speleology
Study of caverns
Speleology is the scientific study of caves—their formation, structure, physical properties, and the organisms that inhabit them.
The term also covers recreational cave exploration, though enthusiasts often prefer the informal *spelunking* or *caving*.
Her speleology research focused on underground river systems.
Enclosed room or cavity
- grottoSmall scenic cavern
- subterraneanBeneath earth's surface
- passageSegment of text
- gallerySpace for displaying artwork
cavern · siphon · void · darkness · humidity · pool · stream · entrance
Hanging cave mineral deposit
- stalagmiteUpward-growing cave deposit
- flowstoneCalcite sheet from seepage
- dripstoneCave mineral deposit
- calciteCrystalline calcium carbonate
column · curtain · moonmilk · boxwork · popcorn · shield · travertine · crystalline
Eroded soluble rock terrain
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- sinkholeUnderground collapse crater
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- dolomiteCalcium magnesium carbonate mineral
geomorphology · hydrology · aquifer · dissolution · bedrock · stratum · groundwater · tectonics
Sport of exploring caverns
- expeditionOrganized exploratory journey
- headlampForward-facing vehicle light
- ropeThick twisted fibers
- descendMove to lower position
ascend · survey · mapping · traverse · pitch-dark · rappel · squeeze · crawlway
Accumulated bird droppings
- roostingSettling to sleep aloft
- colonyDependent territorial settlement
- hibernaculumDormant animal's seasonal shelter
- chiropteraScientific name for bats
echolocation · nocturnal · hibernation · insectivorous · emergence · megabat · microbat
Carvings on natural stone
- pictographsSymbols depicting concepts visually
- paleolithicEarliest tool-making period
- excavationAct of unearthing
- artifactsHuman-made historical objects
stratigraphy · prehistoric · neolithic · carbon-dating · cave-dwelling · Lascaux · Altamira · cave-paintings
chamber
Enclosed room or cavity
- grottoSmall scenic cavern
- subterraneanBeneath earth's surface
- passageSegment of text
gallery · cavern · siphon · void · darkness · humidity · pool · stream · entrance · temperature
stalactite
Hanging cave mineral deposit
- stalagmiteUpward-growing cave deposit
- flowstoneCalcite sheet from seepage
- dripstoneCave mineral deposit
calcite · column · curtain · moonmilk · boxwork · popcorn · shield · travertine · crystalline · eccentric
karst
Eroded soluble rock terrain
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- sinkholeUnderground collapse crater
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
dolomite · geomorphology · hydrology · aquifer · dissolution · bedrock · stratum · groundwater · tectonics · marble
caving
Sport of exploring caverns
- expeditionOrganized exploratory journey
- headlampForward-facing vehicle light
- ropeThick twisted fibers
descend · ascend · survey · mapping · traverse · pitch-dark · rappel · squeeze · crawlway · passage
guano
Accumulated bird droppings
- roostingSettling to sleep aloft
- colonyDependent territorial settlement
- hibernaculumDormant animal's seasonal shelter
chiroptera · echolocation · nocturnal · hibernation · insectivorous · emergence · megabat · microbat
petroglyphs
Carvings on natural stone
- pictographsSymbols depicting concepts visually
- paleolithicEarliest tool-making period
- excavationAct of unearthing
artifacts · stratigraphy · prehistoric · neolithic · carbon-dating · cave-dwelling · Lascaux · Altamira · cave-paintings · paleoanthropology
cavefish
Eyeless aquatic cave dweller
pallid · endemic · invertebrate · isopod · amphipod · ecosystem
speleologyaerology
Study of atmospheric properties
meteorology · astronomy · atmospheric science · glaciology · oceanography