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Karst caves are considered sinks for atmospheric CH4 due to their sub-atmospheric CH4 concentrations. Isotopic and molecular analyses suggest that methanotrophic bacteria (MOB) play an important role in consumption of CH4 in caves. Previous research has established that the biogeographic patterns of microorganisms exist widely and is created and maintained by different ecological processes. Considering the great potential of cave MOB in CH4 oxidation, understanding the assembly and working mechanisms will have practical implications for understanding and utilizing cave ecological resources. In this review, we have summarized the information collected thus far on CH4 sources and sinks in caves, MOB phylogeny, and MOB ecophysiology. We applied this knowledge to discuss the factors that may influence the composition and distribution of cave MOB communities in the context of karst geology. Finally, we review the relevant methods and theories and discuss the opportunities and challenges involved in the predictive description of microbial processes of cave CH4 consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Neocarus is described from adult female and male specimens collected from an epigean and hypogean ferruginous geosystem located in southeast Brazil. The new species, Neocarus congadosp. nov., is an atypical species with the male expressing dimorphic characters in the chelicera, palp and dorsal shield, through setae with different shapes and often in clusters with a dense set of setae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leye Cave (Dordogne, France) is a laboratory cave in the Vézère area, a region that contains some of the most famous rock art caves in the world such as Lascaux, Font-de-Gaume and Combarelles, and is listed as Human World Heritage by UNESCO. Leye Cave was selected because it is representative of painted caves, with respect to parameters such as its geological stage, the presence of water and carbon dioxide, the geological state of its walls, and the size of the cave. These wall states are studied to better understand the conditions of conservation of rock art caves without damaging them. The choice of an equivalent medium, i.e., a non-painted cave, was made to be able to conduct experiments or take measurements that would not have been possible in a rock art cave. The climatic conditions (temperature, hygrometry, etc.) monitored since 2011 are central to our understanding of the genesis and evolution of wall states. Leye Cave is sub-horizontal then descendant, forming a cold air trap. The phenomenon of condensation is thought to be important in the genesis of these wall states. Our article presents a model which describes the competition that exists between the conduction of the rock heating the air and the convection cooling the rock, in the area named the "Throne Chamber", located in the deepest parts of the cave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Carsologica Sinica is the property of Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Let's escape our caves and, quite literally, spend more time philosophizing in the great outdoors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals, which are among the important pollutants that threaten ecosystems, have been a particularly intriguing subject of accumulation studies. The present study aimed to reveal the water and sediment quality, pollution status, and their usability for living organisms in 10 stations for the first time in İnaltı cave, which has two underground ponds. Concentrations of 9 heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cr, Al) and 1 metalloid (As) were determined in samples taken. These results were compared to the limit values in Sediment Quality Guides (SQGs) and analyzed further using different sediment evaluation methods. SQG values revealed that the amounts of Cd and Ni are of concern. Examining the concentrations of metals in the water, the ranking by concentration was found to be Al > Cr > Pb > Cu > As > Mn and the elements were considered not to pose any environmental risk. The enrichment of detected Cd metal in the sediment is remarkable. In addition, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering analysis were carried out in order to make the obtained data easier to understand and interpret. While designing the most appropriate action plans for water management, more clear and understandable information can be obtained by using these methods and interpreting the raw data. In the cave, individuals belonging to the Niphargus genus, a member of the Malacostraca class, Niphargidae Family, were identified in the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the karst systems (karst types) of the Bakony Region are classified and described. The karst features and the groundwater (karstwater) flow, their horst (block) types and the hydrological cycle of horst types were taken into consideration. In the mountains, regional flow with a hypogene branch (hypogene karst system) and epigene karsts systems of local flow were distinguished. Among local epigene systems, epigene karst system, mixed epigene karst system, complex mixed epigene karst system, incomplete epigene karst system and semi-closed epigene karst system were distinguished. Local epigene systems are only temporarily (but not all of them) separated from the regional system that developed below and around them. During their development, separated local systems are more and more becoming the descending branches of regional systems.

Cryogenic cave carbonates have been described from several formerly or presently glaciated karst caves. In most of these occurrences, they precipitated as loose grains or aggregates with various morphologies and sizes. Here, we report on a new speleothem type (cryogenic ridges) identified in Sohodoalele Mici Cave (SW Romania) within a large chamber near the entrance shaft. This study was motivated by the presence of a network of calcite ridges over the stalactites’ surface and by the observation that during winter, these speleothems are covered by a thin ice layer. The higher δ18O (−3.5 to –1‰) and δ13C (0 to 7‰) values found in the calcite ridges relative to δ18O (–7.5 to –4‰) and δ13C (–9 to –2‰) values of calcite from the inner stalactite indicate that the ridges are of cryogenic origin and formed during relatively rapid carbonate precipitation associated with evaporative cooling and freezing of the water. Four U-series ages suggest that the stalactites with ridges formed during cold winters of the Holocene, when cave air temperatures dropped below freezing.

The second known species of the genus Microstygia Georgiev et Glöer, 2015 was described, Microstygia lakatnika n. sp. It was found as empty shells in the deposits of the temporary stream of the Temnata Dupka Cave, Iskar River Gorge, Stara Planina Mts in Bulgaria. M. lakatnika n. sp. is a little bit larger and has one more whorl than the type species of the genus, M. deltchevi Georgiev et Glöer, 2015.

The paper describes the history of discovery and study of karst formations of the European North of Russia. More than 100 karst formations have been identified. The main periods in the history of exploration of caves and grottoes of the Pechora Urals are reflected. The first caves descriptions which were made by travellers and scientists in the 18th19th centuries are given. During that period the most famous caves were Uninskaya and Kaninskaya caves. The main karst formations were discovered and described at the beginning of the 20th century. Geologist V.N. Mamontov discovered 4 caves on the Pervokamennaya River. Systematic geological studies by V.A. Varsanofyeva in the Northern Urals allowed her to discover small karst formations in the upper reaches of the Pechora on the Ilych and Unya rivers. In 1960, B.I. Guslitzer discovered the largest cave in the Northern Urals — the Medvezhya Cave. Promising and little-studied areas of karst are the Bolshezemelskaya Tundra, the Polar and Nether-Polar Urals, Pai-Hoi and Timan. Only a few small caves and grottoes are known on these territories. Most of the karst is located in specially protected areas. The caves are unique paleontological monuments of nature. The funds of the A.A. Chernov Geological Museum of the Institute of Geology contain 12 monographic collections of paleofaunistic material with a volume of more than 30 thousand storage units. The remains of vertebrate caves consist of bones of mammoth fauna and small mammals.

