13 Forum TH EuroSpeleo Sofia, Bulgaria€¦ · editorial team on writing, information gathering, and design of the content: Antoniya Vlaykova, Angel Ivanov, Stanimira Deleva, Tsvetan

EuroSpeleo Forum 13 TH

Sofia, Bulgaria2019

90 years of organized speleology in Bulgaria(A brief history and main achievements of Bulgarian cavers and speleology) .................5Rebuilding of the organization, founding of the register and the rescue team (1959 – 1979) ....8Towards new deeper underground horizons with the SRT ............................................................10Bulgaria in the international caving organizations .....................................................16Some significant scientific and applied achievement of the Bulgarian speleology ....... 17

45 years of cave rescue in Bulgaria ... 19First Period (1964 – 1973) ................................21Second Period (1973 – 1985) ..........................22Third period (1985 – now) ................................22

cave rescue .................................................25History of UIS Cave Rescue Commission .......25

cave exploration & expeditions ...........27Bulgarians in Gouffre Berger – 1969 ...............28Discoveries of new salt caves at Sedom salt diapir, Dead-Sea, Israel ................29The expedition to resurvey the longest salt cave in the world, Malham cave, Mt Sedom – Israel ............................................31Speleological explorations in Croatia (2009-2019) ......................................................32Speleological explorations of Croatian Northern Velebit karst .......................................34International expeditions 2017 and 2019 to the Serra da Bodoquena, SW Brazil ...........35Explorations of the Balkan Caves - Devon Caving club .......................................................36Speleological research in Laos, 2015-2019 ..........................................................37

The longest lava tube caves of Southeast Asia - Tan Phu and Krong No Volcanic in southern Vietnam .............................................................39

Speleological research in Thailand, 2006-2019 .........................................................40

Baishan 2018/19 - Reconnaissance expedition to Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, NE China ....42

Exploration of the caves in Banski suhodol circus in North Pirin, SC Helictit - Sofia and SCC Akademic – Sofia ....................................43

Exploration of the caves in the region of the village of Karlukovo by the cavers of the caving club Helictit - Sofia ...............................44

Recent speleological explorations in NW Vratsa Mountain .........................................45

Morca 2019 - a short summary of the expedition ..........................................................46

CaveSurvey project, surveying caves with common hardware ............................................48

Karst and Speleology in the South Caucasus of Armenia ........................................................49

Karst and Cave Conservation in Myanmar ......51

cave geology, geomorphology and geography of Karst ........................52

Wonders and remarks of Bulgarian caves and karst ...........................................................53

Caves and karst of the Djerdap aspiring Geopark – research and management challenges .........................................................54

Morphological analysis of 3D subsurface structures with the use of a handheld laser scanning system. The case study of Koutouki Cave, Peania, Greece. ......................................55

“The Caves” - the first periodical on karst and caves in Russia .................................................56

Tides of Adriatic Sea in the caves of Classical Karst: The case of Pozzo dei protei di Monfalcone (Italy) .............................................57

issued by: Bulgarian Federation of Speleology

[email protected]

Bulgarian Federation of Speleology Vasil Levski Blvd. 75 1142 Sofia, Bulgaria

editorial team on writing, information gathering, and design of the content: Antoniya Vlaykova, Angel Ivanov, Stanimira Deleva, Tsvetan Ostromski, Yavor Shopov

cover photos: Big entrance of Prohodna cave, descending with flags during celebration of 85 years anniversary

of organized speleology in Bulgaria, 2014. Photo Tsvetan OstromskiCave Rescue Exercise in Balabanova dupka Cave during 11th European Cave Rescue Meeting in

Bulgaria, 2017. Photo: Sigurður Ólafur SigurðssonProhodna cave – “Oknata” geological phenomena. Photo: Yavor Shopov

design of the cover: Antoniya Vlaykovaprint design: Svetla Tihova

EuroSpeleo Forum 2019 is financially supported by the KP-06-MNF-12 (15.07.2019) contract between the National Science Fund - Bulgaria and the Geo-logical Institute of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Contents

cave Biology / Bio speleology .............59Study of the nutrient contribution of cave bat colonies to surface ecosystems ......................60Underground Habitats as a Unit for Conservation of Vulnerable Bat Communities in South-Western Kyrgyzstan ...........................61Biospeology in Kyrgyzstan ...............................62Intelligent Virtual Personal Assistant for Bat Scientists ...........................................................63Biospeleology in Germany Methods to increase public and specialist interest ............................64Microbial life in Brazilian caves: reporting the structure of bacterial communities ..................65Humidophila brekkaensoides (Bock) Lowe, Kociolek, J.R.Johansen, Van de Vijver, Lange-Bertalot & Kopalová: aerophytic diatom from the caves of Serbia.......................................................... 67Samar Cave: seasonal analysis of phototrophic microorganisms, ecological and biofilm parameters ........................................................68

cave protection .........................................69Clean Up The Dark – а Proposal For а European Network For Cave Cleaning And Protection ..........................................................70Mapping and valuing karst underground geodiversity in cave Lokvarka, Croatia ............71Introduction of schoolchildren to field work on karst and caves ................................................726th EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium “Underground Biotope and Geotope; Best Practice of Protection” ......................................73Karst and Cave Conservation within the Sustainability Goals of the United Nations ......74Book about caves and karst of Costa Rica ......75

symposia .......................................................76symposium on “techniques for remote location of unknown underground cavities” ..............................................................77Tracing of the Groundwater Flowing out of Kolkina dupka Cave, Zimevitsa, Bulgaria ........77Dye Tracing Below the Visibility Threshold .....78

The International Program on “Techniques for Remote Location of Caves” (RLC) of the International Union of Speleology (UIS) and Bulgarian project related to it ...........................79Remote Location of Caves by Thermal Cameras ............................................................80Remote Location of Caves on Mars and the Moon - First Step to the Settlement on other Planets ..............................................................81First Application of Near Infrared Imaging for Remote Location of Caves ...............................82Development of Technology for Remote Location of Unknown Underground Cavities and Deep-Seated Rockslides by Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) .................................................83symposium “cave climate and paleoclimate – Best record of the global change iv“ ..........84On the Possibility to use 13C Speleothem Records for Determination of Total Freezing of the Ground during Glaciations .........................84The role of Heinrich 5 climatic event on human migration: A high resolution speleothem record from southern Turkey .......................................85Overview of environmental research in Croatian karst and its implications for paleoenvironmental reconstructions ................86Age Determination of Speleothems from Mishin Kamik Cave, NW Bulgaria ....................87Solar activity effects on cave temperature regimes during five solar cycles (1968 - 2018) ....................................................88Main physical processes and phenomena causing periodic changes in the cave microclimate ......................................................892nd eurospeleo show cave symposium ........90Show caves of the Czech Republic – what visitors do not see ............................................90Show caves in Bulgaria a s objects for study trips and expeditions of students in tourist specialties .........................................................91Symbols, myths, and images of the underworld in the arrangement and operation of show caves .................................................................93program 26-29 september 2019 .................95

90 years of organized speleology in Bulgaria

(A brief history And mAin Achievements of bulgAriAn cAvers And speleology)

National Caving House “Petar Tranteev”, Karlukovo

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The year 1929 is considered as the birthday of the organized caving and speleology in

the country, when the First Bulgarian Caving So-ciety was found. The idea behind this society appeared about 50 years earlier, right after the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman empire. Earlier information about Bulgarian caves had been reported mainly by travelers, clerics and merchants. The first known written description of a Bulgarian cave is from 1640 in a manuscript kept in the Vatican library. It is written by Petar Bogdan (1601–1674), a patriotic Bulgarian, his-toriographer and a diplomat, a Catholic bishop and the first archbishop in Bulgaria, the author of the first Bulgarian history (from 1667, a cen-tury before those of Paisij Hilendarski).

Soon after the Liberation of Bulgaria in 1878 sev-eral the scientists pointed their attention towards the caves already known by locals and easy to access, and began their exploration. The first troglobites were described by Hungarian biolo-gist Edward Merkel in the Central Balkan moun-tain. The works of the archeologists brothers Karel and Herman Skorpil are rich of information about various Bulgarian caves (“Underground re-sources, found in whole Bulgaria” – 1882, “Nat-ural resources of whole Bulgaria” – 1884, and esp. “Krazh features in Bulgaria”, 1900). In 1891 the first archeological excavations in caves be-gan around Dryanovo.

From the beginning of XX century are the first ge-ological, hydrogeological and geomorphological studies of the Bulgarian karst (made by Georgi Bonchev, Petar Petrov, Zheko Radev). The sys-tematic biospeleological studies in Bulgaria were founded by acad. Ivan Buresh in 1922.

The First Bulgarian Caving Society (1929 – 1949)The First Bulgarian Caving Society was foundеd on 18 March 1929 in the Museum of Natural History in Sofia. The act gathered specialists in different branches of speleology and cave en-thusiasts and was initiated by the hydrogeologist eng. Petar Petrov. Botanist Prof. St. Petkov was elected as the first chairman of the Society. The society had regional branches in Rakitovo and

Book “Krazh features in Bulgaria”, issued in 1900 by Karel and Herman Skorpil

Dryanovo (and some others for a short time). The society had a lot of activities in the years before WW2. One of its most active members was the prominent archeologist Rafail Popov (1876 – 1940), director of the National archeo-logical museum in Sofia.

Мid and Late Paleolithic remains, as well as a full skeleton of a cave bear had been found in “Bacho Kiro” cave by a large Bulgarian-British expedition in 1936. In 1937 “Bacho Kiro” was opened for tourists, becoming the first show cave in Bulgaria.

In 1949 the society was terminated by the com-munist party due to the change of the political system in Bulgaria.

In 1958 the Committee for Cave Tourism was founded as a branch of the Bulgarian Tourists Union. Later on, it became National Committee of Caving and Cave Tourism (1963), Bulgarian Federation of Caving (1972), Bulgarian Federa-tion of Speleology (1991). Three main periods can be marked within the last 60 years.

Prof. Stefan Petkov, chairman of the First Bulgarian Caving Society

Acad. Ivan Buresh in Dushnika cave, 16 October 1940

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reBuilding of the organization, founding of the register and the resCue team (1959 – 1979)

The 20 years (from 1959 to 1979) were a pe-riod of rapid development of the organization. The popularity of caving grew fast and, respec-tively grew, the number of cavers. The number of caving clubs/sections exceeded 50 in the whole country. A lot of large caves were waiting for their explorers at that time, it was necessary just to ask locals to show them. Acknowledged leader of the caving society in this period was Petar Tranteev, “The Herr” (1924-1979).

In 1972 the Main Register of Bulgarian Caves was created, administrated by eng. Radush Radushev – “Uncle Radush” (1911–1991). The register set some standards on the quality of survey and documentation of new caves. For the purpose of the register Vladimir Popov proposed in 1976 zoning of the karst in Bulgaria, based on geological and geographical continuous struc-tures and features. Bulgaria was partitioned into 50 karst regions within the 4 physico-geograph-ical areas. By the end of 1979 more than 2800 caves were put in the register.

Bulgarian cavers participated in many interna-tional expeditions and events. They became well known with their research and sport achieve-ments in the largest caves in the world. Since 1967 Bulgarians have participated regularly in explorations of the longest gypsum caves in Ukraine.

In 1969 a Bulgarian expedition to the deepest cave in the world at that time – Gouffre Berg-er was organized. Two participants succeed to reach the bottom of the cave at -1122 m – Annа Taparkova and Petar Beron. With this decent Annа Taparkova became the first woman in the world to reach such a depth underground.

In 1973 a Bulgarian expedition to the new deep-est cave in the world Pierre Saint-Martin (-1171 m), was organized. Three persons (Anna Tapark-ova-Pencheva, Vasil Nedkov and K. Yonchev) from the team succeed in reaching the bottom

Petar Tranteev, “The Herr”

Gouffre Berger expedition, 1969

Descending in Lednicata Cave, 1962

of the cave doing the travers through Tête Sau-vage. Anna became the first woman to reach the bottom of Pierre Saint-Martin.

The first scientific experiments by Bulgarian cavers, staying in a cave for a long time in isolat-ed constant environment and collecting medico-physiological data for their adaptation, were done in 1971 and in 1977 respectively. Four men (Ivan Petrov, Georgi Yolov, Georgi Trichkov and Dimitar Zhishev) took part in the first 30-day experiment, which took place in Topchika cave near Dobro-stan in 1971. The second such experiment took place in the cave Desni Suhi Pech near Dolni Lom in 1977. Two cavers, Alexey Jalov and Stefan Tsonev, spent 62 days underground, the longest such experiment in Bulgaria up to now.

The beginning of the organized cave rescue in Bulgaria was set on 31st October 1974 at the constituent assembly in Sofia. Petko Ned-kov was the first chairman of the Emergency Rescue Squad having Trifon Daaliev and Vasil Stoitzev as deputies.

The biospeleologist Petar Beron was а part of the team in a 5-month British speleo-expedition in Papua New Guinea, 1975.

Annа Taparkova became the first woman in the world to reach -1122 m underground, Gouffre Berger expedition, 1969

Participants of 30-day experiment, which took place in Topchika cave near Dobrostan in 1971

Alexey Jalov and Stefan Tsonev, spent 62 days underground in cave Desni Suhi Pech near Dolni Lom in 1977, the

longest stay in Bulgaria up to now.

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towards new deeper underground horizons with the srt

This period (1980-1993) began with the adaptation of the Single Rope Technique on national level and the unification of the rigging standards. Two manu-als on this technique were published and helped a lot in that direction: “Vertical Speleology” by Mike Meredith (translated in Bulgarian) and “ABC of the Single rope technique” by Petko Nedkov. Thanks to the new technique and the better training of the cavers, some of the most difficult caves were ex-tended and new passages were found. There were not so many unexplored open entrances anymore, but many new were revealed by digging.

This period is marked also by the first steps and successes of the cave diving in Bulgaria, where leading role had Studenets caving club in Plev-en. Unfortunately, some terrible diving accidents occurred as well (Popov Izvor – 1981, Urushka Maara – 1989).

In 1980 Bulgarian Federation of Speleology or-ganized the European Regional Conference of Speleology of UIS, with 250 participants from 17 countries. It created a bridge between cavers from both sides of the iron curtain, which was an important step for consolidation of the European speleology.

In 1980 the Museum of Speleology and Bulgar-ian Karst was built in Chepelare, which is the only cave museum in Southeastern Europe. Great merit for this act had Dimitar Raychev – “The Sir” (1922-2002), a teacher from Chepelare and a person, devoted all his life to the speleol-ogy and the caves in the Rhodopes.

In 1981 the National Caving House “Petar Tran-teev” was built in a reach of the karst phenom-ena area near Karlukovo. Its purpose was to serve as a training and assembly base for all cavers in Bulgaria.

The international recognition of the Bulgarian speleology was growing. Up to 1989 the biggest national and international expeditions were sup-

Jean Bernard expedition, 1984

U-56 (Sima de las Puertas de Illaminako Ateeneko Leizea) expedition.

Certificate, issued for BU-56 expedition.

ported financially by the state, many ambi-tious expeditions were conducted in Aus-tria, Cuba, Greece, Vietnam, India, USSR, France, Spain, etc.

In December 84, during a Bulgarian expe-dition to Jean Bernard (the deepest cave in the world at that time with -1358 m) four people succeed to reach the bottom of the cave – Senko Gazdov, Krasimir Petkov, Valeri Mirchev and Tsvetelin Mirchev.

Two expeditions were organized in 1986 to Snezhnaya cave -1370 m (the second deep-est cave in the world at that time). The first expedition included only 5 cavers from Bul-garia and all of them (Orlin Atanasov, Kamen Bonev, Yuli Yuliev, Rozalin Stanchev and Filip Filipov) succeed to reach the Hall X at the bottom parts of the cave.

The main goal of the second expedition was to pass the traverse Mezhonnogo-Sn-ezhnaya. Mezhonny is the upper level of the system and the denivelation of 1370 m is measured from that entrance. Two wom-en – Anna Pencheva and Diana Pencheva reached the depth of 1355 m (Hall X at the bottom parts of the cave), where the col-lapse stopped them to reach -1370 m. They entered through the Mezhonny entrance to the bottom of Snezhnaya together with Kiril Ivanov and exited through Mezhonny. This was enough for a new woman deep descend world record. Vladimir Grancharov and Ivan Angelov traversed through the entrance of Snezhnaya to the Hall X and exited through Mezhonny. Nasko Lambov accomplished a descent to the Hall X from the entrance of Snezhnaya and returned back.

22 years later (December 2008 – January 2009) Teodor Kisimov participated in an ex-pedition to Illyuzia-Mezhonnogo-Snezhnaya (second deepest cave in that time) and reached the bottom -1753 m from Illyuzia en-trance. After more than 20 years this expedi-tion made new discoveries at the bottom: The Throne Hall and The lake of Al. Morozov.

Maya Arapit expedition, Albania

Team of 2013 Radohines expedition, Albania

In 1997 Emiliya Gateva spent alone 52 days in compete isolation in the 100-meter deep cave Pticha dupka in Troyan Balkan.

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It is fair to give a due tribute to the considerable success of the Bulgarian cave divers abroad, crowned by the penetration of the siphons in the giant Spanish pothole BU-56 (Sima de las Puer-tas de Illaminako Ateeneko Leizea). Three Bul-garian expeditions were held in 1986, 87 and 88. As a result on September 11, 1987 the depth of the pothole Bu-65 reached 1408 m after success-ful dive of Ilko Gunov, Milen Dimitrov and Valentin Chapanov and for some time the system was the second deepest in the world.

In 1989 the expedition in Algeria was conducted and three people – Orlin Atanasov, Martin Tran-teev and Rosen Piskov reached the bottom of Anou Boussouil Cave -805 m. This is the onlyBul-garian expedition in such a deep African pothole.

Contemporary period

The period after 1993 began with a deep eco-nomic crisis in Bulgaria with an impact to the whole society and its activities. Many clubs ter-minated or strongly decreased their activities. In the new century some of them were restored and some new were founded. The Bulgarian Federa-tion of Speleology became an independent, non-profit organization, not as previously a part of the Bulgarian Tourists Union. Difficulties to find funding changed the style of our expeditions, they became shorter but more intensive, with less but capable and strongly motivated people.

Priority in the international calendar was given to closer and perspective destinations, mainly on the Balkans.

Since 1991 systematic cave exploration expedi-tions have been organized in Albania, including systematic studies of karst and ethnology in the mountainous area of Golo Brdo, area inhabited by ethnic Bulgarians. Great support to the Bul-garian cavers, esp. in organization and logistics of these expeditions from Albanian side was given by Prof. Gezim Uruci (1949-2012) from the University of Skoder “Luigj Gurakuqi”. As a result of explorations 1991-2019 more than 100 caves were found. The deepest one is BB3-30 with -610 m, Cave Ru (-574 m) is with the big-

Teodor Kisimov with Russian team in The Throne Hall, with a length of over 300 m, a width of over 100 m and a height of 40 m, just discovered during expedition in Illyuzia-Mezhonnogo-Snezhnaya Cave, 2008-2009.

EGMA (-1429 m) expedition, 2004

Mapping in Ru Cave, Albania

together with Turkish and Ukrainian cavers (at most, 5 – in Aladaglar 2008). Teodor Kisimov reached the bottom of the caves: Kuyu Kule -832 m in 2006 and Kuzgun -1400 m in 2013. In the beginning of September 2019, three cavers from Bulgaria: Teodor Kisimov, Dilyana Hristova and Georgi Berov participated in the Morca ex-pedition in Turkey, where the depth of 1240 m has been reached (just preliminary calculated number, the exact depth is subject to official confirmation). With this Georgi Berov became the youngest Bulgarian caver to descent below 1000 m underground.

