spelæology

Spelæology, or speleology, is the scientific study of caves and cavernous environments. It encompasses the origin, development, and distribution of caves (speleogenesis and karst processes), their geology, hydrology, geochemistry, and paleoclimate, as well as cave biology, archaeology and paleontology, and the human use and management of subterranean spaces. The field also includes the exploration, surveying and cartography of caves, and the conservation of cave ecosystems and cultural resources.

Researchers employ field observations, cave surveying and mapping, dating techniques, sedimentology and geochemistry, hydrological monitoring, and increasingly digital tools such as geographic information systems, 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. Safety, risk assessment, and rescue are central to practical cave work, along with ethical considerations regarding disturbance of fragile cave habitats.

Historically, speleology emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a distinct scientific and exploration activity, with investigators studying cave formation, fossils, and hydrology rather than mere exploration. Today the discipline is international in scope, with national and regional societies promoting exploration, research, education, and conservation.

Caves host a variety of environments and formations, including karst caves formed by dissolution of soluble rocks, lava tubes, and ice or glacier caves. Common features include speleothems such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, as well as underground rivers, bat populations, troglobitic organisms, and relic artefacts. Spelæology informs water-resource management, hazard mitigation, and biodiversity and cultural heritage conservation.