We report two species of the family Erebidae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea), Hulodes caranea (Cramer, [1780]) from Mt. Deogyu and Hypena (Hypena) narratalis Walker, [1859] from Jangam cave, for the first time from Korea. The genus Hulodes is also newly represented in Korea. Illustrations of adults and genitalia of examined species are provided.

Background: Transcriptomic methods can be used to elucidate genes and pathways responsible for phenotypic differences between populations. Asellus aquaticus is a freshwater isopod crustacean with surface- and cave-dwelling ecomorphs that differ greatly in multiple phenotypes including pigmentation and eye size. Multiple genetic resources have been generated for this species, but the genes and pathways responsible for cave-specific characteristics have not yet been identified. Our goal was to generate transcriptomic resources in tandem with taking advantage of the species' ability to interbreed and generate hybrid individuals. Results: We generated transcriptomes of the Rakov Škocjan surface population and the Rak Channel of Planina Cave population that combined Illumina short-read assemblies and PacBio Iso-seq long-read sequences. We investigated differential expression at two different embryonic time points as well as allele-specific expression of F1 hybrids between cave and surface individuals. RNAseq of F2 hybrids, as well as genotyping of a backcross, allowed for positional information of multiple candidate genes from the differential expression and allele-specific analyses. Conclusions: As expected, genes involved in phototransduction and ommochrome synthesis were under-expressed in the cave samples as compared to the surface samples. Allele-specific expression analysis of F1 hybrids identified genes with cave-biased (cave allele has higher mRNA levels than the surface allele) and surface-biased expression (surface allele has higher mRNA levels than the cave allele). RNAseq of F2 hybrids allowed for multiple genes to be placed to previously mapped genomic regions responsible for eye and pigmentation phenotypes. In the future, these transcriptomic resources will guide prioritization of candidates for functional analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of the Microtrombidiidae, Troglotrombidium dolichopodum n. gen. et n. sp. is described based on ectoparasitic larvae collected from two Dolichopoda lycia (Galvagni 2006) (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) specimens from a cave in Western Taurus Mountains, Turkey. The new genus can be distinguished from other genera by the absence of eyes, highly modified claws of tarsi III, sensillary setae structure of the anterior dorsal scutum, and the number of adoral setae. The new species is a typical troglobite, and this interspecific interaction is a well-documented case for the little-known host-parasite relationships from subterranean ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clastic cave deposits are representative of sediments throughout the karst aquifer and are an abundant and accessible resource through which to study the sediment chemistry of karst aquifers. Clastic cave sediments are attributed to depositional facies based on location, sorting, and particle size. These facies settings may influence different chemical parameters of the sediments, like concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC). The TOC concentrations in clastic cave sediments have not been well constrained nor has the role of clastic sediments in contaminant fate and transport through karst systems been well described. In this study, particle size, TOC, and total nitrogen were measured in sediments representing different facies in Butler Cave, Virginia, USA. TOC concentrations ranged from 0.08 to 0.87 weight percent and C:N molar ratio ranged from 3 to 15, indicating a possible terrestrial source of organic carbon in these sediments. Samples from diamicton facies were sandier and had similar TOC concentrations compared to samples from channel facies. TOC concentrations measured in Butler Cave were within the same range as those observed in more above water, eogenetic clastic cave sediments from two caves in Puerto Rico. Estimated retardation factors calculated based on the TOC concentrations in the Butler Cave sediments indicate the range of TOC in this cave could be responsible for 39–987% increase in retardation of selected contaminants. This study highlights the importance of measuring the ranges of TOC in clastic cave sediments across different facies and their role in contaminant fate and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Sloveniae: Revija za Terensko Biologijo / Journal of Field Biology is the property of Natura Sloveniae and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There has been a growing interest in the effect of radon gas on humans visiting caves. A radon survey was consequently done in the Sudwala tourist cave close to Nelspruit in the eastern part of South Africa to determine the radon exposure of tourists and guides. The Sudwala cave, which evolved in karst geology, is a popular tourist destination. Twenty-eight electret ion chambers were placed in various locations throughout the cave for a period of 24 h. Radon concentrations varied between a minimum of 255 Bq/m3 and a maximum of 1822 Bq/m3 with a geometric mean of 750 Bq/m3. The radon levels were found to be relatively stable up to 600 m from the entrance, after which they sharply increased. This suggests that different processes disperse radon in the initial and deeper parts of the cave. It was concluded that this is the result of natural cave ventilation which is caused by changes in ambient barometric pressure. Despite the measured level being higher than the World Health Organization (WHO)'s mitigation level of 200 Bq/m3, the occupational exposure is quite low due to the frequency and duration of a typical cave tour and therefore poses no risk to the tourists and tour guides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cave system in the Sierra de Atapuerca holds one of the most important archaeological sites for the understanding of early human occupation in Europe. Among the different cavities and galleries, the Gran Dolina cave yielded a new hominin species coined as Homo antecessor of an Early Pleistocene age. Encouraged by our previous results in Gran Dolina, we carried out a study to extend and deepen our rockmagnetic investigation of the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the upper Gran Dolina cave based on experiments that include composition, relative concentration, and grain size of the magnetic iron oxides present in the sediments. Based on the rockmagnetic experiments, we identified magnetite, hematite, goethite, and possibly maghemite in changeable amounts along the profile, which allows us to complement the existing shortage in the literature on the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the site. We tentatively interpret the rockmagnetic changes recorded in the cave sediments in terms of glacial/interglacial conditions, furnishing the base for a better understanding for the formation conditions of this unprecedented archaeological site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As precious cultural heritage sites, the state of preservation of cave temples is closely related to the geological and climatic conditions in which they are located. This paper constructed an analytical method of sized slate stability based on the equivalent support stiffness method. The stability analysis of the roof slab of Yuanjue Cave was carried out by establishing a three-dimensional numerical calculation model. Through comparative analysis of the results of stress and displacement fields under different conditions, the stress and deformation characteristics of the roof slab of Yuanjue Cave were revealed, as well as the study of the main factors affecting the stability of the roof slab of Yuanjue Cave and the key slate to be monitored. The main research results are as follows. The stress deformation of the roof plate of Yuanjue cave is mainly divided into the initial uniform change stage, the medium-term stable change stage or the medium-term accelerated change stage, and the later rapid change stage. With the increase in the number of overhanging and broken slates and the increase in the damage