In 2004 four Bulgarians participated in an inter-national expedition to Jama na Vjetrenom Brdi-ma Montenegro. Encho Enchev and Zhelyazko Mechkov rigged the way to the bottom (it was the first descend after 1986 to the bottom of the cave). During this expedition and previous in 2002 (led by ASAK- Beograd caving club), the cave was re-surveyed, (using more precise instruments), which showed that the previous mappings had a considerable mistake, about 120 m. The correct depth of the cave is -775 m.

Bulgarian cavers participated in the exploration of the deepest cave in the world at that time Krubera-Voronya in 2005 and 2013. Two cavers reached the bottom at -2080 m in 2005 Teodor

G. Berov and D. Hristova, Morca expedition 2019

Teodor Kisimov and Konstantin Stoilov at the bottom of Krubera-Voronya in 2005 at -2080 m.

gest vertical pit in Albania -360 m and 21st in the World; Cave Maya Arapit, which entrance is on the foot of Maya Arapit peak (2217 m), so called Albanian “Matterhorn” is with +387 m and -26 m and is still object of explorations. Shegan spring was explored to a length of 86 m and up to the depth of 64 m by Orlin Kolov and Alex Kirov.

In 1997-1998 Tsvetan Ostromsky (during his post-doctoral research in Purdue University, In-diana, USA) participated in the exploration and surveying of new parts in the longest cave in the world – Mammoth Cave System (by now 640 km. long), in Kentucky, USA and other caves in MCNP, joining several expeditions of the Cave Research Foundation (CRF).

In 1997 Emiliya Gateva spent alone 52 days in compete isolation in the 100-meter deep cave Pticha dupka in Troyan Balkan. This was the third experiment of this kind in Bulgaria, following the experiments in Topchika (1971) and in Desni Suhi Pech (1977), but the first with just one per-son and the first accomplished by a woman.

Bulgarians took part in the exploration of the deepest cave in Turkey, EGMA (-1429 m) in 2004 and 3 people reached the bottom – Teodor Ki-simov, Konstantin Stoilov, Svetlomir Stanchev. Other three participants reached about -1300 m: Tsvetan Ostromski, Nikolay Tomov and Nikolay Kamenov. In the following years several Bulgar-ian cavers participated in expeditions in Turkey

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Kisimov and Konstantin Stoilov. Later on, in 2013 Teodor Kisimov reached -2145 m, this is the maximum depth reached by a Bulgarian caver, and Konstantin Stoilov descended to -2080 m.

Bulgarian-Russian expedition to Sarma Cave (-1549 m at that time) was organized in Decem-ber 2007 – January 2008 with the purpose of continuation of explorations at the bottom and in the unexplored sections of the cave in order to increase its depth and bring it to the fore-front among the deepest caves in the world. Five people reached the bottom: Zhelyazko Mechkov, Pavlin Dimitrov, Aleksander Kolev, Igor Runyashki and Svetlomir Stanchev.

Bulgarians participated in the explorations of the Deepest pits of Dinaric karst: expedition in Lukina jama -1421 m in 2010 (all 4 participants reached the dry bottom at -1368 m), Velebita -1026 m (the cave with the greatest free fall vertical pit in the world -513 m) in 2012 (again all 9 participants reached the bottom) and Slo-vachka jama -1324 m in 2017. Four Bulgarian cavers succeed to reach the bottoms of all of these caves: Antoniya Vlaykova, Encho Enchev, Vladimir Georgiev and Yavor Tzvetanov.

Since 2015 the Bulgarian speleologists Stanimi-

Part of the team of Sarma Cave expedition, December 2007 - January 2008

For the 10th anniversary of Caving Club and Speleo School Sofia, A. Vlaykova, E. Enchev, Vl. Georgiev and Y. Tzvetanov descend to the dry bottom of Lukina jama on -1368 m (the cave is -1441 m and ends with siphon)

Successful end of the expedition 2019 “Malham Cave Project – The Longest Salt Cave in The World”, Israel

ra Deleva and Angel Ivanov are actively involved in the development of the cave exploration and biospeleology in Costa Rica with a long-term research and conservation project, focused on bats and cave fauna.

Bulgarian cavers, together with Israeli research-ers and an international team surveyed the long-est salt cave in the world – Malham in Israel (about 10 km), as a result of two expeditions in 2018 and 2019.

Systematic research in a series of expeditions is still going on in Austria. The history of the Bulgarian explorations in the Tennengebirge massive in Austria started in 1980. In the years between 1980 and 1983 our teams explored more than forty vertical caves ranging from small ones to maze ones with a depth close to -600 m. All of these were wet and cold alpine caves, with entrance shafts often filled by snow and ice. A total of 3252 m depth of caves was dis-covered and surveyed. The deepest caves were: S1 (-584 m), S2 (-460 m), S20 (-374 m). The explorations stopped in 1983, but later continued at the 30th anniversary, in 2013 with a small re-connaissance trip to get to know the area. For the past six years (2014-2019), there have been new discoveries – about 2000 m in total of depth was surveyed. Cave S20, discovered in 1983, is now -570 m with still unreached bottom.Photos of Tennegebirge expeditions 1980-1983, Austria

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Bulgaria in the international Caving organizations

In 1965 Bulgaria became one of the founding countries of the International Union of Speleol-ogy (UIS). Throughout the years Bulgarians have

significant contribution to the work and repre-sentatives in the governing bodies of some of its commissions. From 1993 up to now Yavor Shopov is a president of Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst Commission of UIS.In 1980 Bulgarian Federation of Speleology or-ganized the European Regional Conference of Speleology of UIS, with 250 participants from 17 countries. It created a bridge between cavers from both sides of the Iron curtain, which was an important step for consolidation of the European speleology.

The International Cave Rescue School in Vratsa was organized in 1988 by the Bulgarian Fed-eration of Speleology in Vratsa. In 1989, Trifon Daaliev was elected as a secretary and in 1997 he was elected as a First Vice President of the UIS Cave Rescue Commission and he is still at the same post. In 1991, Bulgarian federation of Speleology hosted the International Cave Res-cue Conference.

In 2009 UIS granted the book “Caves and Spe-leology in Bulgaria” by P. Beron, Tr. Daaliev, A. Zhalov the UIS Award for „Most Significant Spe-leological Publication“.

In 2011 the 12th International Cave Rescue Con-ference was hosted in Bulgaria, Dryanovo with more than 100 participants from 15 different countries.

In 2016 Antonia Vlaykova became President of the European Cave Rescue Commission (ECRC) of the ESF.

The 11th European Cave Rescue Meeting took place in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2017, organized by Cave Rescue – Bulgaria on behalf of the Euro-pean Cave Rescue Association (ECRA).

Bulgarian Federation of Speleology is a mem-ber of the European Speleological Federation (ESF). Bulgarians are involved in a number of Euro Speleo Projects.

Bulgaria was an initiator and founder of the Bal-kan Speleological Union and hosted two of the Balkan Cavers camps (the 1st in Teshel – 2007 and the 10th in Vraca – 2016).

Tennegebirge expeditions 2014-2018

some signifiCant sCientifiC and applied aChievement of the Bulgarian speleology

Bulgarian biospeleologists have conducted re-searches in many countries, mainly in the Bal-kan Peninsula, but also in Cuba, Turkey, Tunisia, Vietnam, China, Mexico, Laos, Slovakia, Kenya, Tanzania and many others. They studied in more detail Corsica, Greece, Albania, and China in several expeditions with the participation of Petar Beron and Boyan Petrov.

After a series of catalogs by V. Georgiev and Petar Beron and two reviews in 1962 and 1994, in 2015, a monograph on the entire cave fauna of Bulgaria was published by Peter Beron. The book contains information about 866 species of animals from 813 caves. Many new species and families of animals have been found for the first time by Bulgarian biospeleologists. There are 90 new species and 7 families of animals, named after Peter Beron. In New Guinea, fundamentally new things have been identified - sea relicts on the mountain peaks, troglobions in cool caves around the equator.

During later archaeological excavations in Ko-zarnika cave near Gara Oreshets, some of the

earliest evidences of human habitation in Europe were found, dated 1 400 000 - 1 600 000 BP.

Series of valuable international events in the field of karst sciences were organized by teams of Bulgarian speleologists. Among them were the symposia on “Cave Climate and Paleocli-

Kolkina dupka Cave (-542 m), the deepest one in Bulgaria.

Peter Beron - biospeleologist, world-recognized scientist and long-time chairman of the Bulgarian Federation of Speleology. Thanks to his high spirit, he continues to be an active caver for over 50 years.

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mate – Best Record of the Global Change”, the schools on “Karst and Current Problems in Spe-leology”, a series of forums on “Protected Karst Territories” and many others.

The only lava tubes in Central and Eastern Eu-rope have been proven thanks to prolonged re-search of Boris Kolev on over 80 lava caves in the Rhodopes. Bulgarian speleologists discov-ered a cave of a new type of formation: corro-sion-erosion cave in gneisses.

Yavor Shopov discovered that luminescence has bands as thick as microns and that these indi-vidual bands represent an annual cycle - a phe-nomenon, named by Prof. S.E. Lauridzen “Shop-ov-bands”. Based on these observations several new methods were developed for study of cave processes in the past and a new scientific field was defined – Paleoluminescence. These stud-ies have attracted great interest of scientists from other areas to the study of processes in caves. Commission of Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst of the International Un-ion of Speleology (UIS) has implemented the in-ternational program on „Luminescence of Cave Minerals“, led by Yavor Shopov.

In 2013 the Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst Commission of UIS started International Programs on Remote Location of Caves (RCL) headed by Prof. Yavor Shopov (Bulgaria) and Dr. Ivo Baron (Austria) and International Program on Cave Research (IPCR) headed by Prof. Yavor Shopov (Bulgaria) and Dr. Giovanni Badino (Italy).

In 2015 Bulgarian speleologists Stefan Shanov and Konstantin Kostov published the monograph Dynamic Tectonics and Karst (in the series Cave and Karst Systems of the World by Springer).

In 2011 National Geographic Channel made a film based on research in Duhlata Cave, Bulgaria.

Bulgarian cavers developed some instruments and gadgets for cave exploration and cave res-cue (V. Markov, V. Gyaurov, N. Landjev, and oth-ers). Nikola Landjev developed and manufac-tured world class cave equipment known under his trademark “Landjoff”.

summaryCurrently there are more than 6000 documented caves in Bulgaria. There is still a lot to discover in many Bulgarian karst regions. The longest cave – Duhlata (18600 m) and the two deepest – Kolkina dupka (-542 m) and Banski Suhodol 9-11 (about -400 m) are still under exploration and can surprise their explorers at any time.

referenCes:V. Popov: Zoning of the caves in NR Bulgaria, 1976. (in Bulgarian)I. Petrov: Sky of stone. M&F, 1977. (in Bulgarian)A. Jalov, S. Tsonev: Days and nights under the ground. M&F, 1980. (in Bulgarian)A. Jalov, A. Taparkova-Pencheva, V. Peltekov, N. Genov, P. Nedkov, S. Gazdov, T. Daaliev: Bulgar-ians in the abysses of the world. M&F, 1986. (in Bulgarian)P. Beron, T. Daaliev, A. Jalov: Caves and Speleol-ogy in Bulgaria, Pensoft, 2006. ISBN 954642241XA. Jalov, Underground notebook. Sofia, 2005. (in Bulgarian)A. Addison, B. Osburn: Cartography and GIS Report 2006-2007 Mammoth Cave National Park, In: Cave Research Foundation 2006-2007 Annual Report, CAVE BOOKS, 2008, ISBN 978-0-939748-69-3Kiril Ivanov: The Abyss Snezhnaya, STENO, 2012. (in Bulgarian)J.A. Labegalini, A.A. Cigna, A.E. Romero, D. Ford, H. Trimmel, P. Forti, J. James, A. Eavis, K.S. Woo, C. Ek, P. Bosak, F. Nader, J.-P. Bartholeyns: Fifty years of the UIS. 1965–2015. Založba ZRC, 2015. ISBN 9612547858.S. Shanov, K. Kostov: Dynamic Tectonics and Karst. Cave and Karst Systems of the World, Springer, 2015. ISBN: 978-3662439913Lilia Ilieva: The First Tractate on Bulgarian History Found: Petar Bogdan, “On the Antiquity of the Fa-ther’s Land and on the Bulgarian Things”, Balkanic Forum ’18, No.1, 2018, pp. 98 – 103. ISSN 1310-3970.Website of Bulgarian Federation of Speleology: www.speleo-bg.org UIS Bulletin: http://www.uis-speleo.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=408 Chronology of expeditions to the system “Snezh-naya – Mezhnogo” 45 years of Cave resCue in Bulgaria

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Cave Rescue – Bulgaria is an independent non-government organization, which is a

member of the Bulgarian Federation of Speleol-ogy (BFSp) and operates together with it. Almost all of the cave rescuers are active cavers, mem-bers of caving clubs and the BFSp.

The main mission of Cave Rescue is to perform rescue operations in caves, tight spaces, can-yons and in other situations requiring specific skills. It also cooperates with organizations like the Civil and Fire Protection, Mountain rescue, etc., when there is a specific need.

The activities of Cave Rescue are fulfilled com-pletely voluntarily by cave-rescuers, who have completed specialized training courses in Bul-garia and abroad. The organization does not generate profit and it relies completely on sup-port by like-minded people, other organizations and companies.

Since its very beginning Cave Rescue have been handling cave rescuers training. The cave res-cue specialized courses have prepared more than 300 cave rescuers up to now and 70 of them are currently active members of the cave rescue team. The organization also have been contributing to laying the foundations of organ-ized cave rescue in other countries. Cave Res-cue trainings have been conducted of cavers from Russia, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, Geor-gia, Lithuania, Iran, Israel, Albania, and others. Cave rescuers have been conducting trainings of the rescuers from the Emergency and res-cue groups of National Civil Protection Service Directorate, part of Ministry of State Policy for Disasters and Accidents.

Cave Rescue have conducted training and actual rescue operations in dozens of caves throughout the whole country.

Cave Rescue maintains its international relations with similar organizations from other countries. Bulgarian cave rescuers participate in joint train-ing exercises in France, Slovenia, Croatia, Ro-mania, Serbia and others. They also improve their skills with different international trainings

Demonstration of rescue techniques – Kunino 1965. Photo: M. Kvartirnikov

Demonstration of rescue techniques - Lakatnik. Photo: M. Kvartirnikov

and participate actively in international cave res-cue conferences. Cave Rescue is a member of the “National Asso-ciation of the Volunteers in Republic of Bulgar-ia”, “European Cave Rescue Association”, and the “Bulgarian Federation of Speleology”.

the history of Cave resCue in Bulgaria Covers three main periods

first period (1964 – 1973)

Within the Republican expedition from 1st to 7th of April in the “Zadanen dol” – area near the village of Kunino, rescue techniques were dem-onstrated for the first time. What was specific for these techniques was the need of a large number of people and the presence of a lot of traction when using the ropes. During the same year also a Tirolean usage was demonstrated.On 8th of September 1965 the first fatal accident with a caver occurred in “Zmeyova Dupka” Cave, near Vratza town. This accident was the reason the Republican Commission of Caving and Cave Tourism to take the decision in 1966 of creating of rescue teams in all caving clubs throughout the country using the equipment which existed at that moment. Cave rescue demonstrations were included in the programs of the cave assemblies and the technical musters in the coming years. In 1967 rescue techniques were demonstrated where Alexis de Мartynoff was presented, who was the president of the UIS Cave Rescue Com-mission at that time. Dozens of demonstrations were conducted during this period without a spe-cialized and organized cave rescue organization.

Horizontal stretcher retrieval from the lake to a safe site, area of Bacho Kiro. Photo: T. Daaliev

Vertical retrieval of a victim using a “Cassine” stretcher. To protect the person in the stretcher we mounted two wheels to keep the stretcher off the rock and to protect the victim’s back. Photo: T. Daaliev

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second period (1973 – 1985)

In 1972 specialized rescue equipment was de-livered which allowed the conducting of the first specialized cave rescue course including 14 par-ticipants in the next year – 1973. In 1974 a second course was conducted with another 14 partici-pants. The trained 28 rescuers were the founda-tion of creating the Emergency Rescue Squad.The beginning of the organized cave rescue in Bulgaria was set on 31st October 1974 at the constituent assembly in Sofia. Petko Ned-kov was the first chairman of the Emergency Rescue Squad having Trifon Daaliev and Vasil Stoitzev as deputies. More courses were con-ducted and some of the existing rescue tech-niques were altered. Some of the cavers who completed the cave rescue courses participated in the expeditions to the deepest caves in the world at that time. Organized cave rescue was a fact during this period but a specialized cave rescue stretcher was missing. The one used was “Cassin” type, which was designed for rock res-cue but not suitable for caves.

third period (1985 – now)

During this period the rescue techniques and stretchers are already fully adopted to rescue op-erations in caves. From 1985 to 1992 a stretcher of a French type is used, created in Bulgaria. From 1992 to 1999 a stretcher developed and created by Nicola Landjev is used. In 2004 Vanyo Stanev remodeled 3 of the stretchers made in 1985. In 2006 Vanyo Stanev produces 3 new stretchers specifically designed for cave rescue. In 2011 he created a new model (https://caverescue.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/02-Bulgarian-Stretcher.pdf) which included significant improvements compared to the previous ones. In 2008 Cave rescue team obtained a 4x4 vehicle – Toyota Hilux as a targeted support by the exist-ing at that time Ministry of Emergency Situations.In 1988 Bulgaria hosted an International Cave Res-cue School in Vratsa and later in 1991, Bulgarian hosted the International Cave Rescue Conference.In 2011 the 12th International Cave Rescue Confer-ence was hosted in Bulgaria, Dryanovo with more than 100 participants from 15 different countries.

Tyrolean - Lakatnik. Photo: T. Daaliev

Demonstrations during the 12th International Cave Rescue Conference, cliffs near Bacho Kiro Cave.

Photo: A. Vlaykova

Cave rescue exercise in Balabanova dupka, part of the Photo: Sigurður Ólafur Sigurðsson

Participants of the 11th European Cave Recue Meeting. Photo: Elizaveta Rovkah

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In 2017 in Bulgaria the 11th European Cave Res-cue Meeting was conducted. In 1989, Trifon Daaliev was elected as a secre-tary and in 1997 he was elected as a First Vice President of the UIS Cave Rescue Commission and he is still at the same post. Since 2016 An-tonia Vlaykova is a President of the European Cave Rescue Commission of European Speleo-logical Federation. 3th Julty 2013 “Cave Rescue” was registered as independent nongovernmental organization. Be-fore that time Cave rescue team was part of Bul-garian Federation of Speleology. Cave Rescue keeps developing. New cave res-cue courses are held annually which complete the ranks of the squad. Training operations are being regularly organized where situations close to actual accidents are being simulated. The organization members international par-ticipation keeps growing in different activities abroad in Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Tur-key, Costa Rica, Spain and others. The collabo-ration with other government and non-govern-ment organizations and structures in the country is actively being worked on as well as updating and improving the regulatory base which defines all cave rescue related activities.

12th International Cave Rescue Conference, Dryanovo 2011. Photo: T. Daaliev

Petko Nedkov – the first chairman of the Emergency Rescue Squad, author of one of the most important speleology books in Bulgaria: “The ABC of SRT”

Тrifon Daaliev, dedicated his life to cave rescue, chairperson of Cave Rescue Bulgaria for many years and First Vice President of the UIS Cave Rescue Commission

history of uis Cave resCue Commission

Author:Gyula Hegedus

Organization:Hungarian Cave Rescue Service / Hungary

Section:Cave Rescue

Type:Oral Presentation

abstract:Cave Rescue Commission (CRC) is among the first commissions which is actively existing since the first steps of UIS. It was established by Alexis de Martinoff in 1965. Following presidents have continued his job to realize his dream on field of cave rescue. As main target the presidents pro-moted to organize regular meetings, congresses, or international conferences on the subject of the subterranean help. During second international meeting held in Mozet/Belgium in 1971, it was de-cided to organize every four years an international cave rescue conference. First meeting of cave doctors was held at Eisriesenwelt/Austria in 1975.

