further caves. The synthetic results revealed that the resistive anomaly related to the cave is better resolved in presence of a resistive host rock. While decreasing the resistivity of the host rock leads to a decrease also in the sensitivity of the method to sense the cave, likely due to the ability of the current to easily move around the resistive anomaly. • Possibilities and limitations of cave detection in karst regions using ERT. • Influence of soil, cave filling, and the resistivity of the host rock. • Parameter study by using different synthetic models. • Field study investigating a sinkhole formed in a forest road. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeontological and zooarchaeological deposits have been recovered from underwater caves across the globe, but studies on site formation processes in these environments are scattered and have never been systematically examined. Flooded caves in the phreatic zone of karst systems include sinkholes and fensters (windows) that form a connection between the sub-aerial and sub-terranean landscapes, and conduits and chambers that establish underground networks of tunnels. Burial environments in these spaces are variable, and sedimentary, cave morphologic, and hydrologic variability within a single site can have profound impacts on taphonomic processes. The key determinant on long term preservation in these spaces is, however, the presence of water which dictates the nature of any habitation and by which species, and the process of decay. Water tables can fluctuate with long- and short-term sea level changes, with concomitant shifts in burial environments between flooded 'wet' or exposed 'dry' settings in near-shore cave systems. Distinguishing wet and dry burial conditions is necessary to reconstruct site formation processes in caves exhibiting evidence of changing or cyclical phreatic and vadose conditions. Signatures of aquatic deposition have been identified in underwater sites under marine, lacustrine and fluvial settings, but similar investigations are lacking for submerged cave landscapes. Water influences the decay process, alters bone surfaces, and modifies internal physical and chemical properties of bones. By exploring the environmental properties of flooded caves alongside known aquatic modifications, this review aims to build a framework for taphonomy of underwater cave palaeontological and archaeological sites. We detail biostratinomic and diagenesis processes that can be explored by actualistic, experimental, and observational studies. Future consideration could be given to the effects of human actions on the spatial distribution and modifications of bones in these spaces and the combined effects of environmental and anthropic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research on air pressure propagation through barometric caves has revealed various speleoclimatological processes, which cause a more complex relationship between surface air pressure changes and resulting pressure gradients between cave and surface air than previously assumed. So far, however, studies on barometric cave airflow have only been based on surface air pressure measurements. Thus, this study investigates and compares airflow at the openings of Wind Cave and Jewel Cave - two major barometric cave systems in South Dakota, USA - as a response to surface air pressure changes and air pressure gradients. Based on high-resolution long-term air pressure measurements from the surfaces and several locations inside the caves, as well as ultra-sonic airflow measurements at the openings, the analysis proves that for both caves, cave airflow velocity can be predicted more accurately by air pressure gradients than by previous surface air pressure changes. An inter-cave comparison also reveals substantial differences in cave airflow dynamics between Wind Cave and Jewel Cave, with the relevant period of surface air pressure variations for cave airflow velocity and the cave reaction times being significantly longer at Jewel Cave compared to Wind Cave. Therefore, the findings of this study demonstrate the effects of cave morphology on airflow and significantly contribute to a better understanding of the speleoclimatological mechanisms and dynamics of compensating airflow at the openings of barometric caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea caves are a type of cave formed primarily by the wave action of the sea. The coastal scenery of the Gozitan coast is very interesting in that sea caves and other coastal landforms, such as sea arches, develop at the sea level. We mapped seventy-nine semi-submerged sea caves opening at the sea level, five completely submerged sea caves, seven sea arches, one sea stack, and one shelter around the coast of Gozo, mainly in the Western and Eastern parts of the island, due to favorable lithological and topographical conditions. Additionally, we surveyed the topography of the emerged part of nine sea caves using the iPhone build-in LiDAR sensor, and eight sea caves in the submerged part using SCUBA equipment. This inventory represents the most detailed example of a database of coastal caves and related forms in the Mediterranean, mainly sourced from a swimming survey along the entire island. Thanks to the combination of outputs of the above-water emerged and submerged surveys, we defined three types of semi-submerged sea caves: (i) box caves, (ii) joint caves, and (iii) complex caves. Moreover, we added a cave-like landform above the sea level on calcarenites called shelter, or a little extended notch deeply carved into the cliff. The shape mainly depends on the structural and lithological setting of sea cliffs. In the Western sector of the island, we also discovered the only sea cave in Gozo, measuring 122 m in length and 10 m in width, with its floor developing above the mean sea level. This cave base is of interest due to rounded landforms related to marine erosion. In the innermost part of the cave, there is also a beach with rounded pebble at an elevation of about 7 m asl. Considering the tectonic stability of the island, it could be possibly related to the MIS 5.5 highstand.