factor of cracked slates, the vertical stress extremum of the stones increases continuously, and the equivalent support stiffness decreases, which aggravates the uneven stress deformation of the roof of the Yuanjue Cave. This study provides a reliable reference basis for the stability analysis and evaluation of the roof slab of a large number of cave temples existing in the Sichuan and Chongqing areas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2020, the south-western Caucasus has been recognized as a hotspot of stygobiotic Mollusca diversity after revealing a large number of new, range-restricted species within the spring snail family Hydrobiidae, subfamily Sadlerianinae sensu Szarowska. Meantime, based on extensive material collected in the south-western Caucasus during the last decades, we studied members of another spring snail subfamily Belgrandiellinae Radoman, 1983. Modern integrative taxonomic work revealed hitherto unknown diversity within this subfamily in the region and further proved the importance of the south-western Caucasus as a hotspot of stygobiotic life. In particular, the subterranean environment and springs of Georgia were known to be inhabited by the genus Tschernomorica Vinarski and Palatov, 2019 with four nominal species. Our research, based on a morpho-anatomical study and genetic investigation of COI/H3 mitochondrial/nuclear markers, revealed additionally seven species and three genera new to science—Colchiella lugella gen. et sp. nov., C. nazodelavo gen. et sp. nov., C. shiksa gen. et sp. nov., C. dadiani gen. et sp. nov., Sataplia cavernicola gen. et sp. nov., Aetis starobogatovi gen. et sp. nov., and Tschernomorica kopidophora sp. nov. —to inhabit the Georgian part of south-western Caucasus. The full taxonomic description of each new taxa, along with the review of habitat characteristics and conservation status, is provided. Molecular genetics suggests that the ancestors of Caucasian Belgrandiellinae have migrated from south-western Europe, probably more than once during the late Messinian and early Pliocene periods. Later, Plio-Pleistocene climate oscillations, particularly the repeated rise and fall of the Black Sea water level, resulted in the isolation and radiation of various lineages within the Caucasus and Crimea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the study's results on beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) inhabiting caves in the Częstochowa Upland, southern Poland. During two years of research, 2084 specimens, representing 105 species from 19 beetle families, were collected. The obtained results indicate that many beetle species choose to inhabit caves despite lacking specific adaptations for living in such environments. The cave entrance zone is the most attractive place for surface species to inhabit because its climatic conditions are more stable than outside the cave, some sunlight is present, and the availability of organic matter is high. In the deeper parts of the studied caves, the number of occurring species rapidly decreased. Three species were recognised as troglobionts, four as troglophiles and 32 as subtroglophiles. Speonomus normandi hydrophilus, Choleva lederiana gracilenta and Quedius mesomelinus mesomelinus were identified as the most frequent in the studied caves. Speonomus normandi hydrophilus is endemic to the Arize massif in the Central Pyrenees (France) and was experimentally introduced into the Dzwonnica cave (Poland) in 1982, while Ch. lederiana gracilenta is one of two troglobitic beetles native to Polish caves and Q. imesomelinus mesomelinus is a widespread, very common troglophile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the karst systems (karst types) of the Bakony Region are classified and described. The karst features and the groundwater (karstwater) flow, their horst (block) types and the hydrological cycle of horst types were taken into consideration. In the mountains, regional flow with a hypogene branch (hypogene karst system) and epigene karsts systems of local flow were distinguished. Among local epigene systems, epigene karst system, mixed epigene karst system, complex mixed epigene karst system, incomplete epigene karst system and semi-closed epigene karst system were distinguished. Local epigene systems are only temporarily (but not all of them) separated from the regional system that developed below and around them. During their development, separated local systems are more and more becoming the descending branches of regional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Determining the capture zone of water resources is a strategic approach proposed at the national level of water resources management in Iran. One of the important actions for this purpose is protection of karst water resources, which are considered one of the vital sources for supplying water due to the widespread karst formations in this country and the limitation of groundwater resources in alluvial aquifers. Generally, water flows out through the springs in the karst system. The land area where the water contributes to the spring is called the spring's capture zone. The study and analysis of the recession curve of the springs, the area extending from a discharge peak to the base of the next rise, along with the other physical characteristics of springs such as electrical conductivity is a useful indicator for getting knowledge about the condition of the catchment area and other properties of the heterogeneous karst terrain. In estimating the water budget, unlike the non-karst areas where the surface runoff or the outflow is considered the main factor in the estimated water budget, the recharge component is an important factor in the karst domain. The difference between hydrogeological and hydrological (topographic) catchments is one of the obvious features in karst landscapes. The identification of these basins or their boundaries is possible by combining geology and topography information. Soufiyan Cement Company in the vicinity of Chelleh Khanehe Olya Spring located in Moro Mountain is associated with the creating social problems due to the expansion of mining activities and the negative impact on spring water in this area. Therefore, this study aims to determine the catchment area and the capture zone of the Chelleh Khanehe Olya Spring by determining the protective boundary for the extraction of limes by the Soufiyan cement factory to prevent the negative impact of this factory on the spring. Materials and Methods In this research, the hydrograph of the recession curve related to a rainfall event has been analyzed by taking into account the mean monthly discharge rate of spring to determine the sub-regimes of diffuse and conduit flow by employing the following equation: Qt=Q0e-αt (1) Where Qt is the discharge rate at time t, Qo reveals the discharge at the initial time, and α is a recession coefficient. In addition, The Qmax/Qmin ratio has been calculated to estimate the flow type and the degree of karstification in the catchment area. In the next step, to determine the Chelleh Khanehe Olya Spring catchment area and its capture zone, spring hydrogeological boundaries were determined and investigated using the SCS method and estimating the area's water budget. Due to the lack of sufficient rainfall and groundwater discharge information in this region, the water budget for a given period (2019-2020) has been computed indirectly by measuring the monthly discharge rate from the selected stations. After collecting the required data, the following equation developed by Milanovich (1989) has been used to estimate the water budget as follows: P=E+R+I (2) Where P, E, R, and I denote precipitation (P), evaporation at the basin level (E), runoff (R), and recharge to the aquifers (I). All the parameters are in mm units. Results and Discussion Analyzing the variation of electrical conductivity along with the discharge rate indicates that by decreasing the discharge rate from 2.5 l/s to 8.1 l/s, the electrical conductivity increase from 463 μs/cm to 500 μs/cm, reflecting an increase in the volume of the reservoir, the dilution of the aquifer. The hydrograph recession curve during 2019-2020 indicated two laminar and turbulent sub-regimes. Micro regimes α1 (01.002) and α2 (0.013) represented that the dominant system of karst development in the region is diffuse. The high density of