Speleology

Speleology (from Ancient Greek σπήλαιον (spḗlaion) 'cave' and -λογία (-logía) 'study of') is the scientific study of caves and other karst features, as well as their composition, structure, physical properties, history, ecology, and the processes by which they form (speleogenesis) and change over time (speleomorphology).

Speleology is a cross-disciplinary field that combines the knowledge of chemistry, biology, geology, physics, meteorology, and cartography to develop portraits of caves as complex, evolving systems.

Before modern speleology developed, John Beaumont wrote detailed descriptions of some Mendip caves in the 1680s.

In 1895 Martel founded the Société de Spéléologie, the first organization devoted to cave science in the world.

Examples include deer which fell through a sinkhole, frogs swept into a cave by a flash flood, etc.

Cut off from the sunlight and steady deposition of plant detritus, caves are poor habitats in comparison with wet areas on the surface.

Dam construction, limestone quarrying, water pollution and logging are just some of the disasters that can devastate or destroy underground biological communities.

[7] Speleologists also work with archaeologists in studying underground ruins, tunnels, sewers and aqueducts, such as the various inlets and outlets of the Cloaca Maxima in Rome.