Speleologico

Speleologico is an Italian term used to describe anything related to speleology, the scientific study of caves and karst environments. The term derives from speleo-, meaning cave, and -logia, meaning study. In practice, speleologico is used to characterize research, expeditions, equipment, or organizations devoted to cave science.

Speleology is interdisciplinary, combining geology, hydrology, biology, archaeology, and paleontology. Common activities include cave surveying and mapping, stratigraphic and mineralogical analyses, exploration, and the study of cave ecosystems. Advanced work may involve cave diving, cave rescue, microclimate measurements, and the assessment of groundwater resources and pollution pathways. Protecting cave environments and their hydrological systems is a central concern.

Modern speleology developed with organized exploration in the 19th and 20th centuries; Édouard-Alfred Martel is commonly regarded as a pioneer in the field.

Organizations play a key role in coordinating research and exploration. The International Union of Speleology (UIS) coordinates international activities, and the International Congress of Speleology (ICS) is the major international conference for the field. Many national societies also exist, including Italy’s Società Speleologica Italiana.

See also: Speleology, Caving, Karst, Speleothems.