fractures and the lack of purity of lime are the main reasons for the weak development of the karst fracture in the region, which the Chele khaneh Olya Spring recession curve analysis, maximum to minimum ratio of discharge, and karstification coefficient confirmed this issue. Determining the catchment basin using geological, hydrogeological information, and water budget showed that the hydrological and hydrogeological boundary of the Spring is different. The protected zone of Chele khane Olya Spring, which includes the total hydrogeological basin and the Cretaceous limestone area below the level of the Spring, was estimated to be about 184,000 square meters (18 hectares). According to the findings of this research, Soufiyan Cement Company does not have the right to enter the hydrogeological boundary to extract limes, and on the other hand, to prevent the water level from decreasing due to the excessive extraction of lime as a result of the excavation depth reaching the level of the water table, it suggests to extract from the unsaturated part of the aquifer (unsaturated limes) to prevent the flow rate of Chele Khana Spring from decreasing and even drying it up. Conclusion Analyzing the discharge rate, electrical conductivity, hydrograph recession curve, and its recession coefficient (α=0.002), revealed that the dominant flow in the system is diffuse, which results from the high density of fractures and region lithology consisting of impure cretaceous limestone. Since the result revealed the inconsistency between hydrological and hydrogeological boundaries, the geological profile of the site was prepared and the spring of the catchment was estimated. Based on the findings of this research, the Chelle Khanehe Olya capture zone consists of the hydrogeological area, obtained from the groundwater budget estimation, and the protective boundary for the limestone below Cheleh Khaneh Olya Spring (the unsaturated zone of the area's limestones), which covers an area of about 18 hectares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences Studies (JHSSS) is the property of Al-Kindi Center for Research & Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study examines the geotourism potential of the Bhiar Dhar cave near Chakrata, Uttarakhand. The Bhiar Dhar cave is one of the very few caves in the Himalayas, showing a variety of speleothem features and forms. The cave encompasses stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, straw, column, cave curtains, diapirs, etc., which are very important for showcasing the geological features in their natural form. Cave features are under threat of devastation because of a lack of awareness. This cave has immense potential to be developed as a geotourism site and demands immediate actions for its conservation. Locals need to be aware of its geological importance. A trekking route can also be developed for the cave from the Gorcha village that will attract tourists and interalia revenue/income opportunities in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The impact of meteorological phenomena on ecosystem communities of karst subterranean estuaries (KSEs) remains unknown. KSEs are characterized by vertically stratified groundwater separated by a halocline and host endemic aquatic cave‐adapted fauna (stygobionts). In October 2015, 8 days of heavy precipitation caused the first recorded mortality event in the KSE. This event was marked by a halocline shift 5 m deeper. The present study aimed to provide insights into resilience of KSEs faunal communities to temporal shifts in temperature and precipitation. Cave water temperature decreased on average 0.0068°C per mm of accumulated precipitation over 4 days, which can add up to, and surpass, the interannual temperature variation in cases of heavy precipitations. Biological surveys (2012–2021) conducted within cave systems El Aerolito and La Quebrada, in Cozumel, indicated that change in community structure was not detected and stygobionts were resilient; however, marine species inhabiting the caves were impacted. Overall, the faunal community at KSEs remains resilient within short‐term meteorological phenomena despite shifts of non‐stygobionts.

Aim. To establish the role of the Karabudakhkentskaya Cave in the conservation of vertebrate biodiversity in the foothills part of the east of the North Caucasus.Materials and Methods. The study of literature data. Monthly inspection of the cave for the presence of vertebrates, to establish their species and to determine the reasons for their presence in the cave. Analysis of photo and video materials obtained from camera traps installed inside the cave. Results. During the analysis of the literature and our own research, it was found that the presence of 8 vertebrate species belonging to 2 classes, 3 orders and 5 families is repeatedly registered in the Karabudakhkent Cave. Of these, 5 species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Dagestan. For the horseshoe‐bearing Megel, the cave serves as the main wintering place in the North Caucasus. In addition, during the summer period, one of the largest brood colonies of the Sharp‐eared Moth in Russia is located in the cave.Conclusion. The complex of works carried out made it possible to supplement and obtain new information indicating the key role of the Karabudakhkenstkoi Cave in the vital activity of rare vertebrate species. At the same time, there is an increasing anthropogenic impact caused by an increase in the flow of tourists to the Republic of Dagestan. These circumstances indicate the need to give the Karabudakhkentskaya Cave the status of a Natural Monument of Federal Significance.

In large-scale water conservancy and hydropower projects, complex rock structures are considered to be the main factor controlling the stability of hydraulic structures. The classification of rock mass structure plays an important role in the safety of all kinds of large buildings, especially underground engineering buildings. As a quantitative classification index of rock mass, the rock block index is very common in the classification of borehole and dam foundation rock mass structures. However, there are few studies on the classification of underground engineering rock masses. Moreover, their classification criteria have disadvantages in spatial dimension. Therefore, this paper takes the long exploratory cave CPD1 in the water transmission and power generation system of the Qingtian pumped storage power station in Zhejiang Province as the research object and launches a study on the structural classification of the rock mass of a flat cave based on the 3D rock block index. According to the group distribution of joints, the sections are statistically homogeneous. Additionally, the Monte Carlo method is used to carry out random simulations to generate a three-dimensional joint network model. The virtual survey lines are arranged along the center of the shape of the three different orthogonal planes of the 3D joint network model to represent the boreholes, and the RBI values of the virtual survey lines on each orthogonal plane are counted to classify the rock mass structure of the flat cave in a refined manner using the rock block index of the rock mass in 3D. The above method realizes the application of the 3D rock block index in underground engineering and overcomes the limitations of traditional rock mass classification methods in terms of classification index and dimension. The results show that: (1) Three-dimensional joint network simulations built on statistical and probabilistic foundations can visualize the structure of the rock mass and more accurately reflect the structural characteristics of the actual rock mass. (2) Based on the 3D rock block index, the rock mass structure of the long-tunnel CPD1 is classified, from that of a continuous structure to a blocky structure, corresponding to the integrity of the rock mass from complete to relatively complete. The classification results are consistent with the evaluation results of horizontal tunnel seismic wave geophysical exploration. (3) Based on the 3D joint network model, it is reasonable and feasible to use the 3D rock block index as a quantitative evaluation index to determine the structure type of flat cave rock masses. The above method is helpful and significant in the classification of underground engineering rock mass structures.

