Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science

Extensively illustrated with over 500 photographs, maps,diagrams, and tables, this unique reference source offerscomprehensive coverage of this fascinating subject. TheEncyclopedia's 350 alphabetically arranged entries cover awide range of topics, including biospeleology (by organism and byhabitat); geoscience; cave archaeology and human use of caves; caveart; cave and karst history; hydrology and groundwater;conservation and management; and exploration, equipment, andrescue.Many entries are devoted to important sites across the world,from individual caves such as Mammoth Cave (the world's longestcave) and Krubera (one of the world's deepest), through key regionssuch as the Dinaric karst and the Gunung Mulu World Heritage Site.The book also features broader examinations of cave and karstgeography within individual countries and continents.Written by an international team of experts, the essays progressfrom general concepts toward deeper understanding, explainingjargon for the non-specialist. Each essay is fully referenced, withsuggestions for further reading and cross-references to relatedarticles. Thematic content lists and a comprehensive indexfacilitate easy searching and browsing.A wide-ranging and up-to-date reference work, theEncyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science is an ideal sourcefor students and researchers, as well as professionalhydrogeologists, planners, environmental scientists, andconservationists. It is also a perfect starting point for caveexplorers or any general reader with an interest in caves.http://cw.routledge.com/ref/caves/index.html