Given the evidence of motor and exploring activities being related to spatial abilities on different scales, the present study considers the case of speleology, a peculiar underground exploratory activity. The relation of this practice with spatial abilities was examined. The study compares a group of expert speleologists (18), a group with a reduced amount of experience in speleology (19 novice speleologists), and a group with a similar amount of practice but in the outdoors (19 experts mountaineers). Group differences will be investigated in terms of (i) small-scale spatial task performance (rotation-based and spatial working memory); (ii) large-scale environment learning (reproduced using verbal descriptions) asking participants to learn a path through a cave or up a mountain (in a counterbalanced order) and then to test their recall with true/false spatial questions and graphical representation tasks; and (iii) self-reports of wayfinding attitudes. The results of linear models showed that, after controlling for age, gender, years of education, and vocabulary scores, expert speleologists had greater mental rotation and perspective-taking abilities and less spatial anxiety than expert mountaineers, and the former performed the true/false questions better than the latter. It should be noted that participants who reported having guiding/path-finding experiences had greater accuracy in graphical representation performance and higher scores in attitude towards orientation. Overall, expertise in speleology is related to spatial abilities on different scales and might have a distinctive role in comparison with other motor practices, pointing to the potential value of examining speleology in the spatial cognition framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartography is a key step in cave exploration. As models of caves, maps help determine locations to be used for organism capture traps by Biologists, sample collection sites for Chemists, Physicists, Geologists and Speleologists in general. Today, available software utilizes numerical and hand drawn data to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital cave maps. These applications require the cartographer to interact heavily with the software in the decision making process particularly when it comes to determining the position of the cave walls which is crucial to cave cartography since the outline they form is in essence the two-dimensional map and also serves as a base for all surface plots and maps. We present a novel approach for determining the position of cave walls by performing simple cylindrical interpolation on individual sections of the cave to extract the desired cave walls coordinates. We have incorporated this approach to caveGEOmap, a free standalone application that treats survey measurements as data points from a two variable piecewisefunction. These data points are interpolated using the data itself to estimate some of the necessary variables producing the desired cave maps. The process is completed using only the entry of the data and interpolation scales as an input for the creation of the maps. This allows the cartographer to use caveGEOmap effortlessly to produce various two and three-dimensional digital cave maps and calculate maximum cave height and approximate volume. We include the upper passage of Water-Cave as a case study to present both the internal processes and possible twodimensional and three-dimensional digital maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italy is filled with caves, caverns and grottoes. These are the recesses which have served a multitude of purposes for man: shelter, sustenance and sanctuaries. Since the dawn of time, caverns have been the loci for developments in religion, anthropology, mythology, art history, medicine and archeology. In certain caverns, a cloudy, mineral-laden liquid issuing forth from mammiform stalactites has been collected by humans since prehistoric times. Yet, very little systematic research has been conducted on the reason for this practice. Archeologists and anthropologists have been able to document ancient traditions in which nursing mothers used this liquid as an emollient to ensure adequate breast milk. This method must have worked, as it was passed down by our ancestors for millennia and is still practiced today, often in Christian sanctuaries, where the faithful go to avail themselves of these miraculous healing waters. Only certain caverns came to be known as milk caves (lattaie), as they had to produce the cloudy, mineral-laden waters commonly called mountain milk (latte di monte), or moonmilk (latte di luna). We now know that the purported healing properties of moonmilk lie in the presence of Macromonas bipunctata, a microbe composed largely of calcium carboxylate (CaCO3), which plays a key role in metabolizing organic acids, along with a host of cyanobacteria, fungi, green algae and Actinomycetales. The latter is a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are a naturally occurring antibiotic. Collectively, these agents are known to promote healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional survey of natural caves is often a difficult task due to the roughness of the investigated area and the problems of accessibility. Traditional adopted techniques allow a simplified acquisition of the topography of caves characterized by an oversimplification of