Mike Buchanan's Cave and karst pictures

























































Popular posts from this blog

Image
Histoplasma capsulatum - Histo - South Africa 2006 Histoplasma spores are prevalent in the atmosphere all the time. Our immune systems tolerance is derived by the local level of exposure. Within certain caves, typically low energy systems receding/dropping water table being the key to increased prevalence, the closer to the equator the more the prevalence becomes. Along with all other tropical diseases. Histoplasma capsulatum is an intelligent Dimorphic Fungus. This does not mean it can make tea. The intellect comes in the form of a transformation from a fungus into a yeast, as the spore settles and defuses through the alveoli membranes of the lung, into the blood stream. "Calcareous lesions" as reported radiologically historically, have been disproved by direct biopsy. The prevalence of reactive lymph nodes within the lungs specifically in the mediastinum is what we see as a "storm" on the x-ray image. As with the evolution of the development of your imm...
Read more
Image
  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 ...
Read more

Statement on Illicit Speleothem Trading

Image
Statement on Illicit Speleothem Trading January 2005. Prepared by Prof. Elery Hamilton-Smith, AM, Chair, IUCN / WCPA Task Force on Caves and Karst With the assistance of members of the task force and concerned officers of the International Union of Speleology. Introduction During the last twelve months, there has been a great increase in the number and size of speleothems being offered for sale in various countries. This is a matter of considerable concern to all of us who are about the conservation and protection of the world’s caves. If these specimens are openly sold, it not only draws attention to them as a potentially marketable commodity, but also serves to make vandalism appear legitimate to many people. This trade has taken various forms over a considerable period of time: · Harvesting of small specimens as souvenirs, often associated with cave tourism, but also those shops or dealers who service mineral collectors. This is a world-wide issue. · The harvesting ...
Read more