Open conduit modeling of cave stream floods can yield useful information about water velocities and shear stresses, which can in turn be used to estimate sediment transport capabilities. All such calculations require roughness coefficients for estimating energy losses and a priori knowledge of either discharge or flow depths to set model boundary conditions. However, the difficulties associated with observing in-cave floods generally preclude measuring discharge; roughness coefficients must be assumed based on channel properties. To overcome these challenges, we monitored stream flow depths in Fullers Cave, Greenbrier County, West Virginia using pressure transducers, and simultaneously measured stage and discharge in a karst window immediately upstream of the cave. Five pressure transducers were deployed opportunistically along a 93-meter-long reach in a 10+ meter high canyon averaging 1.5 to 3 meters wide. Stage-discharge relationships were determined for the karst window using an electromagnetic flow meter for floods with peak discharges of 1.66 m3 s-1 or less. The collected data was used to obtain the empirical Manning's n roughness values, head losses, and energy gradients. Calculated floodwater velocities are comparable to values obtained from scallops on passage walls. Major energy losses were observed where breakdown partially occludes the passage. At peak flow, Manning n values average 0.053 for reaches typified as cobble-floored canyons, but n was 0.069 in the breakdown reach. Roughness values declined exponentially with increasing discharge, but friction slopes calculated using head losses show more complex relationships with discharge. Notably, n values back calculated using bed gradients differ from those calculated using measured head losses by as little as 12%, so the use of bed gradients in roughness estimations will generally yield reasonable approximations of flow conditions. Fullers Cave experiences significantly larger open conduit floods than we observed, so additional work is needed to estimate roughness coefficients for higher discharges. Our empirical roughness coefficients can be applied to similar cave passages in other caves and contexts, including modeling slot canyon-like channels, and our methods demonstrate a technique for measuring hard to obtain data. The addition of data for open conduit conduits significantly expands the range of environments that can be modeled using empirical data beyond pipe-full caves. Applications include studying flooding, sediment transport, and bedrock erosion process. All of these topics will be addressed in Fullers in the future.

Abstract Background Caves are special natural laboratories for most biota and the cave communities are unique. Establishing population in cave is accompanied with modifications in adaptability for most animals. To date, little is known about the survival mechanisms of soil animals in cave environments, albeit they play vital roles in most terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we investigated whether and how gut microbes would contribute to the adaptation of earthworms by comparing the gut microbiome of two earthworm species from the surface and caves. Results Two dominant earthworm species inhabited caves, i.e., Allolobophora chlorotica and Aporrectodea rosea. Compared with the counterparts on the surface, A. rosea significantly decreased population in the cave, while A. chlorotica didn’t change. Microbial taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities between the earthworm gut and soil environment were asynchronic with functional diversity, with functional gene diversity been always higher in earthworm gut than in soil, but species richness and phylogenetic diversity lower. In addition, earthworm gut microbiome were characterized by higher rrn operon numbers and lower network complexity than soil microbiota. Conclusions Different fitness of the two earthworm species in cave is likely to coincide with gut microbiota, suggesting interactions between host and gut microbiome are essential for soil animals in adapting to new environments. The functional gene diversity provided by gut microbiome is more important than taxonomic or phylogenetic diversity in regulating host adaptability. A stable and high-efficient gut microbiome, including microbiota and metabolism genes, encoded potential functions required by the animal hosts during the processes of adapting to and establishing in the cave environments. Our study also demonstrates how the applications of microbial functional traits analysis may advance our understanding of animal-microbe interactions that may aid animals to survive in extreme ecosystems.

The genus Troglohyphantes Joseph, 1882 (Araneae, Linyphiidae) includes 131 species, mainly distributed across the main European mountain ranges. The Alps and the north-western Dinarides account for 66 species, most of them showing narrow or even point-like distributions. The majority of Troglohyphantes spiders dwell in subterranean habitats including caves, mines, soil litter, rocky debris and other moist and shaded retreats. Despite being intensively studied from taxonomic, ecological and biogeographic standpoints, knowledge on the status of conservation and on the potential risk of extinction of these spiders is lagging. To date, only three species have been included in the global IUCN Red List, but their status has not been updated ever since their last assessment in 1996. The aim of this contribution is to assess the Alpine and north-western Dinaric species of the genus Troglohyphantes and to re-assess the species previously evaluated, according to the last version of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.Amongst the 66 species here considered, 62 had sufficient data to allow the quantification of their Extent Of Occurrence (EOO) and Area Of Occupancy (AOO). Most of the species have a narrow distribution range, with an estimated EOO < 20,000 km2 and AOO < 2,000 km2, meeting the thresholds for the inclusion in the threatened categories. Five species have a more widespread distribution (EOO > 20,000 km2), extending across multiple countries. The quality of the data on distribution of four species was not sufficient to provide a reliable estimation of the distribution range.A continuing decline in EOO, AOO and habitat quality was inferred for 30 species. The majority of them were subterranean specialised species, with a reduced thermal tolerance and a low dispersal ability. Accordingly, changes in subterranean microclimatic conditions due to climate change represent a major threat for these species. Land-use change and habitat alteration were identified as additional relevant threats for several species.A considerable proportion of the species here assessed was found in protected areas and in sites of the Natura 2000 network. In addition, 14 species are formally protected by national and sub-national legislation. At present, 25 species are listed in the regional Red Lists.Long-term monitoring programmes, management plans for both the species and their habitats, expansion of the extant protected areas and designation of new ones, should be considered as the most effective approaches to species conservation.