Nowadays CRC held conferences in different countries on four years and held commission meetings on the occasion of ICSes. Those meet-ings deal with differents topics of rescue activity like medical, technical, communication, respon-sibility, insurance policy, legal and other impor-tant aspects. Share the rescue informations and experiences among UIS member countries. Dur-

ing international meetings the participants did demonstrations and common trainings some-times. On the 11th International Cave Rescue Conference (ICRS) held in Aggtelek-Josvafo/Hungary in 2007 where 110 representatives of the 26 countries created the Aggtelek Agree-ment which consist certain basic recommenda-tions concerning cave rescue operations. That document may serve as support in negotiations between rescue manager and administration. Now it is functioning as UIS Governmental Rec-ommendation on Cave Rescues. Only 8 coun-tries were represented on the first international meeting about cave rescue held at Bruxelles and Han-sur-Lesse/Belgium in1963, but there were 110 participants from 14 countries at Vaumar-cus/Switzerland where the 13th ICRS was held in 2015. Last event was held on the occasion of the 17th ICS in Sydney/Australia where 23 cave rescuers participated and reviewed the activities of the past 4 years and defined the tasks ahead.

short bio of the presenter:Gyula Hegedus started his speleo career in 1972 when he was university student. At that time he has joined the Cave Session of Meteor Touristic Club and he is currently a member of the club, and member of presidency since 2008.A member of Hungarian Speleological Society since 1974 and he filled different positions dur-ing past decades as follows: secretary, member of education committee, member of disciplinary committee, member of supervisory board and member of presidency.

A member of Hungarian Cave Rescue Service

Cave resCue

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also since 1974 and he filled different positions in that organization and participated in approxi-mately 100 rescue operations. Currently he is re-sponsible for the international relationships.

Gyula Hegedus is working for Karst and Cave Foundation since 1995 and he is the president of that Foundation since 2000.

He has been elected as an adjunct secretary of Union Internationale de Spéléologie (UIS) during 17th International Congress of Speleology held in Sydney/Australia, 2017.

He was participant and lecturer of many domes-tic and international speleo events like confer-ences and congresses. He did caving activities in many countries like Australia, Austria, Bulgar-ia, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Ger-many, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK, USA, etc.

He wrote one book (about a huge cave rescue operation) and about 80 domestic and foreign publications and took lot of presentations during speleo events.

Cave exploration & expeditions

Brazil, river passage in Gruta Beija Florphoto Irina Ermakova

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Bulgarians in gouffre Berger – 1969

Author: Dr Petar Beron

Оrganization: Bulgarian Federation of Speleology

Section: Cave explorations and expeditions

Type: oral presentation

abstract:The first Bulgarian expedition in a pothole deep-er than 1000 m occurred in 1969 and was organ-ized by the speleoclub “Planinets” – Sofia. It was initiated by Ivan Rashkov and Nikolai Genov and consisted of 20 people, not all of them cavers. Until this expedition Bulgarian cavers were used to explore much smaller pot holes (under 242 m), and also much warmer. Nobody had seen descenders or other “modern” tools. Descending in caves was made using ladders, with somebody securing the person descending. When arriving at the entrance of Gouffre Berger, the deepest pothole known in the world (1122 m) at that time we met the French team of the Speleoclub of Seine and we decided to organize the descent together. Finally, the devices for descending were brought to us personally by Fernand Petzl, it was decided to combine Bulgarian ladders and French ropes and the attack started. We brought

down a huge rubber boat for the first lake and did many things which will seem funny to the modern cavers, using SRT. Finally, Bulgarians crossed for the first time the -1000 m barrier and reached the bottom of Gouffre Berger. It was ac-complished by Anna Taparkova (world record for women cavers, first woman crossing the -1000 barrier) and P. Beron. Ivan Rashkov was suffer-ing from an old trauma and had to return from -900 m. Otherwise the expedition completed without accidents and all participants returned very happy. This was the beginning of the series of Bulgarian expeditions to deep potholes.

short bio of the presenter:Dr Petar Beron is born in 1940, caving since 1955. Zoologist and bio-speleologist, one of the founders of the Bulgarian Federation of Speleol-ogy and President of the Federation for 32 years. He is now an Honorary President. Former Direc-tor of the National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Have explored caves and cave fauna in many countries, leader of Bulgarian caving expeditions in Cuba, China and Vietnam, author of many books and articles on caves and cave animals. Former member of UIS Bureau and President of Balkan Speleologi-cal Union.

disCoveries of new salt Caves at sedom salt diapir, dead-sea, israel

Author(s):Boaz LangfordIsrael Cave Research Center, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Earth Sciences Jerusalem, Israel [email protected] BuslovIsrael Cave Research Center, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Earth Sciences Jerusalem, Israel [email protected] LisovichIsrael Cave Research Center, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Earth Sciences Jerusalem, Israel [email protected]:Israel Cave Research Center, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Earth SciencesJerusalem, Israel

Section:Cave explorations and expeditions


abstract:Mt Sedom is an elongated salt diapir that ex-posed at the SW Dead-Sea shore. The diapir size is 11X1.5 km and it rises from -400 m (be-low sea level) up to -160. The area is extremely arid, with annual precipitation of 50 mm and annual precipitation-evaporation deficit of 2000 mm.Since the early 80’ cave surveys were made at the mountain, mainly by the Israel Caves Re-search Centre (I.C.R.C). About 193 caves, with more than 35 km of passages, are known to-day at the mountain boundaries. 84 of the caves found since the beginning of the last decay, dur-ing a new survey of the mountain. Several known caves remapped, after a changes that happened since the original discovery or according to the better mapping tools that are in use today (Fig 1). That include also Malham cave, the longest salt cave in the world, with total length of ~10 km.

Most caves are vadose allogeneic streams, with some rare phreatic chambers. The method dur-ing the 80’-90’ surveys, was follow streams with significant drainage basin. Therefore, small and local openings was missed. The current method includes a full survey of the entire area, as well as a revisit at known caves. The longest caves that mapped at the present work are as at the following table. The survey of Yonim cave is still in work and it seems that the cave will be the second longest in the mountain, with length esti-mation of ~2 km. 55 caves are still without map and some are also with no clear end. The fol-lowing years will be dedicated for the survey of those caves, as well as continue with surface survey of the mountain side slopes.

references:Frumkin, A., 1992. The karst system of Mount Sedom. (Hebrew): Jerusalem, The Hebrew Uni-

mailto:[email protected]



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versity of Jerusalem and the Society for the Pro-tection of Nature in Israel, Jerusalem, 216 pp.Frumkin, A., 2013. Salt karst. In: Shroder, J. (Edi-tor in Chief), Frumkin, A. (Ed.), Treatise on Geo-morphology. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, vol. 6, Karst Geomorphology, pp. 407–424.

short bio of the presenter:Boaz Langford is a researcher in the in the Is-raeli Cave Research Center (I.C.R.C), Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jeru-salem. Boaz work in cave surveys in Israel and other countries. In the last years Boaz cooperate with studies as: Hypogenic caves at the Negev desert, The longest salt cave on earth, The long-est caves in Israel, Roman period refuge caves in central Israel, Ancient copper mines in the Ar-ava Valley.

Vladimir Buslov and Yuri Lisovich are mem-bers in the in the Israeli Cave Research Cent-er (I.C.R.C). They lead a filed surveys through-out Israel, mainly at Peki’in, Meron, Sedom and Mt Hermon regions. At the last decade they found more than 500 unknown caves, includ-ing the deepest and the most intriguing caves of Israel.

cave name length [m] depth [m] Known /new discovery / resurveyMalham about 10 000 135 ResurveyYonim 1515 76 ResurveySedom 1799 85 KnownColonel 1448 127 KnownZehuhit 1135 82 KnownMetzah 846 50 KnownGulnazia 745 65 New discoveryNotza 731 91 ResurveyKirkas 671 50 ResurveyKarbolet 576 37.5 KnownPeteq 508 55.5 KnownKonus 485 55 New discoveryKolnoa 462 62 KnownHanit 426 110 New discoveryLehavim 402 22 KnownMifratzim 402 76 Known

Figure 1: Resurvey of Notza cave, after a discovery of a new passage

the expedition to resurvey the longest salt Cave in the world,

malham Cave, mt sedom – israel

Author:Yoav Negev

Organization:Israeli cave explorers club



abstract:Since the completion of its first mapping and un-til 2006, Malham cave in Mount Sedom was con-sidered to be the longest salt cave in the world. In 2006, an Iranian-Czech team that worked on the island of Qeshm in Iran published a map of a salt cave called 3N, whose measured length ex-ceeded the measured length of Malham Cave by hundreds of meters and turned it into the long-est salt cave in the world. From then until 2019, Cave 3N held the title of the world’s longest salt cave. In 2018 and 2019, in two expeditions of 10 days each, an international effort that included

dozens of Israeli cavers and dozens more from 6 European countries we mapped and measured more than 10 kilometers and the title “The long-est salt cave in the world” was returned to Mal-ham cave.

short bio of the presenter:Yoav Negev is the founder and chairman of the Israeli cave explorers club and the founder of the Israeli cave rescue team. Yoav was one of the organizers and leaders of the expedition to resurvey Malham cave along with Boaz Langford from the Israeli Cave Research Center (I.C.R.C) and Tony Vlaykova from Caving club and speleo school “Sofia”, Bulgaria. Yoav is one of the lead-ing members of the Israeli speleology community.

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speleologiCal explorations in Croatia (2009-2019)

Author:Marko Rakovac

Organization:Speleological Section PDS Velebit, Croatia



abstract:The Dinaric Karst covers about 45% of Croatian territory. It is characterized by mountains up to 1800 meters above sea level and numerous speleological facilities with various hydrological characteristics. It has been 27 years since the discovery of the deepest Croatian pit, Lukina jama (-1441 m), on Velebit mountain. Velebit un-

derground is characterized by extremely vertical and spacious channels. Through various speleo-logical and scientific researches, two more spe-leological facilities going below one thousand meters have been discovered. Discovery of the largest underground vertical drop in the world – Divka Gromovnica (P514) motivated speleolo-gists to intensify exploration of this very karsti-fied area. If we go further south, we will arrive at Crnopačke vrleti, where the largest underground system in the Dinaric Karst (40km) and the larg-est underground system in Croatia is located, which is accessible throughout the year. Going past Velebit, we come to Dinara and Biokovo mountains which, because of their roughness and inaccessibility, often make it impossible for speleologists to uncover all their underground secrets. Croatia, where about ten thousand spe-leological objects have been documented, still has many unexplored areas and eagerly awaits those who want to discover its underworld.

Mokre noge. Photo: Marin Glušević

references:Bakšić, D., Bakšić, A., Bedek, J., Ozimec, R., Paar, D., 2004: Speleološka ekspedicija „Velebita 2004“, Izvješće SO PDS Velebit, Zagreb, 1 – 39Bakšić, D., Bedek, J., Bakšić, A., 2005: Speleološka ekspedicija „Velebita 2005“, SO PDS Velebit, Za-greb, Izvješće, 1 – 25Buzjak, N., Paar, D., Bakšić, D., 2011: Snow and ice in speleological features of Dinaric Mountains in Croatia, u: 8th EGU General Assembly, Geophysi-cal Research Abstracts: Zbornik sažetaka, EGU, Wien, 13.Čepelak, M., Bakšić, D., Paar, D., Malenica, M., Mudronja, L., Patarčić, I., 2008: Speleološka eks-pedicija „Velebita 2008“, Izvješće SO PDS Velebit, Zagreb, 1 – 20Paar, D., Buzjak, N., Bakšić, D., Radolić, V., 2013a: Physical research in Croatia’s deepest cave sys-tem: Lukina jama – Trojama, Mt.Velebit, u: 16th International congress of speleology: Zbornik ra-dova – Volume 2 (ur.: Filippi, M., Bosák, P.), Brno, 442 – 446.Šmida, B. i sur., 1999: Velebit – Reportaž z ob-javovania hlbokych priepasti Chorvatska v rokoch 1990 – 1998 ( Velebit – Izvješće o istraživanjima dubokih jama Hrvatske od 1990 – 1998 godine), Slovenska speleologicka spoločnost, Prešov, 1 – 118Rakovac, M. i sur., 2018., Slovačka jama 2015.-2018., u Velebitenu: izvješće SO PDS Velebit, Za-grebŽeleznjak, R., Mudronja, L., 2012: Speleološka ek-spedicija „Velebita 2012“, U: „Istraživanja dubokih jama Nacionalnog parka Sjeverni Velebit“ 2012, Izvješće SO PDS Velebit, Zagreb, 7 – 24Rnjak G.(urednik), 2017., Speleologija; PDS Velebit, Hrvatski planinarski savez Komisija za speleologiju, HGSS, SD Velebit; 2017., ZagrebBasara D., 2003: Speleološka ekspedicija Crikve-na 2003 + jama Sbardella (izvješće ekspedicije), SOPD Dubovac, 2003, Karlovac

short bio of the presenter:Marko Rakovac acts like a president od Cave rescue commission of Croatian Mountain res-cue service and vice president of Commision of speleology of Croatian mountaineering as-sociation. He was involved in the main cave expeditions and explorations in Croatia in the past 10 years.

Rigging narrow passage in Slovachka jama Cave, about -1250 m, on the way to Raining door (Kishna vrata)

Siphon on the bottom of Slovachka jama – 1321 m

Descending the pit “All over the world” in Slovachka jama Cave

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speleologiCal explorations of Croatian northern veleBit karst

Author:Marina Grandić

Organization:Speleological Section PDS Velebit, Croatia



abstract:The Northern Velebit National Park area is part of one of the most attractive karst complexes in the world – the Dinaric karst region, which spreads across several countries east of the Adriatic Sea. The area of the National park, no-tably the Hajdučki Kukovi strict reserve, is char-acterized apart from exceptional surface biodi-versity and geodiversity by a very high surface density of caves, mostly pits. Some of them have the world’s largest subterranean vertical drops, big chambers, snow and ice, cave leeches and many other interesting properties. From the early 90s until the present day, more than 500 caves have been explored, among which are three pits deeper than 1,000 m, six pits deeper than 500 m and ten pits deeper than 200 m. Lukina jama–Trojama cave system (−1,431 m), currently the deepest known pit in Croatia and in the entire Di-naric karst region is found in this area. This year, during the International caving expedition “North-ern Velebit 2019” (ESP 2019-06), cavers from 8 different European countries and USA partici-pated in the research of Hajdučki kukovi, and continued an excellent international cooperation that was formed in previous years. New deep cave was discovered and researched, Nedam cave, currently 4th deepest cave in Croatia. The results of this expedition, as well as perspectives for future explorations will be presented.

references:1. Paar, D.; Buzjak, N.; Bakšić, D.; Radolić, V. (2013): Physical research in Croatia’s deepest

cave system Lukina jama-Trojama, Mt.Velebit // 16th International Congress of Speeleology, Pro-ceedings, Vol 2. / Filippi, Michal ; Bosak, Pavel (ur.). Brno : Czech Speleological Society and UIS. 442-4462. Bakšić, D-; Paar, D-; Stroj, A-; Lacković, D. (2013) Northern Velebit Deep Caves // 16th In-ternational Congress of Speeleology, Proceed-ings, Vol 2. / Filippi, Michal ; Bosak, Pavel (ur.). Brno : Czech Speleological Society and UIS, 24-293. Bakšić, D. & Paar, D., (2006): Croatia and the Deep Caves of Northern Velebit. Alpine Karst, vol 2., ed. J. & T. Oliphant, 105-124, Cave books, Dayton, USA.4. Buzjak, N.; Bočić, N.; Paar, D.; Bakšić, D.; Dubovečak, V. (2018) Ice Caves in Croatia // Ice Caves / Persoiu, Aurel ; Lauritzen, Stein-Erik (ur.). Amsterdam: Elsevier, str. 335-369.

short bio of the presenter:Marina Grandić, leader and coordinator of the International expedition 2019, has performed several functions as a member of her respective speleological society, and is currently in charge of the internal cadastre and acquiring speleo-logical literature. She has taken part in several international, as well as domestic events, and various research in the Dinaric karst area.

Underground bivouac at -300m in Nedam cave, National park Northern Velebit, photo: Domagoj Korais

international expeditions 2017 and 2019 to the serra da Bodoquena,

sw Brazil

Author:Michael Laumanns

Organization:Speleo Club Berlin, Germany



Abstract:The 2017 international speleological expedition to the Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, resulted in 11 mapped caves with a total of 2.6 km of underground passages. This includes Gruta Beija-Flor, which turned out to be a superb and sportive cave with a total length of nearly 1.4 km and a depth of 66 m. It is currently the 4th longest cave known in Campo Grande do Sul State. The cave is an active sinkhole that swallows the Beija-Flor river. Also, Gruta das Fa-das was extended by 500 m to a new length of 1.3 km.

The 2019 expedition only returned after the deadline for the abstracts of the EuroSpeleo Forum in Dolni Lozen. Thus, the results of this expedition can only be featured during the oral presentation.

short bio of the presenter:My first speleological excursions were made in 1981. From 1984-2009 I was a member of the editorial board of the German Speleological Federation (VdHK) and from 1990-2001 editor of the quarterly magazine of the Federation. Presi-dent of the Federation between 1994 and 2007.After a break in federation work between 2007-2010 I became responsible for foreign affairs in the German Speleological Federation in 2011. In 2013 the European Speleological Federation (FSE) at its General Assembly in Casola (Italy) elected me Vice-President of the FSE. I changed to the position of Vice-Secretary of FSE in 2016.

My first full scale international expedition was conducted 1988 in Turkey. Since then I partici-pated in many international expeditions to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

Since 2001 I am the publisher of the interna-tional cave expedition and documentation series “Berliner Höhlenkundliche Berichte”, which is re-leased in English language (http://www.speleo-berlin.de). So far 75 expedition reports, country monographs and regional atlases were released.Numerous presentations at international speleo-logical conferences were made. Over 200 spe-leological publications were released.

Brazil, Descent in Gruta Beija Flor, photo Irina Ermakova

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explorations of the Balkan Caves - devon Caving CluB

Author:Petr Barák

Organization:Devon caving club – Czech speleological society



abstract:Presentation summarizing our activities and most important results of more than 50 expeditions in Balkan countries since 2008 to present time.