the geometry. Nowadays, the advent of LiDAR and Structure from Motion applications eased three-dimensional surveys in different environments. In this paper, we present a comparison between other three-dimensional survey systems, namely a Terrestrial Laser Scanner, a SLAM-based portable instrument, and a commercial photo camera, to test their possible deployment in natural caves survey. We presented a comparative test carried out in a tunnel stretch to calibrate the instrumentation on a benchmark site. The choice of the site is motivated by its regular geometry and easy accessibility. According to the result obtained in the calibration site, we presented a methodology, based on the Structure from Motion approach that resulted in the best compromise among accuracy, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness, that could be adopted for the three-dimensional survey of complex natural caves using a sequence of images and the structure from motion algorithm. The methods consider two different approaches to obtain a low resolution complete three-dimensional model of the cave and ultra-detailed models of most peculiar cave morphological elements. The proposed system was tested in the Gazzano Cave (Piemonte region, Northwestern Italy). The obtained result is a three-dimensional model of the cave at low resolution due to the site's extension and the remarkable amount of data. Additionally, a peculiar speleothem, i.e., a stalagmite, in the cave was surveyed at high resolution to test the proposed high-resolution approach on a single object. The benchmark and the cave trials allowed a better definition of the instrumentation choice for underground surveys regarding accuracy and feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though hundreds of caves are known across Mongolia, few have been subject to systematic, interdisciplinary archaeological surveys and excavations to understand Late Pleistocene and Holocene environments. Previous cave excavations in Mongolia have demonstrated their potential for preservation of archaeological and biological material, including Palaeolithic assemblages and Holocene archaeology, particularly burials, with associated organic finds. In other cases, cave surveys found that stratigraphic deposits and archaeological materials are absent. The large number of caves makes the Mongolian Altai Mountain Range a potentially attractive region for human occupation in the Pleistocene and Holocene. Here we present the results of an interdisciplinary survey of caves in four carbonate areas across the Gobi-Altai Mountains. We report 24 new caves, some of which contain archaeological material recovered through survey and test excavations. Most caves presented limited sedimentation, and some were likely too small for human habitation. Six caves showed evidence of palaeontological remains, most likely from the Late Holocene and recent periods. The most notable anthropogenic findings included petroglyphs at Gazar Agui 1 & 13. Gazar Agui 1 also contained lithics and a bronze fragment. Tsakhiryn Agui 1 contained 31 wooden fragments that include an unused fire drilling tool kit and items commonly found in association with medieval burials. We observed that the caves remain in contemporary use for religious and economic purposes, such as the construction of shrines, mining and animal corralling. Water samples from the caves, and nearby rivers, lakes, and springs were analysed for their isotopic compositions (δ18O, δD, δ17O, 17O excess , d-excess) and the data, combined with backward trajectory modelling revealed that the Gobi-Altai region receives moisture mainly from western sources. These results form a baseline for future archaeological, palaeoclimate and palaeoecological studies about regional seasonality and land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the factors underpinning species abundance patterns in space and time is essential to implement effective cave conservation actions. Yet, the methods employed to monitor cave biodiversity still lack standardization, and no quantitative assessment has yet tried to optimize the amount and type of information required to efficiently identify disturbances in cave ecosystems. Using a comprehensive monitoring dataset for tropical iron caves, comprising abundance measurements for 33 target taxa surveyed across 95 caves along four years, here we provide the first evidence-based recommendations to optimize monitoring programs seeking to follow target species abundance through time. We found that seasonality did not influence the ability to detect temporal abundance trends. However, in most species, abundance estimates assessed during the dry season resulted in a more accurate detection of temporal abundance trends, and at least three surveys were required to identify global temporal abundance trends. Finally, we identified a subset of species that could potentially serve as short-term disturbance indicators. Results suggest that iron cave monitoring programs implemented in our study region could focus sampling efforts in the dry season, where detectability of target species is higher, while assuring data collection for at least three years. More generally, our study reveals the importance of long-term cave monitoring programs for detecting possible disturbances in subterranean ecosystems, and for using the generated information to optimize future monitoring efforts.

