Speleologie

Speleology, or speleologie in French, is the scientific study of caves and karst systems. It encompasses their formation, distribution, morphology, mineralogy, chemistry, and ecosystems. The field is multidisciplinary, drawing on geology, hydrology, geomorphology, biology, paleontology, chemistry, and archaeology to understand subsurface environments and their interactions with the surface.

Research in speleology includes cave surveying and mapping, study of speleothems such as stalactites and stalagmites, and investigation of cave hydrology and groundwater flow. It also covers the biology of cave-adapted organisms, microclimate and climate records preserved in cave deposits, and the processes of speleogenesis—the formation and development of caves.

Modern speleology has roots in the exploration efforts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, notably by Édouard-Alfred Martel, and subsequently gave rise to dedicated societies and international collaboration. The International Congresses of Speleology and national cave-science organizations have fostered exchange of methods and data.

Applications include groundwater assessment and protection, cave conservation and monitoring, paleoclimate reconstruction, and informing safe access for visitors and researchers. Ethical and safety considerations, as well as legal protections for fragile karst environments, guide ongoing practice in the field.