Sites of our interest are in Montenegro, Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria.

references:Barák, P., Svoboda, T., Ponta, G. (2019): Ani-ney Mountains: Captare Cave (Pestera de la Captare) . — Caves and karst systems of Ro-mania (Ponta. G., Onac, B. – eds.), 227–232. Springer.Barák, P., (2014): Explorâri speologice ceheşti în vestul României. — Speomond 17, 25–27Kaman, V., Barák, P. (2013): Exploring of the Jasanka cave in Banat, Romania. — Proceedings of 16th International Congress of Speleology Volume 2 (Exploration and Cave Techniques), 161–164. Praha.Kaman, V., Sirotek, J., Barák, P., Pazderka, V.(2013): Expeditions to the Banát Mountains, Romania in 2011–2012. — Czech speleological society 2009–2012, 54–55. Praha.

short bio of the presenter:Petr Barák (*1986), speleologist interested about exploring new caves, countries, cultures. Focused on diving and less actively on single rope technics, mapping, photodocumentation, climbing, publishing. Favourite region is Balkan.

speleologiCal researCh in laos, 2015-2019

Author:Liviu Vălenaş

Organization:Speleological Club “Z”



abstract:The Speleological Club “Z” from Nuremberg, Germany, started speleological research in Laos in 2006. Since 2015, the research moved to an-other qualitative level and it organised 6 interna-tional expeditions. The expeditions have worked only in the provinces of central Laos: Khamm-ouane and Bolikhamsay. Bolikhamsay Province was a secondary field of activity, the longest surveyed cave was Tham Nang Pha Hong (215.3 m). Instead, the most searched province was Khammouane. In the area of Gnomalat City the most important caves surveyed were Tham Lod (1,310 m) and Tham Lom Yen (1,057 m); in the last cave, explorations will continue next year, 2020. The most intensive researches started in 2010 in the upper basin of the river Nam Don, in the area of Ban Na and Ban Phondou vil-lages. Near the last village, we explored and surveyed two caves exceeding 2 km long, Tham Dan Makhia (2,093 m length) and Tham Houay Sai (2,043 m length); the last one discovered this year, 2019. Tham Houay Sai is a unique and large gallery, which ends into a huge hall and a final sump. The research in both caves will go on. The base for all expeditions was the village of Ban Na. To the west of the Nam Don river is an isolated mountain, Pha Soung, meaning in translation: “The mountain that touches the sky“. So far no one climbed it. At the base of mountain, in 2009, it knew 5 caves (searched by one British and other two French teams), of

which the longest measures 1,827 m. In 2015, the Speleological Club “Z” searched again this mountain, already abandoned by speleologists, and managed spectacular junctions. So, it re-sulted the great cave system Pha Soung, with a development of 21,012 m. Also, in the same mountain, it discovered, explored and surveyed other 20 caves. Three of them are interesting: Tham Kammatan, a huge tunnel completed by a large maze (total length: 2,106 m), Tham Nam Kouan Moo Yo (an extreme maze, with very low galleries, total length: 1,705 m) and Tham Pha Kouan Moo (total length: 1,055 m). Unfortunate-ly, these spectacular caves could not join the Pha Soung system. The Pha Soung system is not only the third cave in Laos, but it is by far the most labyrinthine network. On only 1,100-m-distance it developed 21 km of galleries. The cave has 70 entrances! The cave network re-sults from the river Nam Don, which during the monsoon season floods the cavity and fills a closed polje, Kouan Moo. Pha Soung System is a typical deep-phreatique cave, with fantas-tic forms of corrosion. We discovered in 2018 in Pha Soung System one palaeontological deposit with petrified bones, and in Tham Pha Kouan Moo, 16 golden statues of Budha, dating from the 16th century. In 4 years, our club discovered in Laos 44 caves, which totaled 37 km of sur-veyed galleries.

short bio of the presenter:Liviu Vălenaş born in Brașov, România, on Feb-ruary 2, 1951. In 1975, he finished the faculty of geography at the Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj, Romania, with a diploma in karst geomor-phology. Between 1978 and 1979 he specialized in geomorphology and geochemistry of karst at the Silesian University in Katowice, Poland. Soon after ending of faculty, Muzeul Tarii Crisurilor in Oradea City, Romania – one of the largest muse-ums in România, employed him as a profession-al speleologist. In 1979, UIS – International Union of Speleology elected him to the commission of geochemistry and hydrogeology of the karst. He started the speleology as a child in 1959. In 1973, Liviu Vălenaş founded the speleological

38 39

club “Z” in Oradea City. In Romania he discov-ered near 800 caves, the largest caves being the Humpleu Cave, 36.2 km; Hodobana Cave, 22.2 km (the most labyrinthine limestone cave in Eu-rope); Zapodie System, 12.2 km, and so on. Liviu Vălenaş surveyed 120 km of galleries in various caves of Romania. After the fall of communism, he settled in Federal Germany. There, he reor-ganized the Speleological Club “Z” and reorient-ed exclusively to Indochina: Thailand and Laos. In Laos the most important achievement is Pha Soung System (21,012 m total length /2018). 100 specialized articles and 4 books on the geomor-phology of the endocarst materialized his sci-entific activity. Beginning 2016 he is editing the magazine “Caietele Clubului de Speologie “Z“, reaching actually the number 14.

Map of Pha Soung Mountain karst, Laos

Pha Soung System, Laos. Photo by Liviu Valenas.

Pha Soung System, Entrance no 1, Laos. Photo by Liviu Valenas.

the longest lava tuBe Caves of southeast asia - tan phu and krong

no volCaniC in southern vietnam





abstract:International expeditions in 2013, 2014 to Tan Phu and in 2018 to Krong No contributed to the exploration of the lava tube caves (pyroducts) in southern Vietnam, with C7 Cave (Krong No), resembling the currently longest Pyroduct of SE Asia (1,067 m long). The Krong No Volcanic Ge-opark strives to become a UNESCO Geopark. This presentation provides a thorough overview about the geosettings, exploration history, cave fauna and the expedition results.

references:Honda, T. & Tachihara, H. (2015): Vietnam Vol-canic Cave Survey. Newsletter of the UIS Com-mission of Volcanic Caves, 69, p. 11-12.Honda, T.; Tachihara, H.; La The Phuc; Luong Thi Tuat & Truong Quang Quy (2015): Vietnam Volcanic Cave Survey Project Report. Report to the Vietnamese authorities, 7 p., 9 cave surveys.Laumanns, M. (2014): Karst and Caves of South Vietnam. Part 2: Provinces of Dong Nai, Lam Dong and Quang Tri. Berliner Höhlenkundliche Berichte, 56, 49 p., many cave surveys; Berlin.

Laumanns, M. (2018): 2018 Cave Mapping Project to Krong No Volcanic Geopark, Dak Nong Province, Southern Vietnam. Newsletter UIS Commission on Volcanic Caves, 72, S. 7-13.

Laumanns, M. (Ed.) (2018): Karst and Caves of South Vietnam. Part 3: The Caves of Krong No Volcanic Geopark (Dak Nong province). Berliner Höhlenkundliche Berichte, 74, 70 S.; Berlin.

Laumanns, M. (2018): Vietnam. Krong No Vol-

canic Geopark, sud du Vietnam. Spelunca, 151, S. 3-4; Lyon.

short bio of the presenter:My first speleological excursions were made in 1981. From 1984-2009 I was a member of the editorial board of the German Speleological Federation (VdHK) and from 1990-2001 editor of the quarterly magazine of the Federation. Presi-dent of the Federation between 1994 and 2007.

After a break in federation work between 2007-2010 I became responsible for foreign affairs in the German Speleological Federation in 2011. In 2013 the European Speleological Federation (FSE) at its General Assembly in Casola (Italy) elected me Vice-President of the FSE. I changed to the position of Vice-Secretary of FSE in 2016.

My first full scale international expedition was conducted 1988 in Turkey. Since then I partici-pated in many international expeditions to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.


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speleologiCal researCh in thailand, 2006-2019

Author:Liviu Vălenaş

Organization:Speleological Club “Z”



abstract:In the Northeast of Thailand, into provinces Muk-dahan, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani and next to the Mekong river the main rock is the quartzite sandstone. The limestone is missing. At first glance, that area is not interesting from a speleological point of view. But, the Speleo-logical Club “Z” started since 2006 to prospect these provinces. The relief is a plateau sprinkled with erosion witnesses between altitudes of 150 m and 450 m. In recent years, we intensified our searches, including international participa-tion. We discovered 63 caves (total length: 1,3 km) and pits in quartzite sandstone. The long-est caves discovered are Tham Nam Lot, Tham Phou Pom No 1 and Tham Phanom Di No 8 (Great Pit), 181 m, 158 m and 110 m long. In the top of the caves in Thailand developed in quartz-ite sandstone these three caves have the third, the fourth and the fifth position. If the Tham Nam Lot cave is a single rectilinear gallery, crossed by an underground river, Tham Phou Pom No 1 and Tham Phanom Di No 8 (Great Pit) are fossil and labyrinthine caves, with several entrances. We discovered, explored and surveyed all types of caves, including вЂњmini-cenotesвЂќ. The gen-esis of these interesting cavities is still unclear, as they formed in hard and abrasive rocks. So far, the caves discovered have a tectonic gen-esis, formed on faults and diaclases. However, it is obvious that corrosion also played a role in their formation in the conditions of a monsoon climate with high rainfall. In 2020, the caves re-search will continue, and it spotted a possible

2 km cave. In many of the cavities, it observed bats and other cave animals. In the Tham Phou Pom No 1 cave it has discovered, even at the entrance, ancient ceramic tablets (see the pic-ture) and four beheaded statues of Buddha. These statues are of Laotian origin, this region belonged to Laos since 1828. The discovery of tablets and statues confirms a theory of the au-thor: existence of underground Buddhist temples and not hiding places of statues from the fear of an invasion.

Tham Nam Lot Cave, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Photo by Liviu Valenas.

short bio of the presenter:Liviu Vălenaş born in Brașov, România, on Feb-ruary 2, 1951. In 1975, he finished the faculty of geography at the Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj, Romania, with a diploma in karst geomor-phology. Between 1978 and 1979 he specialized in geomorphology and geochemistry of karst at the Silesian University in Katowice, Poland. Soon after ending of faculty, Muzeul Tarii Crisurilor in Oradea City, Romania – one of the largest muse-ums in România, employed him as a profession-al speleologist. In 1979, UIS – International Union of Speleology elected him to the commission of geochemistry and hydrogeology of the karst. He started the speleology as a child in 1959. In 1973, Liviu Vălenaş founded the speleological club “Z” in Oradea City. In Romania he discov-ered near 800 caves, the largest caves being the Humpleu Cave, 36.2 km; Hodobana Cave, 22.2 km (the most labyrinthine limestone cave in Eu-rope); Zapodie System, 12.2 km, and so on. Liviu Vălenaş surveyed 120 km of galleries in various caves of Romania. After the fall of communism, he settled in Federal Germany. There, he reor-ganized the Speleological Club “Z” and reorient-ed exclusively to Indochina: Thailand and Laos. In Laos the most important achievement is Pha Soung System (21,012 m total length /2018). 100 specialized articles and 4 books on the geomor-phology of the endocarst materialized his sci-entific activity. Beginning 2016 he is editing the magazine “Caietele Clubului de Speologie “Z“, reaching actually the number 14.

Geological map of Ubon Ratchathani, NE Thailand

Tham Nam Lot Cave, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Photo by Liviu Valenas

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Baishan 2018/19 - reConnaissanCe expedition to Jilin and heilongJiang

provinCes, ne China





abstract:Northeast China is known to have karst caves as well as volcanic caves. However, contrary to the spectacular karst in southern and central China, virtually no speleological investigations have taken place in NE China so far. Consequently, the area was targeted by a small team of Chinese, Rus-sian, Dutch and German cavers between Christ-mas 2018 and 10th January 2019 for a lightweight reconnaissance expedition. The karst along the Hunjiang River and its tributary valleys in Jilin province, as well as the Jingpohu Volcanic Ge-opark in Heilongjiang province were visited. The area visited is located close to the North Korean border.

Northeast China has very harsh winters with temperatures dropping at night to -40o Celsius. Daytime temperatures were around -10o. This was a challenge, but winter resembles the dry season in NE China with continuous sunshine, making the cold bearable.

In total 25 caves were visited, twelve of which were mapped. Altogether, about 1 km of cave passages were documented. Although this pres-entation also reports on the (minor) speleologi-cal results and especially on the bat fauna, it focuses on the current circumstances for foreign cave surveyors when travelling in China on a pri-vate level.

short bio of the presenter:My first speleological excursions were made in 1981. From 1984-2009 I was a member of the

editorial board of the German Speleological Federation (VdHK) and from 1990-2001 editor of the quarterly magazine of the Federation. Presi-dent of the Federation between 1994 and 2007.After a break in federation work between 2007-2010 I became responsible for foreign affairs in the German Speleological Federation in 2011. In 2013 the European Speleological Federation (FSE) at its General Assembly in Casola (Italy) elected me Vice-President of the FSE. I changed to the position of Vice-Secretary of FSE in 2016.My first full scale international expedition was conducted 1988 in Turkey. Since then I partici-pated in many international expeditions to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.


exploration of the Caves in Banski suhodol CirCus in north pirin,

sC heliCtit - sofia and sCC akademiC – sofia

Authors:Pavel Bakalov and Konstantin Stoichkov

Organization:Speleo club Helictit – Sofia, Bulgaria and SCC Akademic – Sofia



abstract:Banski suhodol circus is located in northern Pi-rin-southwest Bulgaria. Caves in the region are mostly vertical, evolved in Archaean marble with a depth of approximately 2000 m. They are of alpine character due to the high altitude. They have been a subject of exploration since 1968 by the cavers from “Akademik Sofia” SCC. One of the caves explored is system BS No. 9-11. Af-ter 2000 in the expeditions were involved cavers from SC “Helictit” Sofia and other clubs around the country, as well as international participants from Poland, Greece, Serbia, Iran, Israel etc. The main focus is the study of BC 9-11 cave system, which currently has a total depth of 372 meters and length of the galleries more than 1.300 me-ters. In addition to the research activities in the caves was carried out research of the geology of the circus, the glacier, fauna and bats in the region and also various studies of the tree spe-cies, which certainly contribute to the exploration of the high-mountain karst in northern Pirin.

short bio of the presenter:Pavel Bakalov and Konstantin Stoichkov are experienced cavers with approximately twenty years of experience in the Pirin mountain who jointly organize the expeditions in the Banski suhodol circus.In addition, they take part in vari-ous activities in the cave system BS № 9-11, like exploration of new areas, narrow passages, mapping etc.

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exploration of the Caves in the region of the village of karlukovo By the Cavers of the

Caving CluB heliCtit - sofia

Author:Konstantin Stoichkov

Organization:Speleo club Helictit – Sofia, Bulgaria



abstract:The Karlukovo cave area is one of the most in-teresting karst regions in Bulgaria. The Heliktit cave club has been working hard in the region for nearly 40 years, exploring some of the most interesting sites in the area – Bankovitza – Go-liamata voda Cave system, Zadanenka Cave and others. The results of these efforts have been published in a number of publications, thus be-coming known to the scientific and wider audi-ence. Last but not least, this multi-year work has a crucial role to play in the ecology of the region, which is currently very vulnerable.

short bio of the presenter:Konstantin Stoichkov is a caver with many years of experience. He is involved in many club and other projects in the field of exploration and mapping of caves and precipices, in the field of karst conservation, as well as the study of spe-lestological sites. Over the years he has been involved in numerous cave expeditions both in the country and abroad. He is author of numer-ous publications.

Bancovitza entance. Photo: Tanya Krasteva

Konstantin Stoichkov. Photo: Tanya Krasteva

reCent speleologiCal explorations in nw vratsa mountain

Authors:Tzvetan Ostromsky, Stoyan Petkov, Ivo Tachev, Maria Zlatkova

Organization:IICT, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaCaving club: Iskar – Sofia, Bulgaria



abstract:Vratsa Mountain is situated in the west part of the Balkan Mountain Range (Stara Planina). Im-pressive sharp cliffs of its Northern slope are rising more than 500 m very close to the town of Vratsa. They are built mainly of limestones of Mesozoic age. Well-developed surface and underground karst forms are common for this mountain. In order to protect them, the Vratsa

Balkan Nature Reserve was declared in year 2003. Here are the longest climbing tours, the highest temporary waterfall (141 m) and the most visited show cave in Bulgaria.

Vratsa karst has been studied systematically by different clubs and organizations in the last 60 years. Almost 900 caves have been discovered here, which made it the karst region with highest density of caves in Bulgaria. A summary of the speleological explorations in the NW part of this reach of caves region during the last two dec-ades by MOERPA Speleo Society will be given in this presentation, with an emphasis on the most recent results from this year.

short bio of the presenter:Tzvetan Ostromsky has been caving since 1982, when he was a student in mathematics and joined SPK Academic. He explored many caves in Bulgaria and abroad and made a lot of new discoveries in them. Cave photographer and a member of the Bulgarian cave rescue organiza-tion. Currently a member of Iskar caving club and the Bureau of BFSp.

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morCa 2019 - a short summary of the expedition

Author:Teodor Kisimov

Organization:Caving club “Prista” – Ruse



Morca cave is situated within the same geologi-cal formation of the two deepest caves in Tur-key, Taseli Plato with an entrance of 200 meter higher elevation compared to the two of them. Theoretically it can reach to -1600 meters depth. It has the potential to be the deepest cave in Turkey and among the first 10 deepest caves in the world. Since 2012, we have been exploring on and off due to other cave explorations and focused our attention during summer time solely

on Morca from 2017 onwards.

With 28 cavers from Turkey, Bulgaria, Lebanon and USA, we spent 30 days to further explore Morca Cave from its current depth of -919 me-ters. In August 2019, totally 6 days of raining also tampered the exploration but we managed to reach a depth of -1240 meters. The last team left the exploration where there was a 15 meter pit, with no rope at hand. Due the karstic chara-cter of Taseli Plateau, it was our dream to reach an underground river underneath it and we have managed to do that. From the entrance to -1240 meters, 8 side galleries are joining to Morca and only one of them is fossil, the rest carry water in variations of volume. Thus this shows that Morca is a system cave yet fully waiting to be explored. The total surveyed length is over 4 kms. The numbers yet to be officially scrutinized but it is safe to mention them.

Aside from the sportive exploration, we had sci-entific studies conducted. Our caver geologists

took samples of stones, mud and debris to de-termine the characteristics of Morca geologically and its morphology. The reseach is ongoing and still not completed. We also made a dye test at the end of the cave and also put active carbons to possible surgences. We also took biological samples which are to be examined.

We also documented the exploration by video shooting. Hopefully we will have a good docu-mentary at hand to watch and share with people.

Apart from Morca Cave, we also explored other potential caves that might connect to the side galleries in Morca.

With -1240 meters of depth, Morca became the 3rd deepest cave in Turkey and also rank at 43th deepest cave in the world, for now.

We thank the official sponsors from 2018 and 2019 below for their support to the explorations:

2018 NSS USA2019 European Speleological Federation2019 Speleo Club Du Liban (Technical Equip-ment)2019 Aventure Verticale for caving bags and chest harnesses 2019 Korda’s (though we didn’t receive the ropes)2019 The Robertson Association for funding of the dye test

short bio of the presenter:

Teodor Kisimov has more than 25 years of spe-leological experience in Caving club “Prista” – Ruse. He participated in a number of significant caving expeditions, some of which are: Turkey – Caves: EGMA (-1429 m), Kuzgun (-1400 m), Morca (-1240 m), Pinargozu (+720 m), etc.; Abk-hazia – Caves: Kruber-Voronia (-2080 m in 2005 and -2145 in 2013), Snejnaya-Mejonaya-Iluzia (-1756 m); Slovenia (Chehi 2), Albania/Maja Ara-pit, Serbia (Lazareva pecina) and many others.

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Cavesurvey proJeCt, surveying Caves with Common hardware

Author:Aleksandar Stoev

Organization:SK Paldin Plovdiv, Bulgaria


Type:Oral Presentation + Poster Presentation

abstract:CaveSurvey is about digitally surveying caves with widely available tools. The presentation makes overview of the project, the supported measurement tools and provided options. It gives some insights and is open for discussion with cavers who are interested in surveying.

references:https://github.com/lz1asl/CaveSurvey

short bio of the presenter:Software engineer who likes caving

karst and speleology in the south CauCasus of armenia

Author:Rosario Ruggieri

Organization:CIRS Ragusa, Italy



abstract:In the years 2016-2017-2018, an international team of cavers and researches of the Armenian Speleological Society and the CIRS - Hyblean Center of Speleo-Hydrogeological Research of Ragusa, Italy, carried out three geokarst cam-paigns on some areas of the south Caucasus of Armenia.

The researches concerned both the study of the surface geomorphological karst aspects (such as dolines, relict karst features and karren), and the exploration and survey of karst and volcanic caves.

In 2016 the aforementioned researches involved the karst area of Eghegnadzor - Vaots dzor Marz province; in 2017 the northeastern sector of the country, namely the karst region of Ijevan, in-cluding the southern slopes of the Ijevan Moun-tain Range and the Western Hakhum Mountain Range, as well as the volcanic District of Lori; in 2018, the third phase finally took care of the Ararat Region and the Sisian volcanic Region.

As preliminary results, n. 21 caves of different types and genesis (epigenic, hypogenic, flu-viokarst, structural and volcanic), were explored and surveyed, some of which showed particular morphologies concerning their speleogenesy. Interesting paleontological, paleoanthropologi-cal and biospeleological elements have also emerged from some caves due to the presence of fossil bones of animals and humans, with the discovery of red ocher animal paintings on walls and remains of ancient fires, and with the ob-servation of a singular coleoctera with a blue-shimmering back (maybe a new species).

