Cave and Karst

  An Overdue Need for the Inclusion of Carbonate Karst Systems in Global Conservation Efforts. Mike Buchanan - 2025 “Beneath our feet lies a forgotten world. Carved in silence by time, shaped by the unseen dance of water and stone. Karst systems speak in echoes, not in shouts; it gives without demand, sustains without glory. In ignoring what lies below, we forsake the source of what flows above. To protect the surface, we must learn to honour the depths and reach of groundwater.” Abstract Carbonate karst systems, formed predominantly in limestone, dolomite, gypsum and chalk, represent unique endemic geological and ecological environments. These systems are not only critical sources of freshwater but also support diverse surface and subterranean biota. However, despite their importance, karst landscapes remain underrepresented in international conservation frameworks such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This paper argues for the urgent inclusion of karst systems in globa...

  The Ethical Responsibilities of a Karstologist: A Comprehensive Overview Mike Buchanan 2023 A Philosophical Expression An ethical karstologist embodies a profound responsibility to the intricate karst landscapes they study, recognising these environments as vital ecosystems that sustain diverse life forms and human communities. Their duties extend beyond scientific inquiry; they must advocate for the preservation of these fragile ecosystems, balancing the pursuit of knowledge with a commitment to sustainability and conservation. By fostering a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all living things, an ethical karstologist seeks to illuminate the delicate relationship between human activity and nature, ensuring that their research contributes to a harmonious coexistence that honours the past, nurtures the present, and safeguards the future of karst landscapes. This integrated approach champions the stewardship of these unique environments, emphasizing that the integrit...

  Groundwater Divides and Erosion of Terrestrial Horizons: A Critical Review of the Academic Paradigm - Mike Buchanan, 2022   Introduction The concept of groundwater divides has been a cornerstone of hydrogeology and broader hydrological sciences for decades. However, accumulating evidence challenges the traditional view of these divides as fixed and distinct boundaries. This paper critically examines the prevailing academic paradigm, focusing on the impact of tectonic activity, gravitational forces, and climatic erosion on terrestrial horizons. While the discussion is rooted in hydrogeology, the subject’s relevance spans across geoscientific disciplines due to its broader implications for terrestrial erosion processes, landscape evolution, and resource management. The Traditional Paradigm of Groundwater Divides Historically, the dominant model has operated under two main assumptions: Sharp and distinct groundwater divides – These are viewed as clear-cut ...

  Biological Enhancement of Speleogenesis in Carbonate Karst Systems Buchanan 2022 Abstract Subterranean biological communities play a critical role in enhancing speleogenesis in natural carbonate karst systems. Through the production of carbonic and sulfuric acids, organic acid secretion, and physical interactions with the substrate, organisms such as microbes, amphipods, and other stygofauna contribute to the chemical and mechanical dissolution of carbonate rock. This paper explores these processes from a molecular and ecological perspective, providing a cited and structured understanding of how biology drives geological transformation underground. 1. Introduction Speleogenesis, the formation and development of caves, has traditionally been considered a primarily geochemical process driven by the dissolution of carbonate rocks. However, recent studies underscore the role of biological processes in accelerating and shaping cave formation (Banks, Burke and Smith, 2010). T...

  The Importance of Stratified Biospeleology in Aquifer Drawdown and Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) - Mike Buchanan 2023 Abstract Subterranean ecosystems, especially those within karst systems, play a vital but often overlooked role in sustaining global freshwater supplies and maintaining water quality. This paper explores the significance of stratified biospeleology, particularly its intersection with aquifer drawdown and Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). Through examining the ecological functions of subterranean organisms and the hydrological intricacies of karst systems, I highlight the urgent need for informed, sustainable groundwater management practices that acknowledge the fragility and value of these hidden ecosystems. 1. Introduction The study of subterranean life, stratified biospeleology offers critical insights into the complex interplay between geology, hydrology, and biology in underground ecosystems. These systems are vital to water quality and biodiversity, ye...

  The Interconnected Crisis: Environmental Degradation and Its Impacts Mike Buchanan, 2025   Abstract Environmental degradation is a pressing global issue that threatens the stability of ecosystems and the well-being of human populations. This paper explores three critical aspects of this crisis: ocean acidification, groundwater contamination, and biodiversity loss. It highlights the interconnectedness of these problems and emphasises the urgent need for sustainable practices and international cooperation to mitigate their impacts. Introduction The health of our planet is increasingly compromised by human activities that contribute to environmental degradation. Industrialisation, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices are driving a range of ecological crises. Understanding the complex interactions between these issues is essential for developing effective solutions. This paper focuses on ocean acidification, groundwater contamination, and biodiversit...

  The Cycle of Contamination: Environmental Justice and Corporate Malfeasance in Resource Extraction Mike Buchanan - 2025 Abstract This paper explores the environmental and social consequences of resource extraction by multinational corporations, with a particular focus on developing regions. It examines the cycle of contamination resulting from activities such as mining, which disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Key issues include acid mine drainage (AMD), heavy metal contamination and the degradation of karst environments. The study critiques corporate malfeasance highlights the urgent need for more robust regulation, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Case studies and scholarly research are used to support calls for enhanced accountability and environmental justice. Introduction The extraction of natural resources by multinational corporations frequently results in severe environment...

  The Role of SiO2 Boxwork in Hypogene Karstification: Distinctions from Epigene Processes and Implications for Secondary Mineral Deposition Buchanan 2022 Abstract This paper explores the significance of SiO2 boxwork structures as indicators of hypogene karstification, contrasting them with epigenetic processes. It discusses the formation mechanisms of chert and boxwork, their implications for groundwater migration, and their role in the development of karst features. The paper emphasises the lack of SiO2 boxwork in epigene environments due to limited groundwater permeation and highlights the relevance of low-energy settings in secondary mineral deposition. Introduction Karst systems are characterised by unique geological features formed through the dissolution of soluble rocks, primarily limestone and dolomite. This paper focuses on the distinctions between hypogene and epigene karstification, particularly the role of SiO2 boxwork structures in hypogene environments. H...

  Reconsidering Groundwater Abstraction in Carbonate Terrains: A Karstological Perspective on Structural Risk and Hydrogeological Oversight Mike Buchanan 2024 Abstract This position paper challenges the prevailing hydrological narrative advocating continued groundwater abstraction from carbonate aquifers, particularly in karstified regions of the UK. While arguments for water resilience are valid, they overlook critical geostructural and ecological dimensions. We argue that sustained drawdown in carbonate successions, especially those with complex karst systems, induces mechanical destabilisation through loss of hydrostatic pressure, increased effective stress, and micro-stress redistribution. These processes can irreversibly compromise structural integrity, degrade aquifer ecosystems, and pose significant socio-economic and planning risks. 1.       Introduction Groundwater abstraction from chalk and limestone aquifers is increasingly promoted as a ...