Introduction Darabnameh by Abu Tahir Muhammad ibn Hasan ibn Ali ibn Musa al-Tarsus is the story of Darab, son of Bahman and his daughter, Homa. The reflection of Ayari's special rituals and the symbolism of the initiation in Darabnameh are among the remarkable features of this work. Given the symbol is like a language that, although abstract and conceptual, expresses a clear and coherent idea of existence and the world. Access to the underworld whose gateway is through a cave is in the processing of the storyteller's mind and the inner and hidden form in the story and is directly related to the attachment of the human soul to the pre-descent position and more proximity to God. It is symbolized by descending to the lower world and ascending to the higher world. Symbols and symbolism create an inseparable link between the symbolist and human and the symbol with human beings, which responds to human needs and validates their psychopaths. Examining and explaining symbols enables us to be aware of what is in the human mind and to realize that their expression may change over time, but their function and result are that of liberation, and is freedom, transformation, and metamorphosis stay constant. Regarding this explanation, the main question of the present study is to what extent in Darabnameh, the creation of sacred places and centralization of that space through access to the underworld can matter as a way to reach perfection and die from the stage and give birth in the upward stage. Methodology This research follows a documentary and library method based on symbolism and its role, specifically examines the function of the symbols in the ritual initiation ceremony based on the report of Aboutahir Tarsusi in Darabnameh. The importance of the present study lies in the fact that it can lead to new findings from Ayari texts and on the other hand shows the function of the symbols in conveying some of the beliefs of its predecessors. Discussion 3.1. Symbol and symbolism A symbol is usually a sign that replaces something else and is considered as an indirect cognitive tool. The existence of such symbols and images in the works of authors, in general, indicates the existence of an ideal world beyond reality. The meaning of symbols and symbolism is understandable to us when we can fully understand the structure of the symbol because if we stop at one meaning or concept of the symbols and do not try to discover other dimensions of the symbols, we cannot claim to understand them. 3.2. Symbolization and initiation What lies in the idea of the symbolism of initiation is the expression and value of the first appearance and the first manifestation of everything, which makes it possible to express the return to the origin and living in the time when the universe appeared, and the capacity of symbolic initiation allows the novice and the beginner to get rid of a mental and inner state and to understand and recognize the reality and objectivity of his personal experiences. Meaningful components of any ritual are the symbols and codes that form the basis of the components of the initiation. These components together with metaphor, simile, allusion, and recognition in the mind of the author, who also takes them from his community and group, narrating them in a story. A ritual symbol is not like a literary symbol in which there is a substitution and analogy between words, but it is an image that restrains and stabilizes the subconscious mental force and has a hidden and unknown aspect, and is a personal experience and a state of mind and individual attraction. 3.3. Story and basis of the introduction What is remarkable in this discussion is the preservation of all forms of rites of passage in the story to which the opposite meaning is imposed. Propp calls this semantic opposition "reversal." The plot of the story is inversely related to reality and shows that the plot of the evolutionary method does not arise from the direct reflection of reality, but is born from the negation of the plot of the story. 3.4. Ascents and descents Literature has four main narrative currents. First, descent from the upper world, second, descent into the underworld, the third, the ascent from the underworld, the fourth, ascent to the upper world. All stories arise from the fusion or metaphorical separation of these four (radical) narratives in literature. 3.5. Symbolization of initiation in Darabnameh Using symbols such as ascent and descent, magical flights, entering the land of the talking tree, entering and leaving the dark caves by ladder, abandoning the child in the mountains and his raising by an animal, going to the darkness for immortality, passing through Mount Qaf, etc., each of which is considered a journey for the hero and a complete test for dying in one stage and being reborn in the next stage for the hero and they all can be seen in Darabnameh of Tarsus. The following section discusses the basic symbolic concepts associated with the discussion of initiation. 3.5.1. Cave The element of the cave in philosophical and religious traditions is very noticeable and can be seen in the myths of rebirth and the rites of initiation in many societies. The idea of the protagonist passing through the cave as a transferring means to enter the underworld can be examined in the category of transitional stages. 3.5.2. Well The well has a sacred state in all traditions because it is a combination of three cosmic orders: the sky, the earth, and the underworld, and the three elements of water, earth, and wind. The well is a way to connect the three, on the other hand, the well is a microcosm. Through the well, communication is established to the place of the dead. Entering the abyss or deep well, which is reminiscent of a ritual hut in the ceremony of burial and mystery-learning, and leaving it, is a symbol of rebirth. Conclusion By examining the principles of the initiation and its symbolism in primitive and ancient cultures, it can be deduced that their purpose is to express the human condition of the early age and his attitude and belief in immortality and rebirth. Entering the underworld and ascending to the supernatural world is followed by perfection for the protagonist of the story, which is the meaning hidden in the initiation. Upon entering the underworld (the world of the dead), the hero encounters the truth of his existence and uses the origin of man to achieve prosperity and spontaneity and to enjoy the freedom and liberation that he lost after the fall of man. The symbolism of the cave and other symbolisms in Darabnameh, such as entering and leaving the well and climbing the mountain, illuminates that the symbol of the "cave" in Darabnameh is one of the main images of the story and in the form that the hero enters the cave, disappears then reappears by climbing a ladder or an opening in the roof of the cave and can be defined as reaching a level of spiritual evolution. The hero's spiritual evolution is a kind of achievement from self-awareness to unconsciousness and gives meaning to the sacred space and place and "centrality" in the story. The result is a return to his group and association for the sake of helping, which is the main meaning behind the visit.