From these early researches, a karst context of Armenia of particular relevance highlights for the aforementioned various scientific aspects, as well as for the hydrogeological research of drinking karst waters, and finally as regards the valorization, conservation, protection and, where possible, touristic use of some surface and un-

https://github.com/lz1asl/CaveSurvey

50 51

derground karst Geosites of particular aesthetic and / or scientific value.

short bio of the presenter:I am Hydrogeologist and Karstologist PhD – Member of Karst Commission of Internation-

al Union of Hydrogeologists – Member of Scientific Commission of Ge-

osites of the Sicily Region – Head of CIRS - Hyblean Center of Speleo-

Hydrogeological Research, Ragusa, Italy – Past person in charge for the Caves Regional

Register of Sicily – Past President of Sicilian Speleological Fed-

eration

From 1988 to 2018 I have organized 32 interna-tional expeditions in different parts of the world (Asia, Africa, Central and South America), in collaboration with universities, research insti-tutes and National Speleological Societies, with the aim of geokarst research and speleological exploration.

I have published some books on karst phenom-ena of Sicily and more than a hundred articles with both scientific and speleological documen-tation, in national and international journals and reviews.

karst and Cave Conservation in myanmar

Author:Joerg Dreybrodt

Organization:Swiss Society of Speleology Bern, Switzerland



abstract:The karst of Myanmar is one of the most exten-sive in Southeast Asia. A systematic documen-tation is performed since 2009 by the Myanmar Cave Documentation Project. Large river caves of 3-5 km length were explored on the Shan plateau. A database is established containing about 650 karst objects with 80 km of surveyed cave passages. The biodiversity is high with new species of cave geckos and blind fish. The talk presents an overview of areas, documented fau-na and gives an outlook on a karst conservation approach.

short bio of the presenter:Joerg Dreybrodt is a member of German Spe-leological Federation and Swiss Society of Spe-leology, founder and main coordinator of the My-anmar Cave Documentation Project, exploration of the karst of Northern Laos from 2000 until 2013 and in Myanmar since 2009.

Karst Mountains Kayah. Photo: Manuela Scheuerer

Phruno River Cave. Photo: Phil Bence

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wonders and remarks of Bulgarian Caves and karst

Author:Tzvetan Ostromsky

Organization:IICT, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaCaving club: Iskar – Sofia, Bulgaria

Section:Cave Geology, Geomorphology and Geography of Karst


abstract:Short description and beautiful photos of some of the most remarkable caves and karst phe-nomena in Bulgaria will be given in this presen-tation. The presentation is intended to describe also the main features and current state of the spelological explorations of the reachest karst regions in the country. Some problems of protec-tion and conservation of sensitive cave forma-tions and karst terrains will be mentioned too.

short bio of the presenter:Tzvetan Ostromsky has been caving since 1982, when he was a student in mathematics and joined SPK Academic. He explored many caves in Bulgaria and abroad and made a lot of new discoveries in them. Cave photographer and a member of the Bulgarian cave rescue organiza-tion. Currently a member of Iskar caving club and the Bureau of BFSp.

Prohodna Cave Photo: Tzvetan Ostromsky

Elata Cave Photo: Tzvetan Ostromsky

Rushova Cave Photo: Tzvetan Ostromsky

Cave geology, geomorphology and geography of karst

54 55

Caves and karst of the dJerdap aspiring geopark – researCh and

management Challenges

Author:Jelena Ćalić

Organization:ASAK caving club, Belgrade; Federation of Speleological Organizations of Serbia (SSOS)Geographical Institute „Jovan Cvijić“ of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts



abstract:Djerdap Gorge (Iron Gates, Porţile de Fier) is situ-ated in south-eastern Europe, along the Danube River course, connecting Serbia and Romania. The gorge is entrenched into the mountain range of the Southern Carpathians, with the Pannonian Basin on the west and the Dacian (Lower Dan-ube) Basin on the east. With the length slightly exceeding 100 km, it is the longest gorge in Eu-rope. The narrowest sections of the gorge are entrenched into the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous limestones, forming several karstic

hydrogeological and geomorphological systems.The area of the Djerdap National Park has been supplemented by significant geoheritage sites, in order to establish the Djerdap Geopark, which applied for the UNESCO Global Geoparks Net-work. The aspiring Geopark includes the area of 1330 km2, with high level of geodiversity, within which karst and caves take considerable place. Out of 10 deepest caves in Serbia, 6 are locat-ed on Miroč Mt, which is a part of the aspiring Geopark. The deepest one is Rakin Ponor, with the denivelation of 303 m. Rajkova Pećina Cave is the only touristic cave, while the majority of other caves are not accessible without the spe-leological equipment. Apart from the caves, the Djerdap Geopark is characterised by significant fluviokarst features, the most typical of which are five natural bridges.

The presentation includes the review of the most important caves and fluviokarst sites, as well as the discussion on challenges in their protection and management.

short bio of the presenter:Karst admirer since childhood, caver since 1996, geographer since 1998, PhD in Karstology ob-tained in 2009 (University of Nova Gorica). Present research related to geomorphology.

Djerdap gorge seen from the locality Ploče (photo: J. Ćalić)Phreatic channel in the Rakin Ponor Cave, Miroč Mt, Djerdap Geopark (photo: V. Ljubojević)

morphologiCal analysis of 3d suBsurfaCe struCtures with the use

of a handheld laser sCanning system. the Case study of koutouki Cave,

peania, greeCe.

Author:Aliki Konsolaki

Organization:Senior member of Hellenic Speleological Society, Greece



abstract:In the presented case study, we combined re-mote sensing techniques and lidar technology by using a handheld laser scanner in order to generate a complete 3D model of the Koutouki Cave, at Peania, Greece (Fig.1). Using open – source software we made a quantification anal-ysis of the terrain and generate morphological features of the speleothems with high accuracy and detail in order to estimate the speleogenesis and monitor the evolution of the cave (Fig. 2).

short bio of the presenter:Graduate of Geology and Geoenvironment of EKPA University, Msc graduate student of Geog-raphy and Environment. Also a presenter at the 15th International Congress of the Geological Society of Greece.

Fig. 2: (a) Column classification according to their base elevation. The highest base elevation altitudes are located

at the westernmost and the lowest at the easternmost parts of the cave. The highest percentage of columns was based at the mean elevation of the cave (516.5 m) (b) Column

classification according to the column height. The highest are located also on the west side of the cave at 7.23 m (column

no. 1) and 5.8 m (columns no. 5) height.

Fig. 1: Different aspects of the point cloud looking north (a) and south (b). The color scale represents the elevation variation, whilst parts of the cave have been removed in order to reveal the speleothems and human intervention (stairs, passage, platform).

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“the Caves” - the first periodiCal on karst and Caves in russia

Authors:Nikolay Maksimovich, Olga Meshcheriakova

Organization:Institute of Natural Sciences of Perm State National Research UniversityPerm, Russia



abstract:“The Caves” was founded in 1947 by Professor Georgy A. Maksimovich who became the first editor-in-chief. The digest was called “The Spe-leological Bulletin“ at that time and was the first Soviet periodical on karst. Since 1961, it was published under the name “The Caves“.

Editorial board was headed by Nikolay G. Maksi-movich since 2008. At present, the collection is published regularly once a year.

The main rubrics of the collection are devoted to the caves of the world, methods of studying them, mineralogy and geochemistry of caves, speleotherapy, archeology, protection and ra-tional use of underground spaces, reviews and reports on events and publications in the field of speleology and karstology, as well as other materials related to caves.

The full-text editions of “The Caves” are avail-able on the homepage nsi.psu.ru/cave and other scientific and popular websites such as elibrary.ru, books.google.ru etc.

The digest is recommended to speleologists, ge-ologists, geographers, ecologists, biologists, as well as anyone interested in karst and caves.

tides of adriatiC sea in the Caves of ClassiCal karst: the Case of pozzo dei

protei di monfalCone (italy)

Authors:Rino Semeraro, Federico Valentinuz, Eduardo Klassen, Mauro Pincin, Stefano Rejc, Luciano Russo, Michele Soranzo, Maurizio Tavagnutti

Organization: Centro Ricerche Carsiche “C. Seppenhofer”


Type:Poster Presentation

abstract:The effects of the tides of the Adriatic Sea within the Classical Karst are little known. In the years from 1977 to 1980, in the then Yugoslavia, a se-ries of investigations were started in the area of Klariči, today in Slovenia, for the construction of the wells which will then give rise to the Slov-enian Karst aqueduct. Thus the effects of the northern Adriatic tides in karst groundwater were documented for the first time. The lack of knowl-edge on the subject, in addition to the singularity of the phenomenon, was the reason that induced the Karst Research Center “C. Seppenhofer ”of Gorizia to launch a research project on the Pozzo dei Protei of Monfalcone (Classical Karst NW) aimed at investigating the possible effects of tides in a karstic cavity of the area in question, buffered towards the south, ie towards the sea, by a series of alluvial and marine sediments. In the water of the shaft the proteus (Proteus anguinus Laurenti, 1768) has been observed, permanently.

The entrance of the shaft is located in the rail-way station of Monfalcone (Gorizia, Italy) at 23.18 m a.s.l. The groundwater level is about 2.5 m above the bottom of the cavity at an aver-age altitude of 1.89 m a.m.s.l. 4.4 km southeast there are the Springs of Timavo while 750 m to the south the artificial Valentinis Canal receives water from the Isonzo River and in Monfalcone flows into the lagoon area connected to the Gulf of Trieste (Panzano Bay).

In the water basin of the Pozzo dei Protei di Monfalcone we installed a CTD-Diver probe from Eijleikamp (Netherlands) by the Centre for karst researches “C. Seppenhofer” of Gorizia (Italy) with the purpose to record the variations of lev-el, temperature and electrical conductivity and above all to verify the possible correlations with the tides of the high Adriatic Sea.

The Pozzo dei Protei di Monfalcone is de-veloped in the limestones of Repen formation (Cenomanian-Turonian). In the south, there are the limestone of the Sežana formation (Turonian p.p.-Campanian p.p.) buried by Quaternary and marine sediments. The limestone of Sežana for-mation crops from the continental and marine Quaternary sediments 2 km SE of the Pozzo dei Protei di Monfalcone, forming the two small hills (Insulae Clarae) of the Roman Baths, where there are thermal water emergencies from a car-bonate reservoir deep through the fault system of the Palmanova Line. The shaft has an axis NNE-SSW, corresponding to the large joints that characterize it. This ancient phreatic morpho-

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logical characteristic is maintained from about 5 meters below its roof to the bottom. In the phreatic part the diving exploration has identi-fied an impracticable conduct with a triangular section of about 30 x 30 cm, developed along a NNE-SSW joint. The shaft is located in the hinge area of a small synform fold with anti-dinaric axis. It could be hypothesized that in the vadose phase the slow water flow occurred along the layers in the depression zone of rocky mass. The karst hydrology to the north of the Pozzo dei Protei di Monfalcone is dominated by the wa-ter circulation of the closed or open polja of the lakes of Doberdò, Mucille and Pietrarossa, then from the relationships between superficial infil-tration and the contribution of the river Vipacco and above Isonzo.

During the monitoring period in the Pozzo dei Protei di Monfalcone the water level fluctuated between 1.73 m a.m.s.l. and 2.32 m a.m.s.l. (average level 1.89 m a.m.s.l.). Excluding the changes in level caused by tidal oscillations and moderate rainfall in the area that caused an in-crease in the discharge of the Isonzo River, a decrease in the level of water in the cave was observed. The electrical conductivity (EC K25) fluctuated between 336 and 387 μS/cm (aver-age 348 μS/cm), while the water temperature

varied between 12.16 and 12.71 °C (average temperature 12.41 °C).

The level fluctuations observed in the cave are the result of several factors: the allogenic re-charge by losses of the Isonzo River inside the Karst and autogenic recharge due to precipita-tion. These oscillations with periods between 11 and 13 hours are also observable in the Pozzo dei Protei di Monfalcone and have a maximum daily excursion between about 10–12 cm and 5–6 cm respectively during spring tides and neap tides when the variations in sea level in the Panzano Bay are about 130 cm and 50–60 cm respectively. The lag between the height of the tide and the maximum water level reached in the cave is about 4–4.5 h. This phase shift is mainly due to the characteristics of the aquifer and the fact that it comes into contact with the sea at the system’s springs (among which we remem-ber the numerous coastal springs) and indirectly through the gravelly, sandy and silty Quaternary unconsolidated sediments of alluvial and marine origin.

The EC (K25) of the waters of the Pozzo dei Protei di Monfalcone in the period of 348 μS/cm is slightly higher than those measured for Doberdò Lake, and comparable with those of the near caves and karstic springs. The EC (K25) of the phreatic water of three wells in the alluvial aquifer NE of Monfalcone is between 443 and 463 μS/cm in clear contrast to the karstic aquifer. We also observed variations in the EC (K25), 4–5 μS/cm near the spring tides and 2–3 μS/cm near the neap tides, with a si-nusoidal pattern, and a period comparable to that of the tides (between 11 and 14 h), but with a lag of 6.5 h respect to the increase of the water level in the cave due to the tide. It is excluded that the cave is directly affected by a saltwater wedge. The cyclical variations of EC (K25) observed could be due to the entry into the cave of waters with greater mineralization coming from the joints of rock mass or from the karstic conduit discovered at the bottom, mobilized by the increase and release of head loss caused by the high tides. Cave Biology / Bio speleology

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study of the nutrient ContriBution of Cave Bat Colonies to surfaCe

eCosystems

Author:Stanimira Deleva

Organization:Burgas-NEPIAST Caving Club, Bulgaria,

Section:Cave Biology / Bio speleology


abstract:We investigated the contribution of cave-roosting bats to nutrient input into aquatic ecosystems in caves with underground streams in Costa Rica, Bulgaria and Borneo. Our results showed that the water exiting caves with large bat colonies has higher levels of nutrients and those nutri-ents are further assimilated by plants on river banks. Our study shows that cave bats provide

additional ecosystem service, namely providing nutrients to surface aquatic ecosystems.

short bio of the presenter:Stanimira Deleva is a biologist, cave explorer, and conservationist, currently pursuing her doc-toral degree at the University of Costa Rica.

underground haBitats as a unit for Conservation of vulneraBle

Bat Communities in south-western kyrgyzstan

Author:Heliana Dundarova

Organization:Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria



abstract:South-western Kyrgyzstan is a transboundary terri-tory located in Central Asia. During the project, 11 target caves were explored. Most of them are impor-tant nursery sites for Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, R. lepidus, Myotis blythii and M. emarginatus. In addi-tion, three of the registered species (R. hipposideros, Barbastella capsica and Tadarida teniotis) are in the Red Data Book of the Kyrgyz Republic.

short bio of the presenter:Heliana Dundarova is a Chief Assistant at the Insti-tute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research. Par-ticipated in speleo expeditions on the Balkan Penin-sula, Central Europe, Central, and Southwest Asia.

Rh lepidus, mine of Fersman Photo: Heliana Dundarova

Fieldwork, mine of Fersman. Photo: Heliana Dundarova

Azhidar Unkur cave

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Biospeology in kyrgyzstan

Author:Josiane Lips



abstract:In June 2018 Alexey Dudashvili organised an ex-pedition, the main purpose of which was speleo biological research in the caves of Kyrgyzstan. We were 7 cavers attending that expedition, 4 of us were biologists : 2 specialists for aquatic fauna, one for bats and I for terrestrial fauna.I will present the results of my search in 10 caves. Of course, a lot of species have not yet been identified. However, about 80 different spe-cies have been collected.

short bio of the presenter:Josiane Lips, caver since 1975 (groupe Vulcain, Lyon, France). Exploration of Gouffre Jean-Ber-nard. President of the scientific commission of the french federation of speleology and respon-sable of GEB (https://environnement.ffspeleo.fr/biospeologie/)

intelligent virtual personal assistant for Bat sCientists

Authors:Angel Ivanov1, Stanimira Deleva2, Daniela Orozova3

Organization:Bulgarian Federation of Speleology – Board Member,Burgas-NEPIAST Caving Club, Bulgaria,CES-ESCARPE Caving Club, Andalusia, SpainGrupo Espeleológico Anthros, Costa Rica



abstract:Our life is benefited by the use of contemporary technologies. Most of these technologies are widely used in scientific studies. Many bat re-searchers, however, still follow traditional meth-ods of collecting and processing data, not taking advantage of the potential of modern inventions. Some of these methods include collecting data first on paper, and then have it digitalized long after the end of the fieldwork. Another common practice is the use of several digital devices such as cameras and sound recorders in com-bination with paper notebooks. These practices often cause long delays before the completion of processing the gathered information. Manual data transfer often leads to typographical errors, and during the period from obtaining the infor-mation to digitalizing it, valuable notes and ob-servations could be lost or remain undetected. The data collection process will be significantly eased if a researcher could use a single entity for collecting, storing and processing data.Here we present such an entity – Virtual Intel-ligent Personal Assistant (VIPA) designated to facilitate the field work of the bat researchers.VIPAs are software agents designated to assist users in performing specific tasks. They are able to communicate, cooperate, discuss, and guide

people. One major advantage of the VIPAs is that they collaborate with the user in different ways, and in virtually unlimited tasks and ap-plications, by hiding the complexity of difficult tasks, performing tasks on behalf of the user, and teaching the user to monitor events and pro-cedures.The presented VIPA is a BDI-based, mobile software developed using freely available Open Source technologies. Its initial version includes some basic functionalities such as gathering of fully customizable field data, processing of this data, analysis and reports.The future plans include integrating this software into a Virtual Collaboration Space for Bat Scien-tist as an additional abstraction layer of interop-eration.

short bio of the presenter:Angel Ivanov is a PhD Student and assistant professor at the Burgas Free University, Burgas Bulgaria. He is also an experienced cave ex-plorer participating in many scientific research projects.