Collecting much-needed information on the taxonomy, distribution, and ecology of cave-dwelling shrimp is vital for addressing the urgent challenges in conservation biodiversity in fragile cave ecosystems. Caridina incolor sp. nov., a new atyid shrimp from an underground stream of Yaoshui Cave, Daqikong scenic area, Libo County, Guizhou Province, southwestern China is described based on morphology and DNA analysis (mitochondrial COI). Caridina incolor sp. nov. differs from epigean congeners by its smaller eyes which range from reduced to completely blind; colorless body and appendages; long stylocerite and sixth abdominal segment; and relatively large eggs. In comparison to other cave species, Caridina incolor sp. nov. presents a long rostrum and stylocerite; slender sixth abdominal segment; and unique shape of the appendix masculina. Data on the habitat, ecology, and levels of threat are provided and suggest that it should be categorized as Critically Endangered (CR) under the current IUCN criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the factors underpinning species abundance patterns in space and time is essential to implement effective cave conservation actions. Yet, the methods employed to monitor cave biodiversity still lack standardization, and no quantitative assessment has yet tried to optimize the amount and type of information required to efficiently identify disturbances in cave ecosystems. Using a comprehensive monitoring dataset for tropical iron caves, comprising abundance measurements for 33 target taxa surveyed across 95 caves along four years, here we provide the first evidence-based recommendations to optimize monitoring programs seeking to follow target species abundance through time. We found that seasonality did not influence the ability to detect temporal abundance trends. However, in most species, abundance estimates assessed during the dry season resulted in a more accurate detection of temporal abundance trends, and at least three surveys were required to identify global temporal abundance trends. Finally, we identified a subset of species that could potentially serve as short-term disturbance indicators. Results suggest that iron cave monitoring programs implemented in our study region could focus sampling efforts in the dry season, where detectability of target species is higher, while assuring data collection for at least three years. More generally, our study reveals the importance of long-term cave monitoring programs for detecting possible disturbances in subterranean ecosystems, and for using the generated information to optimize future monitoring efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Slovenia is considered as the cradle of karst geotourism as cave tourism started there as early as the Middle Ages. To date more than 12,000 caves were discovered from which 22 have the status of tourist caves. From these, 10 were assessed using the M-GAM model (Modified Geosite Assessment Model) to gain information for better future management strategies. The results show that visitors of Slovenian tourist caves mostly appreciate their natural values, as they prefer caves without major tourism infrastructure and they pay attention to their protection status. The model also confirmed that the two most important tourist caves (Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves) have the leading geotourism role and that the management of tourist caves via a regional park as is the case of Škocjan Caves is an example of good practice.

This paper examines the practices and epistemic dimensions relating to subterranean space that led to a new three‐dimensional understanding of the terrain, its scientific investigation, and its political acquisition as territory. Although caves had been explored by upright descent since the 18th century, improved techniques for surveying, mapping, and exploring deep shafts established speleology ("cave study") as a scientific discipline. As political interest in the military and economic uses of caves was growing, national cave cadasters, state‐owned speleological research institutes, and legal regulations evolved accordingly. This development resulted in a vertical concept of territory in Europe during World War I and the interwar period. Especially in archeology and prehistory—so‐called "national" sciences—politics and scholarly research became resources for each other, with both, in their respective ways, being committed to the natural and cultural underground heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a barcoding study and a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Cuban species of the cave-fish genus Lucifuga Poey, 1858 revealed the existence of different evolutionary lineages that were previously unknown or passed unnoticed by morphological scrutiny (i.e., cryptic candidate species). In the present study, Lucifuga gibarensis is described as a new species restricted to anchialine caves in the northeastern karst region of the main island. The species was earlier described as a variety of Lucifuga dentata, but since the name was introduced as a variety after 1960, it is deemed to be infrasubspecific and unavailable according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature Art. 15.2. The new species differs from L. dentata by pigmented eyes vs. eyes absent and lack of palatine teeth vs. present. Lucifuga gibarensis seems to be most similar to the Bahamian species L. lucayana by showing pigmented eyes, 13 or 14 precaudal vertebrae and ten caudal fin rays. However, differs from it by a larger size of the pigmented eye (1.1-1.9 vs. 0.9-1.0% SL) and number of posterior lateral line neuromasts (30-33 vs. 34-35). