Spelology Caves and the Cave Environment

by George W. Moore and G. Nicholas Sullivan

Book Overview

This newly-revised edition of a classic introduction to speleology covers the latest discoveries about the mysterious world of caves. Drs. Moore and Sullivan are among the founders of modern cave... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0939748452
• ISBN13: 9780939748457
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Cave Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Science and Truth behind the cave Environment

If you want to know what it is that makes up a cave, get this guide. Included in this book are facts about cave biology, chemistry of the cave, geological assessments that grandly improve your knowledge of the world of caves. Don't believe me? You'll be amazed how many different caves are in your backyard, and you'd want to know what to expect before venturing and exploring it for yourself. Contrary to popular belief, there are living animals that reside where the sunlight does not touch and how simply made or delicate they may be. Not only that, you'll find out much more that is quite intriguing about caves. I understand this is a simple review in comparison to others, in truth here is the reality behind the science.

An intelligent, well-detailed introduction to caves

This book explains the geology and biology of caves, and how they have been used by human beings. The authors explain the details very well, drawing upon lots of interesting examples of caves from around the world and providing useful illustrations, charts, and photographs throughout the book.In the section on limestone formations, they explain why most limestone caves have been formed by slowly moving water in a thin horizontal zone directly below the water table. They examine scallop formations, carbon dioxide content, calcite solubility and other factors. (Sandstone caves, sea caves and lava tubes are covered just briefly.)There is some good coverage about water movement through caves, the growth of speleotherms, and how to date caves and cave deposits. There is a table provided that lists the secondary minerals found in limestone caves and the caves they can be found in. You will also learn about cave temperatures, relative humidity, and how different karst formations are related to the nature and distribution of the soil in different climatic zones. There is also a section about the many cave dwelling micro-organisms, troglobites, and vertebrates. It explains their evolution, adaptation to the cave environment, and how they fit into the food chain.

Good Introduction to the Foundations of Cave Science

This book is the classic introduction to cave sciences. Written for the lay person, but with plenty of scientific specifics. Caving is a very young science. This book was written many years ago, and much has been added to our knowledge of caves. Every serious caver starts with this book, though.

An easy to understand introduction to cave sciences

Anyone interested in learning more about caves will want this book. It is easy to read, yet introduces cave science (Speleology) in a clear and logical way. Even a layman like me can understand it. It is beautifully illustrated with detailed diagrams and striking drawings.Both cave geology and cave biology are covered. You will find answers to questions like how caves are formed, why some caves breathe in and out, how stalactites and stalagmites develop, what kind of animals live in caves, and why some cave animals are blind. The authors were pioneers in modern cave research. They have spent a lifetime studying and exploring caves, and write about the subject with style and authority. Main sections are: Caves as Natural Laboratories, Origin of Caves, Characteristics of the Underground Atmosphere, Growth of Stalactites and Other Speleothems, Behavior and Products of Cave Microorganisms, Habits of Cave Animals, Evolution of Blind Cave Animals, Uses of Caves, References and Related Readings, Caves in the U.S. Open to the Public, Index. David McClurg, author of Adventure of Caving, a how-to book on cave exploration.