1 Burgas Free University, Faculty of Computer Science and En-gineering, Burgas, Bulgaria, [email protected] University of Costa Rica, Faculty of Biology, San Jose, Costa Rica, [email protected]

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Biospeleology in germany methods to inCrease puBliC and speCialist

interest

Author:Hannes Köble

Organization:VdHK – Verband der deutschen Höhlen- und Karstforscher e. V.



abstract:In the last years, biospeleology in Germany has got out of its life in the shadows and is currently becoming one of the most interest-ing disciplines in cave science. This is mainly because of publicity campaigns like the cave animal of the year campaign, but also a lot of further measures helped to improve the reputa-tion of cave life. The presentation will show a potpourri of different actions and evaluate them relating to their effect on the public and on the scientific world.

short bio of the presenter:Responsible for Cave Protection/Biology at Landesverband für Karst- und Höhlenforschung Baden-Württemberg e. V. since 2014

miCroBial life in Brazilian Caves: reporting the struCture of BaCterial

Communities

Authors:Caio César Pires de Paula1, Maria Elina Bichuette2, Mirna Helena Regali Seleghim2



abstract:Few studies have used next generation sequenc-ing to assess the microbial diversity in tropical caves. In order to better understand microbial structure in tropical caves, DNA was extracted from soil and sediment samples in four tropical subterranean systems located in Terra Ronca State Park, Central of Brazil: Angélica cave, São Bernardo cave, Terra Ronca I and Terra Ronca II caves. After DNA extraction, the V3-V4 regions (16S) were amplified and the sequences were used for the analysis. Environmental variables (such as temperature, air and substrate humid-ity, pH, organic carbon and total nitrogen) re-lated to microbial communities were analysed. The bacterial communities showed dominance of Actinobacteria (38.52%) and Proteobacteria (mainly Alphaprotebacteria (10.41%) and Gam-maproteobacteria (8.98%)) in subterranean samples. Bacterial communities showed 52.82% OTUs from uncultivable organisms. High propor-tion of bacterial OTUs with saprophytic function indicates the importance of the detritivorous food chain in those tropical caves. The strong correlation between the structure of the micro-bial communities and the amount of organic carbon supports this statement. Bacterias of the family Nitrosomonadaceae and genus Nitrospira were found in all collected samples, which are microorganisms indicating oxidizing activities of

1 Institute of Hydrobiology (HBÚ), Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.2 Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos – SP, Brazil.

ammonia and nitrite coupled to CO2 fixation in subterranean environments. Cave entrance of Terra Ronca II stood out with high dominance of Halobacteria (more than 60.0 % of the bacte-rial community), a group of Archaea. This is the first evidence of Halobacteriaceae dominance in a cave, microorganisms known for chemoau-totrophic activity and nitrate reduction. Microbial life inside caves showed greater dissimilarity between communities than in surface environ-ments. There was a clear distinction between the habitats studied in the ordination analyses, espe-cially when only microorganisms with abundance less than 0.01% (rare biosphere) were consid-ered. This study showed that although microbial communities in tropical caves have similar com-position (filos and classes), as caves around the

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world, subterranean communities have specific microorganisms (genus and species), many of which are unknown, present in those habitats. The uniqueness of the microorganism species presents in each cave and the strong relation-ship with the input of allochthonous nutrients make microbial studies in tropical caves a prior-ity tool to evaluate the use and management of these environments. Increased efforts to study diversity and microbial communities dynamics allow the knowledge of new species of microor-ganisms, relationships of microbial communities with the ecological dynamics in subterranean habitats and possible risks in the exploitation of that environment.

short bio of the presenter:Caio César Pires de Paula is a biologist and and started cave studies in the Federal Univer-sity of São Carlos, Brazil. Nowaday he work in Biology Centre CAS, at the Institute of Hydrobi-ology, Czech Republic. The researcher worked in tropical caves seeking to understand nutrient flow and microbial dynamics. Your focus of study is fungi and bacteria communities in several ec-osystems, with special attention to caves. Re-

search results can to corroborate with the knowl-edge of microbial biodiversity and to discuss the functional role of the microbial communities in the dynamics of natural environments. In subter-ranean environments, the researcher intends to promote the discussion about the functional role and the dynamics of microorganisms. Finally, the researcher have experience in biotechnological processes, looking for new potentially valuable microorganisms, such as higher yields enzyme producers, isolated from the subterranean en-vironment.

humidophila Brekkaensoides (BoCk) lowe, koCiolek, J.r.Johansen, van de viJver, lange-Bertalot & kopalová:

aerophytiC diatom from the Caves of serBia

Authors:Nataša Nikolić1, Slađana Popović2, Danijela Vidaković3, Gordana Subakov Simić1, Jelena Krizmanić1



abstract:Diatom Humidophila braekkensoides is rare, aerophytic species found in seven caves of Ser-bia. First time was found at Alp’s rock in thin lay-er and described as a species that prefer non calcareous substratum. Our results show that H.brekkaensoides is found at limestone in caves, sporadically at the entrance, and in higher abun-dance inside, near artificial light. Cell dimensions differ from first record and it is shown that species can tolerate wider range of ecological parameters.

references:Nikolić N., Zarubica N., Gavrilović B., Predojević D., Trbojević I., Subakov Simić G., Popović S. 1 University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia2 University of Belgrade, Scientific Institution,

(2018): Cyanobacteria in tourist caves in Serbia (Potpeć and Stopić): biofilm at the entrance and lampenflora. The 3rd Early Career Researcher Symposium on Cyanobacteria, Cyano 2018, Freiburg, Germany. 12-14.09.2018. Abstract book. p. 59.Nikolić N., Subakov Simić G., Popović S. (2018): Effect of hydrogen peroxide solution on green algae culture. BTAK Symposium 27-30.09. 2018, Băile Herculane, Romania. Abstract book. p. 41.

short bio of the presenter:Nataša Nikolić is a PhD Student at Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. The focus of her thesis is monitoring algae growth in caves and finding solution for their removal from cave sub-stratum.

Light microscope micrographs of H.brekkaensoides: valvae view. Scale bar = 10 Вµm.

Resavska Cave, sampling site where H.brekkaensoides was found

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samar Cave: seasonal analysis of phototrophiC miCroorganisms,

eCologiCal and Biofilm parameters

Authors:Slađana Popović1, Jelena Krizmanić2, Danijela Vidaković3, Olga Jakovljević2, Ivana Trbojević2, Dragana Predojević2, Milka Vidović1, Gordana Subakov Simić2



abstract:Cyanobacteria and algae, ecological, and pa-rameters of biofilm developed at rock substra-tum at the entrance of Samar Cave (Serbia), were analysed seasonally. Of 141 taxa, Cyano-bacteria were dominant (coccoid forms prevailed – the most diverse was Gloeocapsa), followed by Bacillariophyta, then Chlorophyta. Diversity was higher in December and March, lower in May and August. Chl a values and biofilm water content had the same trend and were correlated

1 University of Belgrade, Scientific Institution, Institute of Chemistry, Techno

with Cyanobacteria according to PCA.

short bio of the presenter:Slađana Popović acquired PhD in Biological Sci-ences, Algology. Her research focus on explo-ration and monitoring of biofilms, cyanobacteria and algae at cave entrances and lampenflora in show caves.Slađana Popović is member of International So-ciety for Subterranean Biology

Cave proteCtion

70 71

Clean Up The Dark – а proposal For а eUropean neTwork For Cave

Cleaning and proteCtion

Author:Ferdinando Didonna

Organization:Italian Speleological Society, Italy

Section:Cave Protection


abstract:The Italian Speleological Society coordinates the event Puliamo il Buio, and acts since 2005 at local level in partnership with caving clubs, associations, companies, local authorities and municipalities. The development Clean Up the Dark European Network for the communication

and coordination of cave cleaning and cave pro-tection, and so pushing the European speleo-logical community to take more action for cave protection and became a stronger stakeholder in relation with EU and national institutions and the general public.

short bio of the presenter:Advisor to the Italian Speleological Society, del-egate to the European Speleological Federation, coordinator of various environmental projects such as Cave animals.

mapping and valuing karst underground geodiversity in Cave

lokvarka, Croatia

Authors:Matea Talaja and Valerija Butorac

Organization:Speleology Department “Željezničar”, The Speleological Committee of the Croatian Mountaineering Association, Zagreb, Croatia



abstract:The rising interest in geoheritage and geodiver-sity concepts resulted in conduction of inven-tories and evaluations of abiotic part of natural heritage in different parts of world. Yet, signifi-cant part of geoheritage and geodiversity is be-ing neglected among experts and refers to the caves. Mostly all of the scientific work that has been done in geoheritage and geodiversity re-fers to surface geological and geomorphologi-cal phenomena or processes, while underground features are reduced to sites and are considered as points without taking into account their real spatial extent and secondary geoheritage fea-tures placed inside the caves. Caves as sites are considered as geosites, but due to their spa-tial extent and abundance of abiotic features in themselves they contain more geosites or areas of high geodiversity.

Cave Lokvarka, located in Mountainous region of Croatia in the settlement Lokve near Zagreb-Rijeka highway. Lokvarka is protected as geo-morphological monument and it is used as show cave since 1912. Due to relatively recent intro-duction, development and use of geodiversity and geoheritage concept in geosciences, and from the other side lack of appliance in protec-tion and management of caves, there is a need for its implementation. In last decade a large number of geodiversity and geoheritage valori-zation methods emerged. In this work geodiver-sity data analysis and valorization will be done

with the use of modified relative relief evalua-tion method which is common geoecological method used by Croatian geomorphologists and geoecologists. Important to notice is that all the data included in the valorization is primary data directly collected by researches.

This work will determine initial/occurring state of the geodiversity elements and the spatial distri-bution of geodiversity value as basis for further protection and management. Complete analysis and valorization will serve as basis for abiotic cave monitoring. As well part of the results will be used as basis for production of new educa-tional materials and presentation of the whole cave environment. Valorization will be done by following criteria: intrinsic value, scientific value and educational value. All the results could also be implemented into this site management plan. Need for this kind of research is even greater with the regard to the use as show cave.

short bio of the presenter:Valerija Butorac is research assistant at Depart-ment of Geography, Faculty of Science, Univer-sity of Zagreb where she is doing a research in Geomorphology, Speleology and Geoecology. After the graduation at University of Zagreb with master degree in Geography she was working as expert associate in Strategical Planning and En-vironment Protection in private companies in Za-greb, Croatia. She is an active member and sec-retary at Speleology Department “Željezničar” from Zagreb, and is currently working on her PhD thesis.

Inside Lokvarka cave Source: www.lokve.hr

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introduCtion of sChoolChildren to field work on karst and Caves

Author:Franc Malečkar

Organization:Center for the curricular and extracurricular Activities, Ljubljana; Slovenia



abstract:Schoolchildren can connect in the active way the interaction of the natural and social elements and prosesses into the complex understand-ing of the coexistence of man and nature. The sense to maintain sustainable living is proved with practical examples, eg. the protection of karst aquifers.With the team field activity the child can express the skills that into the school can not, provides experiential education, which also means that this method works effectively and is also reflect-ed in evaluations.

references:Malečkar, F., 2001: Le attivita didattiche del Centro carsologico Dimnice. Per un approcio didattico alla divulgazione della speleologia, atti e materiali. CD, dida2000/album-materiali/dim-nice, Fed,Speleo Marchigiana.Malečkar, F., 2004.1: Speleodidaktika v Ukrajini.- Šolski razgledi, 55/3, 14, Ljubljana.Malečkar, F., 2004: Active cognition of Karst Caves and Surface, ISCA, 177-180, Postojna

short bio of the presenter:Franc Malečkar has been working for more than two decades as an instructor in the Center for the curricular and extracurricular Activities, Ljubljana, where he is responsible for several one-day programs with karstological content.

Speleovivarium, cave Dimnice. Photo: Franc Malečkar

Children’s painting ex tempore in the Dimnice cave

6th eurospeleo proteCtion symposium “underground Biotope and geotope;

Best praCtiCe of proteCtion”

Author(s):Jean-Claude Thies, ECPC president

Organization:European Cave Protection Commission (ECPC)



abstract:Following the cycle of 2 years the next EuroSpe-leo Protection Symposium will be held on 22-27 September 2020 on the island of Vilm in Ger-mnany.The 2020 EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium’s theme of Underground Biotop and Geotop, Best Practice of Protection – Expert Meeting: Natura 2000 Cave Habitats will focus on scientific and technical aspects of cave and Karst monitoring, protection and conservation, on speleological in-

put, best practice and exchange of knowledge.The Symposium will be organized in coopera-tion with the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.Preferably we would like to have the expert or the main responsible person for Natura 2000 cave monitoring questions of each FSE member state’s speleological organization present at this symposium to exchange experience, practical issues, cross-border coordinations and reporting problems.

references:Previous EuroSpeleo Protection Symposia2008 – Vercors, FR2012 – Muotathal, CH2014 – Baille Herculane, RO2016 – ESC-Yorkshire, GB2018 – Ebensee, AT

short bio of the presenter:Being member of the ECPC since its beginning in 2007 the presenter occupies the post of presi-dent since 2015 and is well known from previous organized symposia on cave protection issues.

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karst and Cave Conservation within the sustainaBility goals of the

united nations

Authors:Joerg Dreybrodt

Organization:Workgroup Sustainability, German Speleological Federation, Germany



abstract:The seventeen Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are a worldwide

action plan for sustainable development and to make the worlds a better place until 2030. They receive increased attention within government institutions for grant applications and assess-ments. The Cave & Karst Conservation address-es several of these goals. The most important ones are Life on Land, Clean Water, Climate Action, Partnerships and Quality Education. The talk will introduce into the SDGs, discuss how the speleological community contributes and concludes with engagement possibilities.

short bio of the presenter:Speaker of the Workgroup Sustainability of the German Speleological Federation, since 2017 active in promoting karst & cave conservation within the Agenda 2030, participation at UN con-ferences and within the NGO Major Group en-gagement mechanism.

Book aBout Caves and karst of Costa riCa

Authors:Andrés Ulloa1, Stanimira Deleva2*, Benjamín Acevedo3, Andrea Hidalgo4, Alejandro Argüello5 & Carlos Goicoechea6

Institutions: 1: Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad de Costa Rica; [email protected] 2: Recinto de Golfito, Universidad de Costa Rica; [email protected] 3: Centro de Investigaciones Antropológicas, Universidad de Costa Rica; [email protected] 4: Escuela Centroamericana de Geología, Universidad de Costa Rica; [email protected] 5: Escuela Centroamericana de Geología, Universidad de Costa Rica; [email protected] 6: Grupo Espeleológico Anthros; San Jose, Costa Rica; [email protected]

*presenter



abstract:Caves have a great potential for the development of research in various areas (geology, biology, archeology, hydrogeology еtc.), as well as for the conservation of particular flora and fauna, water resources, and the cultural heritage. Although al-most 400 caves have been recognized in Costa Rica, there is no scientific document that syn-thesizes and details the information concerning them. For this reason, we aim to prepare a book about the caves and karst of Costa Rica. The book would compile, organize and catalog all existing information, in order to create a base for future research that is available to the scientific community. The chapters of the book will ad-dress the fields of geology, exploration, biology, hydrogeology, and archeology. The book aims to encourage this line of emerging research in the country and raise public awareness about the importance of caves.

short bio of the presenter:Stanimira Deleva is a biologist, cave explorer, and conservationist, currently pursuing her doc-toral degree at the University of Costa Rica.

76 77symposia

traCing of the groundwater flowing out of kolkina dupka Cave,

zimevitsa, Bulgaria

Authors:Yavor Shopov1,2,3, Ivan Antonov2, Valentin Lozanov2, Svetoslav Marinov4 and Pavlin Dimitrov4

Section:Symposium on “Techniques for Remote Location of Unknown Underground Cavities”


abstract:We made groundwater tracing in Kolkina dupka cave, Zimevitsa, by measuring of spectra of fluo-

1Sofia University, Faculty of Physics, University center for Space Research and Technologies, [email protected] Medical University of Sofia, ul. Zdrave 2, Sofia3 Space Science Centre for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Durban University of Technology, P. O. Box 1334, Durban 4000 Republic of South Africa4 Caving club “Pod Ruba”

rescence of uranine in dilute from active coal traps. In the trap from the Bov spring was re-corded fluorescence of uranine die (Fig.1). This shows that the water from the rivers in Kolkina dupka cave, comes out of the Bov spring, and for a time between 2 and 8 days it passes the distance of 3.8 km underground. This outlines the direction of development of the unexplored parts of the cave.

This research was supported by BSF with DN14/4 grant from 2017 to Y. Shopov.

short bio of the presenter:Yavor Shopov is president of UIS commission on Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst, Leader of its International Programme on Re-mote Location of Caves and president of Bul-garian Federation of Speleology.

symposium on “teChniques for remote loCation of unknown underground Cavities”


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dye traCing Below the visiBility threshold

authors:Yavor Shopov1, 2,3*, Ivan Antonov1 ,Valentin Loz-anov1

1 Faculty of Medicine, Medical University- Sofia, Zdrave 2 Str., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria, [email protected]

type:Oral Presentation

abstract:A major problem of using of dyes for groundwa-ter tracing is that it could be mixed with drinking water, which can cause a psychological shock in the local population when seeing appearance

of luminous dye in their potable water. We dem-onstrated that measurements of spectra of fluo-rescence of natural waters (fig.1) and of uranine in dilutes from the activated charcoal detectors allow detection of uranine in concentrations be-low its visual detection threshold during dye trac-ing of underground waters.This research was supported by Ministry of edu-cation under National Program on Environment to Y. Shopov.

short bio of the presenter: Ivan Antonov

Major fields of scientific research: database creation, mapmaking and cartography products, project implementation in the field of earth ob-servation.

Major fields of research: lab. analyses of fluo-rescence and optical spectroscopy.

2 Sofia University, Faculty of Physics, University center for Space Research and Technologies3 Space Science Centre for Research and Postgraduate Stud-ies, Durban University of Technology, P. O. Box 1334, Durban 4000 Republic of South Africasection:Symposium on “Techniques for Remote Location of Unknown Underground Cavities”

the international program on “teChniques for remote loCation of Caves” (rlC) of the international

union of speleology (uis) and Bulgarian proJeCt related to it

Authors:Yavor Shopov 1,2,3



abstract:The International Program on “Techniques for Remote Location of Caves” (RLC) of UIS aims to locate new unknown caves and caves in hardly accessible regions and will be extremely helpful to expand cave exploration in new regions and even on other planets. It consists of the follow-ing stages:

– To optimize techniques on the surface and to do calibration of it on mapped caves (fig.1). – To put observational instruments on aircrafts

to locate caves from the sky. – To put observational instruments on micros-

atellites. – To propose to NASA to use this techniques

for location of caves on Mars.This research is supported by BSF with DN14/4 grant to Y. Shopov.

references:Shopov Y. (2013) Commission on Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst Activity Report 2009-2013. UIS Bulletin Volume 56, N. 1, pp.18-19.

short bio of the presenter:Yavor Shopov is president of UIS commission on Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst, of its International Programme on Remote Loca-tion of Caves and president of Bulgarian Federa-tion of Speleology.

1 Sofia University, Faculty of Physics, University center for Space Research and Technologies, [email protected] Medical University of Sofia, ul. Zdrave 2, Sofia3 Space Science Centre for Research and Postgraduate Stud-ies, Durban University of Technology, P. O. Box 1334, Durban 4000 Republic of South Africa




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remote loCation of Caves By thermal Cameras

Authors:Yavor Shopov1,2,3, Ognian Ognianov1



abstract:We made extensive study of application of ther-mal cameras for remote location of caves. In addition to tens entrances of known caves we found also an entrance of a new unknown before cave near Karlukovo by using of thermal camera (fig.1). It was made at very unfavorable condi-tions. We first successfully used thermal imaging from UAVs for remote location of new unknown caves. In late May 2019 we found three new un-known caves from an UAV with a thermal camera flying above Bosnek karst region, Bulgaria (fig.2).This research was supported by BSF with DN14/4 grant to Y. Shopov.

references:Shopov Y. (2013) Commission on Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst Activity Report 2009-2013. UIS Bulletin Volume 56, N. 1, pp.18-19.Shopov Y. (2017) Using thermal vision cameras for remote location of caves on Mars for immedi-ate shelters for astronauts and storage chambers Journal of Aeronautics & Aerospace Engineering (J Aeronaut Aerospace Eng) May 2017, Volume 6, Issue 2, 64 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2168-9792-C1-016

short bio of the presenter:Eng. Ognian Ognianov is CEO of O&K Ltd, specializing on aerial observations and remote sensing, including remote location of caves.1 Sofia University, Faculty of Physics, University center for Space Research and Technologies, [email protected];2 Medical University of Sofia, ul. Zdrave 2, Sofia,3 Space Science Centre for Research and Postgraduate Stud-ies, Durban University of Technology, P. O. Box 1334, Durban 4000 Republic of South Africa

remote loCation of Caves on mars and the moon - first step to the

settlement on other planets

Author(s):Yavor Shopov 1,2,3



abstract:Mars and the Moon have very high cosmic ra-diation on their surface. Therefore their manned exploration requires using of caves for immedi-ate shelters of astronauts. So location of such caves is of vital importance for future manned exploration and settlement there. We develop a new technique for remote location of cave en-trances using thermal vision technique (fig.1). Cave entrances can be located by a thermal camera located on space probes or ROVs. We successfully performed preliminary remote loca-tions of cave entrances on Earth to optimize this technique for work on Mars.This research was supported by BSF with DN14/4 grant to Y. Shopov.

references:Shopov Y. (2017) Using thermal vision cameras for remote location of caves on Mars for immedi-ate shelters for astronauts and storage chambers Journal of Aeronautics & Aerospace Engineering (J Aeronaut Aerospace Eng) May 2017, Volume 6, Issue 2, 64 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2168-9792-C1-016

short bio of the presenter:Yavor Shopov is president of UIS commission on Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst, Leader of its International Programme on Re-mote Location of Caves and president of Bul-garian Federation of Speleology.

