speleology

Speleology is the scientific study of caves and karst systems, including their formation, structure, geology, hydrology, biology, archaeology, and paleontology. It treats caves as natural laboratories that preserve records of Earth history and processes. The term derives from the Greek spele, meaning cave, combined with -logia, study.

Historically, modern speleology began in the late 19th century with Édouard-Alfred Martel, who organized methodical cave exploration in France and abroad. The field expanded to systematic mapping, hydrological studies, and the study of cave-dwelling organisms.

Methods and subdisciplines include cave surveying and mapping, speleogenesis (the formation of caves), karst science, speleology of lava tubes and sea caves, biospeleology (cave biology), and paleontology. Practitioners use ropes, harnesses, lighting, surveying equipment, and, in submerged settings, cave diving.

Key features within caves include speleothems such as stalactites and stalagmites, flowstones, and rimstone. Caves host specialized life forms called troglobionts and troglophiles that have adapted to permanent darkness.

Significance and conservation: Speleology contributes to groundwater resource understanding, monitoring of karst aquifers, paleoclimate reconstructions, archaeology, and biodiversity. Ethical fieldwork emphasizes cave protection, minimizing disturbance to formations and ecosystems, and respecting cultural artifacts.