In order to provide a reassessment of the Neotropical genus Pseudonannolene Silvestri, 1895, a cladistic analysis, biogeographic analysis, and taxonomic review were conducted in the present work. For the cladistic approach, 91 morphological characters were scored for 53 terminals as the ingroup and 10 as the outgroup. Three synapomorphies support the monophyly of the genus: presence of a longitudinal suture on the promentum, penial bases partially fused, and the internal branch of the gonopods surrounding the telopodite; and two homoplastic transformations: the lateral lobe of the collum densely striated and setae present up to the apical portion of the prefemoral process on the first leg-pair of males. The genus Pseudonannolene is recovered as sister-group of Epinannolene Brölemann, 1903 (Pseudonannoleninae). A total of 226 occurrence points were recorded for Pseudonannolene, with the majority of records from the Chacoan subregion, composed by Araucaria Forest, Atlantic, and Parana Forest provinces. The biogeographical searches using the Geographically explicit Event Model recovered two biogeographic reconstructions (cost of 79 000), with the vicariance events occurring more frequently in the deep clades, whereas sympatry and points of sympatry occurred in more inclusive clades. The first reconstruction recovered four vicariances, 13 sympatries, 4 points of sympatry, and 21 founder events, and the second reconstruction recovered four vicariances, 12–13 sympatries, 4–5 points of sympatry, and 21 founder events. The genus Pseudonannolene comprises 56 species, including 8 new species herein described: P. alata sp. nov., P. aurea sp. nov., P. bucculenta sp. nov., P. curvata sp. nov., P. granulata sp. nov., P. insularis sp. nov., P. morettii sp. nov., and P. nicolau sp. nov.; P. brevis Silvestri, 1902 and P. rugosetta Silvestri, 1897 are regarded as species inquirendae; a neotype of P. alegrensis Silvestri, 1897 is here proposed with male described for the first time. The following taxa are synonymized: P. canastra Gallo & Bichuette, 2020 and P. saguassu Iniesta & Ferreira, 2013 with P. ambuatinga Iniesta & Ferreira, 2013; P. marconii Iniesta & Ferreira, 2013 with P. longicornis (Porat, 1888); P. chaimowiczi Fontanetti, 1996, P. gogo Iniesta & Ferreira, 2013, P. rosineii Iniesta & Ferreira, 2014, P. taboa Iniesta & Ferreira, 2014, and P. longissima Iniesta & Ferreira, 2014 with P. microzoporus Mauriès, 1987; P. tricolor gracilis Brölemann, 1902 and P. tricolor rugosus Schubart, 1945 with P. tricolor Brölemann, 1902; P. auguralis Silvestri, 1902 with P. rocana Silvestri, 1902; and P. abbreviata Silvestri, 1902 with P. typica Silvestri, 1895. P. inops Brölemann, 1929 is proposed here as new status from P. bovei inops. A dichotomous identification key is presented to facilitate the species identification.

A new Gammarus species is identified based on the specimens collected from the Morca Sinkhole, which was discovered in 2019 in Anamur District, South of Türkiye. Eleven individuals belonging to the newly identified species were collected from the siphon located at the end of the sinkhole (-1260 m). The newly identified species can be distinguished by the following character combinations and morphological features: blind, colorless (unpigmented) and completely setae-covered body. Setae are not only on the surfaces of the meta- and mesosome segments, they are also present on the head, coxal + epimeral plates, and basal segments of the pereopods V to VII. Some tiny formations (aesthetascs?) on the flagellar segments of antenna I were also noted. The mouthparts of the holotype male were photographed, and the remaining extremities were drawn in detail. The morphology of the new species is compared with its relatives and a list of the covernicolous amphipod species of Türkiye was also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stygobiont species show common, typical traits derived from their adaptation to subterranean life. Due to the general absence of light in cave environments, the majority of them are eyeless. Although the absence of eyes generally does not allow them to perceive luminous stimuli, some stygobionts still present phototaxis. Previous studies determined that different species of the eyeless amphipod crustaceans of the genus Niphargus are able to react to light; this has been interpreted as an adaptation to avoid dangerous surface habitats, even if recent studies suggest that this could also be an adaptation to exploit them when a situation is less dangerous (i.e., during the night). Niphargus thuringius is a stygobiont amphipod that can also be observed in spring environments despite possessing all the main morphological features of subterranean organisms, such as depigmentation and a lack of eyes. In the present study, we test how the species respond to light stimuli according to the light cycle and predation risk experienced during a conditioning period. We assessed the reactions to light stimuli of adult individuals of N. thuringius after 30 days of rearing in microcosms with different conditions of light occurrence (total darkness or a light/darkness daily cycle) and predation risk (without predators, with one predator, and with two predators). Both light stimuli during the test and rearing conditions affected the behavior of Niphargus thuringius. With light stimuli, individuals presented a strong photophobic response. Moreover, individuals reared in conditions of high predation risk preferred a more sheltered environment during behavioral tests than individuals reared in safe conditions. Our results add a new species to those of stygobiont amphipods known to display negative phototaxis, confirming that this pattern is widespread and conserved in the field. N. thuringius could be a good candidate model to perform further studies aiming to assess if differences occur between spring populations and populations present in deeper groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La Cueva del Viento is a volcanic lava tube located in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands, Spain). Its touristic section, 180 m long, receives more than 28,200 visitants each year. According to the European and Spanish legislation, a radon monitoring program is required to minimize the radon exposition of workers, tourists, and cavers. In this work, we studied the radon concentration dynamics in the touristic section of the cave for ca. 1 year, using both passive and active radon detectors. Pluviometry and external air temperature played an important role in the seasonal and daily variations of indoor radon concentrations. Daily fluctuations during the dry season were analyzed using time series (Box‐Jenkins methodology) and frequency analysis (Fourier and Wavelet transforms) methods. The experimental radon time‐series was well‐fitted using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model: Seasonal Auto‐Regressive Integrated Moving Average (2,0,1) (2,1,0)24, and its value, in a short‐time window (ca. 1 week) was conveniently forecasted. Finally, this work revealed that the annual effective doses received, during the observation period (1 year), by the touristic guides and visitors was ca. 2 mSv/yr and 4 μSv/hr, respectively. We concluded that the touristic exploitation of La Cueva del Viento is safe for both tourists and guides. However, based on our results, La Cueva del Viento had to be classified as a "Monitoring zone" and a regular monitoring program should be implemented. Plain Language Summary: La Cueva del Viento, a volcanic lava tube located in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands, Spain), receives more than 28,200 visitants each year. With 18.2 km in length, it is the sixth longest volcanic tube on Earth. In this work, we studied the radon concentration in the touristic section of about 180 m for ca. 1 year. The radon showed a complex dynamic behavior, with a clear seasonal component (lower values during the wet season and higher during the dry season). Based on the radon concentration profile we concluded that the touristic