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the Brazilian iron ore mines, the presence of caves presents a challenge, since most of them are located within the ore deposit. The National Environment Commission (CONAMA 347 Resolution/2004) establishes that the speleological heritage, as well as its area of influence, cannot sustain irreversible environmental impacts. The physical integrity of caves adjacent to mining operations is an issue of pivotal importance to be scrutinised in studies towards the delimitation of the cave's protection radius. This article presents the study of various models of correlation between the RMR and Q systems used for the stability assessment of natural iron ore caves. In order to study a correlation between the RMR and Q systems, the most popular rock mass classifications, and their application as a validation tool, a selection of measurements of Q and RMR, organized in a database from seven natural caves of ferruginous lithology, are submitted to a study and statistical analysis. An empirical equation was obtained from the data, using a simple linear regression. The result of the regression was compared with selected correlation equations and the best fit for the data was chosen. The best fit was the Rutledge & Pearson correlation equation, which presented the best combination of R? and S, after the equation created on basis of the real values for RMR, though the other equations have results similar to it. As the results were quite similar, the recommendation still is that correlations should be used with caution, and associated to other methods and field analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romania has a diverse karst allover its territory. More than 12,500 caves of all types were discovered and mapped so far. Bucegi Mountains include 34 caves, from which some are very popular, while others are barely known, at least by the public. One of such caves is the Hermit's Cave, close to the more popular Ialomiței Cave, in Mount Bătrâna, at an altitude of 1,530 meters. In this paper we will discuss about its location and we shortly describe it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we try to present a chronological sequence of the most important stages in the history of discovery and knowing the Ialomița cave from Bucegi Mountains (Southern Carpathians, Romania). The most important documents, articles, books and studies related to this karst phenomenon are also mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absence of light is a fundamental characteristic of subterranean ecosystems; thus, productivity must be supported indirectly by influx of detritus from effulgent environments. I examined how this influx impacts the carrying capacity of a cave predator: the whip spider Phrynus longipes (Pocock, 1894). Although solitary, territorial and cannibalistic, this species occurs at extremely high densities in caves. To test the hypothesis that this is an effect of nutrient flow and not cave structure, I examined whether guano deposition at cave entrances predicted estimated population sizes of whip spiders. I found a strong correlation, suggesting that whip spider carrying capacities are at least partly determined by nutrient influx to the cave ecosystem. Larger guano deposits support a larger community of arthropod detritivores, which act as prey to this top predator in a bottom-up effect. This highlights the importance of considering surface environmental and population health along with commercial guano harvesting when studying and conserving caves and the species therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional survey of natural caves is often a difficult task due to the roughness of the investigated area and the problems of accessibility. Traditional adopted techniques allow a simplified acquisition of the topography of caves characterized by an oversimplification of the geometry. Nowadays, the advent of LiDAR and Structure from Motion applications eased three-dimensional surveys in different environments. In this paper, we present a comparison between other three-dimensional survey systems, namely a Terrestrial Laser Scanner, a SLAM-based portable instrument, and a commercial photo camera, to test their possible deployment in natural caves survey. We presented a comparative test carried out in a tunnel stretch to calibrate the instrumentation on a benchmark site. The choice of the site is motivated by its regular geometry and easy accessibility. According to the result obtained in the calibration site, we presented a methodology, based on the Structure from Motion approach that resulted in the best compromise among accuracy, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness, that could be adopted for the three-dimensional survey of complex natural caves using a sequence of images and the structure from motion algorithm. The methods consider two different approaches to obtain a low resolution complete three-dimensional model of the cave and ultra-detailed models of most peculiar cave morphological elements. The proposed system was tested in the Gazzano Cave (Piemonte region, Northwestern Italy). The obtained result is a three-dimensional model of the cave at low resolution due to the site’s extension and the remarkable amount of data. Additionally, a peculiar speleothem, i.e., a stalagmite, in the cave was surveyed at high resolution to test the proposed high-resolution approach on a single object. The benchmark and the cave trials allowed a better definition of the instrumentation choice for underground surveys regarding accuracy and feasibility.

The territory of Brazil has a high potential for the development of geotourism, due to its natural and cultural diversity. The State Tourist Park of Alto Ribeira (PETAR) is one of the oldest protected areas in the State of São Paulo, created in 1958. The importance of the area is the result of the association between the Atlantic Rainforest with an exceptional biodiversity and karst and caves systems with a unique underground scenario. The area presents distinct tectonic environments that represent the Precambrian geological evolution of south-southeastern Brazil. The karst and caves of the PETAR were already recorded and described as an important national area to the speleological, geological, and paleontological interest, as also classified as UNESCO's Natural Heritage and included in a proposal to the creation of a Geopark. In the present work, there were inventoried and quantified 19 geosites in the region of PETAR, most of them with speleological interest. The inventory was conducted using the following criteria: representativeness, integrity, accessibility, and scientific and esthetic value. The quantification of geosites was based on four categories of values: intrinsic value, scientific value, tourism value, and value of management. Finally, the relevance of each geosite was calculated, evidencing one geosite with international (Santana cave) and other 12 with national relevance. The conclusions raise the necessity of planning and implementing management procedures to increase the conservation and sustainable use of the analyzed geosites, despite that they are located in a natural protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]