1 Sofia University, Faculty of Physics, University center for Space Research and Technologies, [email protected];2 Medical University of Sofia, ul. Zdrave 2, Sofia,3 Space Science Centre for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Durban University of Technology, P. O. Box 1334, Durban 4000 Republic of South Africa

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first appliCation of near infrared imaging for remote loCation of

Caves

Authors:Anton Filipov2

Other coauthors: Yavor Shopov1*, Ludmil Tsankov1

Organization:Sofia University, Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Geology and Geography



abstract:This work presents a first successful attempt for using near infrared (NIR) imaging for remote lo-cation of caves. In May 2019 we have found en-trance of a new unknown so far cave near Kar-lukovo by using a thermal camera. We recorded the same scenery in NIR and visible region. Lat-er calculations of the difference between visible (Fig.1) and NIR (Fig.2) images demonstrated that cave entrance and all smaller outlets of cave air are recorded on the obtained image. This dem-onstrates that NIR imaging can be used for re-mote location of caves. This research was sup-ported by BSF with DN14/4 grant to Y. Shopov.

short bio of the presenter:Dr. Anton Filipov is Associate Professor and chair of the Department of Cartography and GIS of the Sofia University. He is chair of the Univer-sity Center for Aerial Surveilance at Faculty of Geology and Geography.

1Sofia University, Faculty of Physics, *University Center for Space Research and Technologies2 Sofia University, Faculty of Geology and Geography

development of teChnology for remote loCation of unknown

underground Cavities and deep-seated roCkslides By unmanned air

systems (uas)

Authors:Yavor Shopov1, Ognian Ognianov1, Ivan Ivanov2*



abstract:The aim of the work is to create new scien-tific knowledge by developing a new innovative technology for remote detection of unknown un-derground cavities and deep-seated rockslides using a thermal camera mounted on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The technology will consist of the following stag-es: – Remote localization with a thermal and vis-

ible cameras based on UAV; – Data fusion and GIS integration and analysis; – Linking and localization of the registered en-

trances on the map of the terrain.

short bio of the presenter:Major fields of scientific research: database creation, mapmaking and cartography products, project implementation in the field of earth ob-servation.

*Corresponding author: [[email protected]]

1Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, University Centre for Space Research and Technologies2 Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Geology and Geography

84 85

on the possiBility to use 13C speleothem reCords for

determination of total freezing of the ground during glaCiations

Authors:Yavor Shopov1 , 2, Derek C. Ford3

Section:Symposium “Cave Climate and Paleoclimate – Best Record of the Global Change IV”


abstract:In a d13C Speleothem Record from Duhlata cave, Bulgaria (Fig.1) we found a positive value

of d13C. It is rather unusual and only way to explain it is that all carbon in the speleothem was supplied from the bedrock above the cave during the formation of the corresponding layer in the speleothem. Such situation can happen only during total freezing of the ground above the cave during glaciations. In such case both organic and air carbon dioxide cannot reach the cave.This research was supported by Ministry of edu-cation under National Program on Environment to Y. Shopov.

short bio of the presenter:Yavor Shopov is president of UIS commission on Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst, of its International Programme on Remote Loca-tion of Caves and president of Bulgarian Federa-tion of Speleology.

1 Sofia University, Faculty of Physics, University center for Space Research and Technologies, [email protected]; 2 Space Science Centre for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Durban University of Technology, P. O. Box 1334, Durban 4000 Republic of South Africa3 McMaster University, School of Geology and Geography, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

symposium “Cave Climate and paleoClimate – Best reCord of the gloBal Change iv“

the role of heinriCh 5 ClimatiC event on human migration: a high

resolution speleothem reCord from southern turkey

Authors:Mehmet Oruç Baykara1, Chuan-Chou Shen2 and Horng-Sheng Mii3

Organization:Izmir Cave Research Association, Izmir, Turkey and Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey



abstract:The Holocene period climate oscillations and their effect on ancient cultures have been rela-tively well studied in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, there is lesser information about the impacts of climate change on the human population during the last glacial. The most extreme global climate events during the last glacial period are represented by Heinrich events. In order to understand the effects of the rapid climate changes on human migrations, it is important to define the temporal and spatial variability of the Heinrich events. Heinrich events are several cold periods, named after paleocli-matologist Hartmut Heinrich, caused by the large inputs of fresh water into the North Atlantic from melting glaciers. These large amount of fresh

water lead to important break down of the At-lantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and North Atlantic deep water (NADW) forma-tion. Besides, Heinrich 5 event (48 ka BP) has a special interest in paleoclimate community due to migration of anatomically modern humans (AMH) westward to Europe via Eastern Medi-terranean by approximately 45,000 years ago. The paleoclimate studies and archaeological evidence have shown that AMH used the Le-vant Region and the southern Turkey coastline as migration route. The Eastern Mediterranean Region – southern Turkey has a particular im-portance because it served as a gateway to Eu-rope during this exodus. We have presented an absolute dated section between ~39-50 ka BP of the Dim 1 Stalagmite sample that has been sampled from Dim Cave (Southern Turkey) that gives valuable information from the last glacial.

short bio of the presenter:Department of Geopraphy, Geological Engineering, Pamukkale UniversityKınıklı Campus, 20017, Denizli, TURKEYPhone: +902582967412E-mail: [email protected]/2014, Ph.D., Ins. of Science, Dept. Geology En-gineering, Pamukkale University, Turkey.Current position 08/2018-now Asisstant Prof., Department of Geog-raphy, Pamukkale UniversityFields of specialty Paleoclimate changes; stable isotopes; karst hydrol-ogy; speleologyMajor awards and honors2014, HISPEC LAB- National Taiwan UniversityPost-doc grant Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey2011, IAS travel grant2009, Erasmus Scholarship2009, Marie-Curie Grant2008, Best poster award, Turkish Geology Assembly

1Pamukkale University, Department of Geological Engineering, TR-20070 Denizli, Turkey [email protected] Mass Spectrometry and Environment Change Laboratory (HISPEC), Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan3Department of Earth Sciences, National Taiwan Normal Uni-versity, Taipei, Taiwan


86 87

overview of environmental researCh in Croatian karst and its

impliCations for paleoenvironmental reConstruCtions

Author:Stanislav Frančišković-Bilinski (1),

Other coauthors: Dalibor Paar 2, Nenad Buzjak 3 and Ana Kamenski 4

Organization:“Ruđer Bošković” Institute, Division for marine and environmental research, Zagreb, Croatia.



abstract:Caves are valuable archives of past environmen-tal conditions due to their large geographic ex-tent and extensive time scales. We present an overview of our environmental research in Dinar-ic karst of Croatia, with geochemical, mineralogi-cal and magnetic research of speleothems and deep cave sediments. Element anomalies with elevated values in deep pits were detected and magnetic susceptibility results were compared with mineral composition.

references:1. Frančišković-Bilinski, S. (2008). Mineralogical Magazine 72, 1, 43-48.2. Kamenski, A. (2018). Diploma thesis, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb.3. Paar, D. et al. (2016). Journal of geochemical exploration, 167, 20-37.

1 Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for marine and environmen-tal research, Zagreb, Croatia, [email protected] University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Zagreb, Croatia 3 University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography, Zagreb, Croatia 4 University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petro-leum Engineering, Zagreb, Croatia

Sampling of cave sediments in SlovaДЌka jama (Northern Velebit Mt.)

Entrance of Lukina jama, deepest cave of Dinaric karst (-1431 m)

short bio of the presenter:Stanislav Frančišković-BilinskiAuthor or coauthor of 41 WOSCC scientific papers on geochemistry and mineralogy of sediments; karst research; environmental mag-netism; assessment of sediment quality; hydro-geochemistry; geostatistics

age determination of speleothems from mishin kamik Cave, nw Bulgaria

Authors:Konstantin Kostov¹, Silviu Constantin², Marlena Yaneva¹, Oana T. Moldovan², Alexandru Petculescu², Ionut Mirea², Ralitsa Konyovska³



abstract:Mishin Kamik Cave is located in the Western part of Stara Planina (Balkan) Mts, NW Bulgaria. This 695 m long maze cave is entirely phreatic, which makes the cave a geomorphological phe-nomenon for the country. A characteristic fea-ture of Mishin Kamik Cave is the presence of buried speleothems, such as small stalagmites and flowstone, which implies multiphase speleo-genesis. The performed U/Th dating of different speleothem samples proves that the deposits are of Late Pleistocene age.Acknowledgement: This study is part of the joint research project between Bulgarian and Roma-nian Academies of Sciences “Paleoclimate re-construction using cave deposits from Romania and Bulgaria” (2018-2020).

short bio of the presenter:Dr. Kostov is working on tectonics in caves, spe-leoseismology and karst geomorphology. Dr. Constantin is head of Geospeleology and Pale-ontology Department of the Institute of Speleol-ogy in Bucharest.

The entrance of Mishin Kamik Cave

Phreatic shape of the cave passages in Mishin Kamik Cave

¹Geological Institute of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev St., 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria²“Emil Racovita” Institute of Speleology, Romanian Academy of Sciences, Frumoasă Str., 31, 010986 Bucharest, Romania³National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

88 89

solar aCtivity effeCts on Cave temperature regimes during

five solar CyCles (1968 - 2018)

authors:Penka Stoeva, Alexey Stoev – Space Research and Technology Institute, BAS, Stara Zagora Department



abstract:The problems associated with the influence of solar activity on the state of the Earth’s low atmosphere and climate are some of the most important in mod-ern solar-terrestrial physics. On the other hand, it has an impact on the microclimate of the caves in the zone of constant temperature through various physi-cal mechanisms.Variations in solar activity are accompanied by changes in the flux of solar radiation, disturbances in the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field, the dynamics of the fluxes of solar and galactic cosmic rays and are especially clear expressed in the scale of the 11 year solar cycle. This applies in particular to the energy transfer and exchange in the Earth’s at-mosphere and the influence on various atmospheric processes. Usually, several factors simultaneously af-fect the atmosphere and this makes it difficult to study the physical mechanisms that shape the atmospheric response. This overlay of energy impacts also affects the thermodynamic processes of heat and moisture transfer in Karst massifs and caves. In addition, due to the presence of thermal flux from the lithosphere and the thermal inertness of the volume and mass of the Karst itself, some filtration of the direct physical factors of impact is obtained.The response of the earth’s atmosphere (atmospher-ic pressure, temperature, cloudiness, etc.) and the impact on the cave atmosphere of solar activity may differ significantly depending on the specific Karst region and geographical location. The correlation between atmospheric characteristics and solar geo-physical factors prove to be unstable over time – they may intensify, change the sign, or cease altogether.This report presents a study of the correlation be-tween thermodynamic characteristics of the cave atmosphere (temperature, humidity) and heliophysi-

cal indices for the period 1968 – 2018 for four caves on the territory of Bulgaria. Correlation between at-mospheric rainfall in the region and thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere of the caves is investi-gated. A relationship between the cave microclimate and the temperature and barometric pressure of the ground atmosphere is also found. This is probably due to the influence of the pressure of major atmos-pheric fronts on the Balkan Peninsula.

main physiCal proCesses and phenomena Causing periodiC Changes

in the Cave miCroClimate

Authors:Alexey Stoev, Penka Stoeva - Space Research and Technology Institute, BAS, Stara Zagora Department



abstract:Today, thanks to the efforts of generations of spe-leologists and researchers, a large amount of in-formation has been accumulated about the cave’s microclimate (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, CO2 content, radon, etc.). It was clari-fied that the Karst caves’ climate is significantly influenced by: the regional geological and mor-phological characteristics of the adjacent Karst massif, altitude, orientation and slope of its sur-face, annual distribution of total solar radiation, prevailing atmospheric fronts crossing its territory. Also, mechanisms for the influence of solar activ-ity on the climatic characteristics of the cave at-mosphere and the relationship of air volume in the Karst massif and the ground layer of air have been investigated for more than half a century.In highly mountainous terrain, the altitude and the morphological features of the caves have a signifi-cant impact on the intensity of the air circulation and the thermal regime of the underground atmos-phere. In a lot of the cases, other climatic factors also play an important role - the total atmospheric circulation, the number of cave entrances and their orientation in space, and the low-temperature wa-ter flows passing through the caves. The shape and structure of the caves enhance or weaken the influence of the physico-geographical, climatic and hydrological factors in the formation of microcli-matic regimes of the underground air.The report discusses the mechanisms of energy and mass exchange in the cave atmosphere, the influence of the external climate, the cycle of solar activity and galactic cosmic rays on cave

Saeva Dupka Cave.Today, thanks to the efforts of generations of spe-leologists and researchers, a large amount of in-formation has been accumulated about the cave’s microclimate (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, CO2 content, radon, etc.). It was clari-fied that the Karst caves’ climate is significantly influenced by: the regional geological and mor-phological characteristics of the adjacent Karst massif, altitude, orientation and slope of its sur-face, annual distribution of total solar radiation, prevailing atmospheric fronts crossing its territory. Also, mechanisms for the influence of solar activ-ity on the climatic characteristics of the cave at-mosphere and the relationship of air volume in the Karst massif and the ground layer of air have been investigated for more than half a century.In highly mountainous terrain, the altitude and the morphological features of the caves have a signifi-cant impact on the intensity of the air circulation and the thermal regime of the underground atmos-phere. In a lot of the cases, other climatic factors also play an important role - the total atmospheric circulation, the number of cave entrances and their orientation in space, and the low-temperature wa-ter flows passing through the caves. The shape and structure of the caves enhance or weaken the influence of the physico-geographical, climatic and hydrological factors in the formation of microcli-matic regimes of the underground air.The report discusses the mechanisms of energy and mass exchange in the cave atmosphere, the influence of the external climate, the cycle of solar activity and galactic cosmic rays on cave microclimate.

Saeva Dupka Cave

90 91

show Caves of the CzeCh repuBliC – what visitors do not see

Authors:Olga Suldovska

Organization:Cave Adminisstration of the Czech Republic

Section:2nd EuroSpeleo Show Cave Symposium

Type:Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation

abstract:There are 14 show caves in the Czech Republic.

They are managed by the Cave Administration of the Czech Republic that was established by Min-istry of Environment. The purpose of its estab-lishment was not only to ensure caves´ manage-ment, but also their monitoring and conservation.

Regular activities include monitoring of cave mi-croclimate and survey of bats. Exploration and mapping continues in some caves. Archaeologi-cal, paleontological,mineralogical and other re-searches are also done in some caves.

short bio of the presenter:Olga Suldovska has been working in the CaveAdministration of the Czech Republic since 2015 as an archivist and GIS (Geographic Infor-mation Systems) administrator.

Restoration work in Na Špičáku Cave. Photo: P. Zajíček Maping of flooded corridor in Chýnov Cave. Photo: M. Dvořáček

2nd eurospeleo show Cave symposium show Caves in Bulgaria as oBJeCts for study trips and expeditions of

students in tourist speCialties

Authors:Alexey Stoev1, Todor Todorov2, Mina Spasova3, Penka Stoeva1



abstract:The report analyzes many years of experience in the design and implementation of excursion routes in show caves in Bulgaria. They have been developed and tested as project work by students in the specialty “tourism” in several uni-versities in our country. The use of interactive technologies, special technical means for dem-onstrations in the underground darkness and auxiliary materials during the excursion (expedi-tion) is shown in the student developments.

This educational technology is first and fore-most related to the organization of the educa-tional process as a continuous system of active practices “immersed” in the professional envi-ronment. On the other hand, there is a need to educate students through “project technology” and “formation” of the tourism product from the first year of study. Such a form of training is based on the organic unity of the links between different subjects, knowledge and competences acquired in the course of studying. Getting addi-tional knowledge about Karst and caves in vari-ous disciplines such as “Homeland” and “Guid-ing” allows the teacher to assign students the task of developing an excursion route to the area of a show cave and to use the results as control assessments.

The report demonstrates theoretical and meth-odological foundations of developing a new excursion (study expedition), including the development of a technological map of the speleo-excursion. Such an excursion presents the Karst terrain, the cave itself, the richness of the secondary calcite decoration, the physico-chemical processes that formed the cave and speleothems. To this narrative must be added the history of the cave’s discovery and improve-ment, as well as archaeological and historical records of its use over time. It is shown that in the course of the excursion process, the student shows the Karst terrain, the cave and the artifacts with maximum details (first task), presents the necessary information about the already demonstrated parts of the cave (sec-ond task) and introduces the importance of the show cave for the specific area and the country as a whole (third task). In addition, the student develops practical habits for independent ob-servation and analysis of the physical and so-cial environment of the caves he visits (fourth task).

Saeva Dupka Cave

1Space Research and Technology Institute, BAS, Stara Zagora De-partment, P.O.Box 73, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, [email protected], [email protected] college, Smolyan, Plovdiv University “Paisij Hilendarsky”3Institute for the Study of Societies and Knowledge, BAS, Sofia, [email protected]





92 93

The report also presents the experience of col-lective project work of first-year students for the creation of a tourist product - a trip to the Karst region of Trigrad - Nastan and a visit to the Ya-godinska cave. Developing the route, students work out a comprehensive narrative about the surface Karst in the area and the basic mor-phometric characteristics of the cave and its calcite decoration. Also, during the project, they were acquainted with the history of study of the Yagodina Cave in the second half of the twenti-eth century and archaeological data on the use of part of the cave in the Prehistory. During the preparation the possibilities for including addi-tional detailed acquaintance of the visitors with other objects of cultural and historical heritage in the region were analyzed. In the final part of the preparation of the excursion, the result of synthesis of basic tasks solved in the process of designing the tourism product and its realization were shown to students.

Dyavolsko Garlo Cave

Yagodinska Cave

symBols, myths, and images of the underworld in the arrangement and

operation of show Caves

Authors:Mina Spasova1, Vasil Markov2, Alexey Stoev3, Todor Todorov4, Penka Stoeva3



abstract:Man has always needed to comprehend his es-sence and the surrounding natural and social environment, to explain the existing social, natu-ral and cosmic order. When it comes to caves,

their geological history, the present and their use by man throughout the historical eras, the sys-tem of ideas and beliefs associated with them always come to the forefront.The aim of this work is to study the background of human notions that have been concretized in the image of the underworld through the analy-sis of various symbols, myths and images asso-ciated with caves. The persistence of this back-ground is the main reason for the vitality of the ideas about the cave world and the image of the characters associated with it, especially in the Bulgarian cultural tradition.

The report shows the possibility to use the sys-tem of images related to the underworld of caves, in the development of show caves and guided programs for them. The mechanism of the con-nection of one mythology to the cave world with a system of images and action motives (without verbal narration) and another, where the images and motifs come in various narrative combina-tions, is analyzed. Particularly characteristic is the example of the figure of ancient Orpheus,

1Institute for the Study of Societies and Knowledge, BAS, Sofia, [email protected] West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad 3Space Research and Technology Institute, BAS, Stara Zagora De-partment, P.O.Box 73, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, [email protected], [email protected] college, Smolyan, Plovdiv University “Paisij Hilendarsky”



94

for whom there are several basic motifs associ-ated with his image. But for most people, the notion of it is related to Orpheus’ descent into the underworld, and this is the core of modern myth of Orpheus.

Another typical example is related to the image of the cave as a refuge and shelter. In addition, the cave symbolizes the womb, associates with the birth, rebirth and center of the universe, as represented by the Great Mother – Goddess. On the other hand, in polytheistic religions, the suc-cessor of which is Christianity today, the cave is often associated with an important mythological being from the underworld – the dragon. Like the “cosmic tree”, it connects the three worlds and divides the universe vertically. Living in a cave, the dragon often acts as a cosmic media-tor that connects the underworld, terrestrial, and celestial worlds and functionally approaches the “cosmic tree”. Dark interpretations, on the other hand, often connect the cave to the Underworld, to the gates of Hell, and to the subconscious and mysterious in man.In conclusion, the report shows that knowledge of the components of the underground environ-ment, expressed in symbols, myths and images, is crucial for their rational use in management, practical protection and exploitation of show caves.

