Caves and karst: Worlds within worlds across time
Karst aquifers are the world's most productive yet vulnerable groundwater systems, serving as the sole or primary water supply for more than one billion people worldwide. Karst systems have evolved dynamically across time, reflecting changes in climate and regional tectonism and the subsequent crustal scale hydrologic responses invoked by these processes. Caves are widely recognized as important geological features and, with karst, as distinctive and significant geologic systems covering approx. 20% of Earth's land surface.
The appreciation and knowledge of cave and karst systems have evolved dramatically since the establishment of The Geological Society of America (GSA) in 1888. Across time, geoscientists' understanding of the complexity of groundwater flow within karst and epikarst systems drives them to examine more deeply such processes as heterogeneous flow processes, contamination studies, and hazard assessment.
Cave deposits are some of the richest and most diverse sources for geological, archeological, and biological discoveries. Cave fauna and microorganisms offer startling insights into geological processes while pointing the way toward finding extraterrestrial life.
This Special Paper, edited by Joshua M. Feinberg of the University of Minnesota, Yongli Gao of the University of Texas at San Antonio, and E. Calvin Alexander Jr. of the University of Minnesota, highlights the changes in the study and application of cave and karst systems since GSA's origin, while looking ahead to future advancements.
This well-illustrated, 19-chapter volume can be purchased through The Geological Society of America's online store or by contacting GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org. Book editors of earth-science journals/publications: please request a review copy by contacting April Leo, aleo@geosociety.org.
Provided by Geological Society of America