section of the volcanic tube was well ventilated and presented lower radon values than other adjacent parts. During this study, the radon concentration in the touristic sector ranged from 100 to 5,000 Bq/m3. Rain, temperature, and soil humidity played an important role in the in the behavior of the radon concentration in the long and short term. The present study revealed that the annual effective doses received by the touristic guides is ca. 2 mSv/yr, meanwhile the effective dose for the visitants was approximately 4 μSv/hr. From a dosimetric point of view, the exploitation of the La Cueva del Viento is safe for tourists and tour guides. Key Points: A radon monitoring program was implemented for 1 year in "La Cueva del Viento," radon concentration ranged from 100 to 5,000 Bq/m3Pluviometry and air temperature are the main external factors, and a Seasonal Auto‐Regressive Integrated Moving Average model described the radon time‐series in the dry seasonThe annual effective doses received by the touristic guides was ca. 2 mSv/yr [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have installed an add-on Cave Mapper to the 3DCG software Blender for image processing of threedimensional (3D) data obtained by Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey. Cave Mapper is an add-on tool that assists in merging individually scanned 3D data, creating user-defined section, and reducing file size. In this paper, we explain how to introduce Cave Mapper to Blender and how to read 3D data on Blender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used Polycam as a three-dimensional scanning application for Light Detection and Ranging （LiDAR） survey with an iPhone Pro to create detailed cave maps. In this paper, we explain the overall process of LiDAR survey using Polycam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a Light Detection and Ranging(LiDAR) measurements using iPhone Pro for Nanakubo-no-michiana Cav(e limestone cave), which contains an almost horizontal passage of approximately 12 m in length. We used the three-dimensiona(l 3D) scanning application Polycam for LiDAR measurements to obtain 3D data. In addition, Cave Mapper was added to Blender 3.0.1 as a supplementary add-on tool for cave profile illustration. Cave maps, including plan views, longitudinal- and transversal cross-sections, were created using Blender. LiDAR technology on an iPhone is valuable for surveying caves, mainly when the cave features tight and cramped passages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of the Lathrobium nomurai group are (re)described: Lathrobium nomurai Nakane, 1955, L. fujimotoi Y. Watanabe, 2001, L. hikosanense Y. Watanabe, 1998, L. yufuense sp. nov., and L. denchu sp. nov. All species inhabit the upper hypogean zone or are found under stones in the northern Kyushu, Japan. Their distribution patterns are discussed and compared to other members of this species group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new sympatric isopod species of the genus Castellanethes (Olibrinidae) are described from caves located in the Western High Atlas of Morocco. Both species present troglomorphic traits, such as the absence of body pigmentation and eyes and are, therefore, considered cave-dwelling species (troglobitic). Castellenethes ougougensis sp. nov. was found in five caves, while C. ighousi sp. nov. is an amphibious species found in only two caves, which also harbour populations of C. ougougensis sp. nov. Additionally, notes on their habitats are provided, as well as a discussion on their conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidophilic bacteria and archaea inhabit extreme geochemical "islands" that can tell us when and how geographic barriers affect the biogeography of microorganisms. Here, we describe microbial communities from extremely acidic (pH 0 to 1) biofilms, known as snottites, from hydrogen sulfide-rich caves. Given the extreme acidity and subsurface location of these biofilms, and in light of earlier work showing strong geographic patterns among snottite Acidithiobacillus populations, we investigated their structure and diversity in order to understand how geography might impact community assembly. We used 16S rRNA gene cloning and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to investigate 26 snottite samples from four sulfidic caves in Italy and Mexico. All samples had very low biodiversity and were dominated by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in the genus Acidithiobacillus. Ferroplasma and other archaea in the Thermoplasmatales ranged from 0 to 50% of total cells, and relatives of the bacterial genera Acidimicrobium and Ferrimicrobium were up to 15% of total cells. Rare phylotypes included Sulfobacillus spp. and members of the phyla "Candidatus Dependentiae" and "Candidatus Saccharibacteria" (formerly TM6 and TM7). Although the same genera of acidophiles occurred in snottites on separate continents, most members of those genera represent substantially divergent populations, with 16S rRNA genes that are only 95 to 98% similar. Our findings are consistent with a model of community assembly where sulfidic caves are stochastically colonized by microorganisms from local sources, which are strongly filtered through environmental selection for extreme acid tolerance, and these different colonization histories are maintained by dispersal restrictions within and among caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryogenic cave carbonates have been described from several formerly or presently glaciated karst caves. In most of these occurrences, they precipitated as loose grains or aggregates with various morphologies and sizes. Here, we report on a new speleothem type (cryogenic ridges) identified in Sohodoalele Mici Cave (SW Romania) within a large chamber near the entrance shaft. This study was motivated by the presence of a network of calcite ridges over the stalactites' surface and by the observation that during winter, these speleothems are covered by a thin ice layer. The higher δ18O (-3.5 to -1‰) and δ13C (0 to 7‰) values found in the calcite ridges relative to δ18O (-7.5 to -4‰) and δ13C (-9 to -2‰) values of calcite from the inner stalactite indicate that the ridges are of cryogenic origin and formed during relatively rapid carbonate precipitation associated with evaporative cooling and freezing of the water. Four U-series ages suggest that the stalactites with ridges formed during cold winters of the Holocene, when cave air temperatures dropped below freezing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clastic sediments that accumulate in cave settings can be an important storage reservoir for organic carbon. This study reports on grain size, total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations, and total organic carbon: total organic nitrogen (TOC:TON) ratios measured in sediments from two caves in Puerto Rico. El Tallonal Cave (TAL) is a small cave with a flowing stream; the sediments in TAL were collected from a deposit that is being actively eroded. Clara Cave (CAM) is an upper level of the Río Camuy Cave System; the sediments from CAM were newly deposited by an internal river that rose in response to Hurricane Maria. Sediments collected from both caves were poorly sorted and contained no apparent stratigraphic correlation. CAM sediments contained a larger range in TOC concentrations but were overall lower than TOC in the TAL sediments. In TAL, the TOC concentrations were higher in sediments collected from below the erosional terrace. TOC:TON ratios from sediments at both caves were highly variable, highlighting the heterogeneous deposition and storage of organic matter. Despite the observed variation, TOC concentrations in both cave systems could cause retardation of organic contaminants by up to two orders-of-magnitude, implying that deposited sediments influence the fate of organic contaminants in the groundwater; therefore, cave sediments could facilitate long term storage of organic carbon and associated contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]