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k fo

r Cav

e Cl

eani

ng

and

Prot

ectio

n M

atea

Tal

aja

and

Vale

rija

Buto

rac:

Map

ping

and

va

luin

g ka

rst u

nder

grou

nd

geod

iver

sity

in c

ave

Lokv

arka

, Cro

atia

Fr

anc

Mal

ečka

r:

Intr

oduc

tion

of

scho

olch

ildre

n to

fiel

d w

ork

on k

arst

and

cav

es

Jean

-Cla

ude

Thie

s: 6

th

Euro

Spel

eo P

rote

ctio

n Sy

mpo

sium

"U

nder

grou

nd

Biot

ope

and

Geo

tope

; Bes

t Pr

actic

e of

Pro

tect

ion"

14:3

0-16

:00

Cave

Exp

lora

tion

&

Expe

ditio

ns

Chai

rper

son:

Ant

oniy

a Vl

ayko

va

Dr. P

etar

Ber

on:

Bulg

aria

ns in

Gou

ffre

Berg

er –

196

9 Bo

az L

angf

ord

& a

l.:

Disc

over

ies o

f new

salt

cave

s at S

edom

salt

diap

ir, D

ead-

Sea,

Isra

el

Yoav

Neg

ev: T

he

expe

ditio

n to

resu

rvey

th

e lo

nges

t sal

t cav

e in

th

e w

orld

, Mal

ham

cav

e,

Mt S

edom

- Is

rael

98 99

Ba

lkan

Hal

l Rh

odop

i Hal

l St

rand

zha

Hall

Vito

sha

Hal

l Pe

nka

Stoe

va &

al.:

Sol

ar a

ctiv

ity

effe

cts o

n ca

ve te

mpe

ratu

re re

gim

es

durin

g fiv

e so

lar c

ycle

s (19

68 -

2018

) (p

oste

r pre

sent

atio

n)

Alex

ey S

toev

& a

l.: M

ain

phys

ical

pr

oces

ses a

nd p

heno

men

a ca

usin

g pe

riodi

c ch

ange

s in

the

cave

m

icro

clim

ate

(pos

ter p

rese

ntat

ion)

Joer

g Dr

eybr

odt:

Kars

t and

Ca

ve C

onse

rvat

ion

with

in

the

Sust

aina

bilit

y Go

als o

f th

e U

nite

d N

atio

ns

Anno

tatio

n of

pos

ter

pres

enta

tion

Stan

imira

Del

eva

& a

l. Book

ab

out c

aves

and

kar

st o

f Co

sta

Rica

(p

oste

r pre

sent

atio

n)

16:0

0-16

:30

Brea

k 16

:30-

19:0

0 Ca

ve E

xplo

ratio

n &

Ex

pedi

tions

Ch

airp

erso

ns: A

nton

iya

Vlay

kova

, Ang

el Iv

anov

M

arko

Rak

ovac

: Sp

eleo

logi

cal e

xplo

ratio

ns

in C

roat

ia (2

009-

2019

) M

arin

a G

rand

ić:

Spel

eolo

gica

l exp

lora

tions

of

Cro

atia

n N

orth

ern

Vele

bit k

arst

M

icha

el L

aum

anns

: In

tern

atio

nal e

xped

ition

s 20

17 a

nd 2

019

to th

e Se

rra

da B

odoq

uena

, SW

Br

azil

Petr

Bar

ák: E

xplo

ratio

ns

of th

e Ba

lkan

Cav

es -

Devo

n Ca

ving

clu

b

Mee

ting

of th

e U

IS P

hysi

cal C

hem

istr

y an

d Hy

drog

eolo

gy o

f Kar

st

Com

mis

sion

Ch

airp

erso

n: D

r. Y.

Sho

pov

17:0

0-19

:00

ECPC

mee

ting

Ba

lkan

Hal

l Rh

odop

i Hal

l St

rand

zha

Hall

Vito

sha

Hal

l 19

:00-

20:0

0 Di

nner

20

:00-

21:0

0 Ba

lkan

Hal

l Eu

roSp

eleo

Imag

e’In

Film

Fes

tival

Af

ter 2

0:00

Sp

eleo

bar

& P

arty

Tim

e 27

Sep

tem

ber (

Frid

ay)

8:00

-9:0

0 Br

eakf

ast

9:00

-9:3

0 Fr

ee T

ime

Ba

lkan

Hal

l Rh

odop

i Hal

l St

rand

zha

Hall

Vito

sha

Hal

l O

ther

9:

30-1

1:30

Ca

ve E

xplo

ratio

n &

Ex

pedi

tions

Ch

airp

erso

n: M

lade

n G

aras

ic

Livi

u Vă

lena

ş:

Spel

eolo

gica

l res

earc

h in

La

os, 2

015-

2019

M

icha

el L

aum

anns

: The

lo

nges

t lav

a tu

be c

aves

of

Sout

heas

t Asia

- Ta

n Ph

u an

d Kr

ong

No

Volc

anic

in

sout

hern

Vie

tnam

Li

viu

Văle

naş:

Sp

eleo

logi

cal r

esea

rch

in

Thai

land

, 200

6-20

19

Mic

hael

Lau

man

ns: B

aish

an

2018

/19

- Rec

onna

issan

ce

expe

ditio

n to

Jilin

and

He

ilong

jiang

pro

vinc

es, N

E Ch

in

Sym

posi

um

“Tec

hniq

ues f

or

Rem

ote

Loca

tion

of

Unk

now

n U

nder

grou

nd C

aviti

es”

Chai

rper

sons

: Dr.

A.

Bend

erev

Ya

vor S

hopo

v &

al.:

Tr

acin

g of

the

Grou

ndw

ater

Flo

win

g ou

t of K

olki

na d

upka

Ca

ve, Z

imev

itsa,

Bu

lgar

ia

Ivan

Ant

onov

& a

l.:

Dye

Trac

ing

Belo

w th

e Vi

sibili

ty T

hres

hold

Cave

Bio

logy

&

Bios

pele

olog

y

Chai

rper

son:

Sta

nim

ira

Dele

va

Stan

imira

Del

eva:

Stu

dy

of th

e nu

trie

nt

cont

ribut

ion

of c

ave

bat

colo

nies

to su

rfac

e ec

osys

tem

s He

liana

Dun

daro

va:

Und

ergr

ound

Hab

itats

as

a U

nit f

or C

onse

rvat

ion

of

Vuln

erab

le B

at

Com

mun

ities

in S

outh

-W

este

rn K

yrgy

zsta

n Jo

sian

e Li

ps: B

iosp

eolo

gy

in K

yrgy

zsta

n An

gel I

vano

v &

al.:

In

telli

gent

Virt

ual P

erso

nal

Assis

tant

for B

at S

cien

tists

2n

d Eu

roSp

eleo

Sh

ow C

ave

Sym

posi

um

Chai

rper

son:

Dr.

A. S

toev

A

visit

to th

e Sa

eva

dupk

a Ca

ve

for t

he

part

icip

ants

in th

e sy

mpo

sium

11:3

0-12

:00

Brea

k

100 101

Ba

lkan

Hal

l Rh

odop

i Hal

l St

rand

zha

Hall

Vito

sha

Hal

l O

ther

12

:00-

13:0

0 Sy

mpo

sium

“Te

chni

ques

for

Rem

ote

Loca

tion

of

Unk

now

n U

nder

grou

nd

Cavi

ties”

Ch

airp

erso

n: D

r. A.

Fili

pov

Yavo

r Sho

pov:

The

In

tern

atio

nal P

rogr

am o

n "T

echn

ique

s for

Rem

ote

Loca

tion

of C

ave

(RLC

) of t

he

Inte

rnat

iona

l Uni

on o

f Sp

eleo

logy

(UIS

) and

Bu

lgar

ian

proj

ect r

elat

ed to

it

Ogn

ian

Ogn

iano

v &

al.:

Re

mot

e Lo

catio

n of

Cav

es b

y Th

erm

al C

amer

as

Ca

ve B

iolo

gy &

Bi

ospe

leol

ogy

Ch

airp

erso

n: H

anne

s Kö

ble

Ha

nnes

Köb

le:

Bios

pele

olog

y in

Ger

man

y M

etho

ds to

incr

ease

pu

blic

and

spec

ialis

t in

tere

st

Caio

Cés

ar P

ires d

e Pa

ula

& a

l.: M

icro

bial

life

in

Braz

ilian

cav

es: r

epor

ting

the

stru

ctur

e of

bac

teria

l co

mm

uniti

es

Anno

tatio

n of

pos

ter

pres

enta

tions

N

ataš

a N

ikol

ić &

al.:

Hu

mid

ophi

la

brek

kaen

soid

es (B

ock)

Lo

we,

Koc

iole

k,

J.R.Jo

hans

en, V

an d

e Vi

jver

, Lan

ge-B

erta

lot &

Ko

palo

va: A

erop

hytic

di

atom

from

the

cave

s of

Serb

ia

(pos

ter p

rese

ntat

ion)

Sl

ađan

a Po

povi

ć &

al.:

Sa

mar

Cav

e: se

ason

al

anal

ysis

of p

hoto

trop

hic

mic

roor

gani

sms,

ec

olog

ical

and

bio

film

Ba

lkan

Hal

l Rh

odop

i Hal

l St

rand

zha

Hall

Vito

sha

Hal

l O

ther

pa

ram

eter

s (p

oste

r pre

sent

atio

n)

13:0

0-14

:00

Lunc

h 14

:00-

14:3

0 Fr

ee T

ime

14:3

0-16

:00

Sym

posi

um “

Tech

niqu

es fo

r Re

mot

e Lo

catio

n of

U

nkno

wn

Und

ergr

ound

Ca

vitie

s”

Chai

rper

son:

Dr.

Y. S

hopo

v Ya

vor S

hopo

v: R

emot

e Lo

catio

n of

Cav

es o

n M

ars

and

the

Moo

n - F

irst S

tep

to

the

Sett

lem

ent o

n ot

her

Plan

ets

Anto

n Fi

lipov

& a

l.: F

irst

Appl

icat

ion

of N

ear I

nfra

red

Imag

ing

for R

emot

e Lo

catio

n of

Cav

es

Ivan

Ivan

ov &

al.:

De

velo

pmen

t of T

echn

olog

y fo

r Rem

ote

Loca

tion

of

Unk

now

n U

nder

grou

nd

Cavi

ties a

nd D

eep-

Seat

ed

Rock

slide

s by

Unm

anne

d Ai

r Sy

stem

s (U

AS)

16:0

0-16

:30

Brea

k FS

E Bu

reau

M

eetin

g

Spel

eo O

lym

pics

16

:30-

18:3

0 Ca

ve E

xplo

ratio

n &

Ex

pedi

tions

Ch

airp

erso

n: Y

avor

Sho

pov

Pave

l Bak

alov

and

Ko

nsta

ntin

Sto

ichk

ov:

Cave

Geo

logy

, G

eom

orph

olog

y an

d G

eogr

aphy

of K

arst

Ch

airp

erso

ns: D

r. K.

Ko

stov

, Dr.

A.

Bend

erev

102 103

Ba

lkan

Hal

l Rh

odop

i Hal

l St

rand

zha

Hall

Vito

sha

Hal

l O

ther

Ex

plor

atio

n of

the

cave

s in

Bans

ki su

hodo

l circ

us in

Nor

th

Pirin

, SC

Helic

tit -

Sofia

and

SC

C Ak

adem

ic –

Sof

ia

Kons

tant

in S

toic

hkov

: Ex

plor

atio

n of

the

cave

s in

the

regi

on o

f the

vill

age

of

Karlu

kovo

by

the

cave

rs o

f th

e ca

ving

clu

b He

lictit

– S

ofia

Tz

veta

n O

stro

msk

y &

al.:

Re

cent

spel

eolo

gica

l ex

plor

atio

ns in

NW

Vra

tsa

Mou

ntai

n Te

odor

Kis

imov

: Mor

ca 2

019

– a

shor

t sum

mar

y of

the

expe

ditio

n

Tzve

tan

Ost

rom

sky:

W

onde

rs a

nd re

mar

ks

of B

ulga

rian

cave

s and

ka

rst

Jele

na Ć

alić

: Cav

es a

nd

kars

t of t

he D

jerd

ap

aspi

ring

Geo

park

–

rese

arch

and

m

anag

emen

t ch

alle

nges

Al

iki K

onso

laki

: M

orph

olog

ical

ana

lysis

of

3D

subs

urfa

ce

stru

ctur

es w

ith th

e us

e of

a h

andh

eld

lase

r sc

anni

ng sy

stem

. The

ca

se st

udy

of K

outo

uki

Cave

, Pea

nia,

Gre

ece

Anno

tatio

n of

pos

ter

pres

enta

tion

Mau

rizio

Tav

agnu

tti:

Tide

s of A

dria

tic S

ea in

th

e ca

ves o

f Cla

ssic

al

Kars

t: Th

e ca

se o

f Po

zzo

dei p

rote

i di

Mon

falc

one

(Ital

y)

(pos

ter p

rese

ntat

ion)

18

:30-

19:0

0 Fr

ee T

ime

19:0

0-20

:00

Dinn

er

20:0

0-21

:00

Balk

an H

all

Post

er P

rese

ntat

ions

on

glas

s of

win

e Sp

eleo

bar

& P

arty

Tim

e 28

Sep

tem

ber (

Satu

rday

) 8:

00-9

:00

Brea

kfas

t

Balk

an H

all

Rhod

opi H

all

Stra

ndzh

a Ha

ll Vi

tosh

a H

all

Oth

er

9:00

-13:

00

G

ener

al A

ssem

bly

of

Euro

pean

Spe

leol

ogic

al

Fede

ratio

n

9:

30-1

3:00

Bu

lgar

ian

Nat

iona

l Sp

eleo

logy

For

um

Chai

rper

son:

Dr.

A. B

ende

rev

Ope

ning

Cer

emon

y Pr

esen

tatio

ns “

90 y

ears

of

orga

nize

d sp

eleo

logy

in

Bulg

aria

and

45

year

s of c

ave

resc

ue in

Bul

garia

” (in

Bu

lgar

ian)

An

na P

ench

eva:

Bul

garia

ns in

Go

uffr

e Be

rger

– 1

969

(in B

ulga

rian)

Aw

ardi

ng

13:0

0-14

:00

Lunc

h 14

:00-

16:0

0 Bu

lgar

ian

Nat

iona

l Sp

eleo

logy

For

um

Chai

rper

sons

: Dr.

Y. S

hopo

v,

Dr. A

. Ben

dere

v Pr

esen

tatio

ns a

nd D

iscus

sions

(in

Bul

garia

n)

Euro

Spel

eo S

how

Cav

e Sy

mpo

sium

Ch

airp

erso

ns: D

r. A.

Sto

ev,

Olg

a Su

ldov

ska

Olg

a Su

ldov

ska:

Sho

w c

aves

of

the

Czec

h Re

publ

ic –

wha

t vi

sitor

s do

not s

ee

Alex

ey S

toev

& a

l.: S

how

ca

ves i

n Bu

lgar

ia a

s obj

ects

fo

r stu

dy tr

ips a

nd

expe

ditio

ns o

f stu

dent

s in

tour

ist sp

ecia

lties

104

(pos

ter p

rese

ntat

ion)

Pe

nka

Stoe

va &

al.:

Sym

bols,

m

yths

, and

imag

es o

f the

un

derw

orld

in th

e ar

rang

emen

t and

ope

ratio

n of

sh

ow c

aves

(p

oste

r pre

sent

atio

n)

16:0

0-16

:30

Brea

k Co

nser

vatio

n W

orks

hop

Spel

eo O

lym

pics

16:3

0-18

:30

Bulg

aria

n N

atio

nal

Spel

eolo

gy F

orum

Pr

esen

tatio

ns a

nd D

iscus

sions

(in

Bul

garia

n)

Cave

Exp

lora

tion

&

Expe

ditio

ns

Chai

rper

son:

Tom

a So

laro

v Al

eksa

ndar

Sto

ev: C

ave

Surv

ey p

roje

ct, s

urve

ying

ca

ves w

ith c

omm

on h

ardw

are

Rosa

rio R

uggi

eri:

Kars

t and

Sp

eleo

logy

in th

e So

uth

Cauc

asus

of A

rmen

ia

Joer

g Dr

eybr

odt:

Kars

t and

Ca

ve C

onse

rvat

ion

in

Mya

nmar

18:3

0-19

:00

Br

eak

19:0

0-20

:00

Balk

an H

all

Clos

ing

Cere

mon

y +

Prize

s 20

:00-

21:0

0 O

ffic

ial D

inne

r Af

ter 2

1 Sp

eleo

bar

& P

arty

Bulgarian tourist unionBulgarian tourist union (BTU) is the largest non-governmental organization in Bulgaria with over 120

years of history and rich traditions in the field of tourism and sports. The Union is a non-profit voluntary as-sociation for social recreation, sports and tourism, cultural and environmental activities. Through its member associations BTU creates the conditions for active recreation, promotes mountaineering, orientation, speleol-ogy, environmental protection.

The Union includes 154 tourist associations, 2 federations: the Federation of Orienteering and the Fed-eration of Tourist Veterans, and 2 associations: the Association of Speleology and the Association of Tourist Choirs. BTU manages independently or through its member associations tourist sites: huts, shelters, tourist bedrooms, training centers, hotels. They are located in the most beautiful parts of Bulgaria.

The main task of the Union is to motivate people to spend more and more time in nature, to practice various sports and tourist activities, to get to know Bulgaria and to love it. That`s why BTU participates in many initiatives and celebrations dedicated to historical events and heroes mainly involving young people: climbing Shipka peak in honor of the National holiday of Bulgaria on 3rd of March , National walking hike called “In the footsteps of Vasil Levski”, dedicated to the life of the great Bulgarian patriot and a fighter for our national independence; National walking hike called “Kozloduy-Okolchitsa” in the honor of prominent Bulgarian poet-revolutionary and fighter against the Ottoman yoke Hristo Botev; National Winter Survival Competition for children , National Competition for tourist skills of children for the Crystal Edelweiss Prize at the Koprinka Dam, National hike named „No to Drugs“,etc.

Every year the holiday of the Union is celebrated at Cherni Vrah peak of Vitosha Mountain near Sofia on the last Sunday of August, where many fans of the mountain and hiking are gathering.

BTU is also responsible for the marking of hiking trails in the mountains. About 35,000 km are marked. Three European routes pass through Bulgaria with a total length of 1600 km : E-3(Bulgarian part Kom-Emine ); E-4 (Bulgarian part Vitosha Mountain, Verila Mountain, Rila Mountain, Pirin Mountain and Slavyanka Mountain ) and E-8 (Bulgarian part Rhodopes Mountain ). The marking signs along these routes are one of the major tasks of BTU.

One of the most prestigious initiatives of BTU is the National Movement called “100 Tourist Sites-Get to Know Bulgaria”. It was created in 1966 and so far more than 6 million people have participated in it. Its essence is to get acquainted with the rich history and beautiful nature of Bulgaria by collecting stamps from famous natural landmarks, museums, historical sites. For those who have collected 100 stamps, a lottery is organized every year. Another popular event is the movement called “10 mountain peaks”. Its purpose is to climb the 10 highest peaks in the mountains of Bulgaria, from where participants also collect stamps and finally participate in a lottery, which is organized at Vitosha Cherni vrah peak on the last Sunday of August every year.

BTU issues the Echo newspaper once a month.With all its patriotic activity BTU shows for many generations the beauty of the Bulgarian nature and

mountains.

Documents

13 Forum TH EuroSpeleo Sofia, Bulgaria€¦ · editorial team on writing, information gathering, and design of the content: Antoniya Vlaykova, Angel Ivanov, Stanimira Deleva, Tsvetan