Cave and Karst

  The Impact of Gravitational Torque, Agricultural and Industrial Practices on Carbonate Aquifers. Mike Buchanan 2025 Abstract This paper explores the intricate relationship between gravitational torque, tidal forces and agricultural or industrial practices, particularly focusing on their combined effects on carbonate aquifers. As groundwater extraction for irrigation or industry increases, understanding the dynamics of gravitational forces becomes essential for sustainable groundwater management. This study highlights the potential risks associated with lowered groundwater tables, structural integrity of carbonate rocks, and the implications of tidal influences. Introduction Carbonate aquifers, primarily composed of limestone, dolomite and chalks (Guo et al., 2024), are vital sources of freshwater in many regions. Their unique geological characteristics, including high porosity and permeability, make them susceptible to various environmental factors. This paper examines ho...

  Protecting Stygofauna and Karst Ecosystems from Degradation Mike Buchanan 2025 Introduction The degradation of freshwater resources and the ecosystems that depend on them is a pressing global issue. Among the most affected are karst systems, which harbour unique organisms known as stygofauna. These organisms have taken millions of years to evolve and play critical roles in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. However, due to negligence and unsustainable practices, we are witnessing a rapid decline in their populations and the overall health of these vital environments. This paper aims to highlight the importance of stygofauna, the economic and ecological costs of their loss and the immediate need for global leaders to act. The Importance of Stygofauna Stygofauna, which include various species of invertebrates that inhabit groundwater systems, serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Their presence reflects the overall condition of karst aquifers, which are cruc...

Rethinking Water Management in Karst Aquifers: A Multi-Specialty Approach to Sustainability - Mike Buchanan 2025 Abstract This paper examines the critical challenges posed by anthropogenic drawdown of karst aquifers, emphasising the ecological services these systems provide. It critiques the reliance on traditional hydrological models, particularly Darcy's Law and advocates for a paradigm shift towards sustainable water management practices that prioritise ecological integrity and community engagement. Additionally, it explores alternative hydrological models that are more suited to the unique characteristics of karst systems, providing a framework for improved water management. Introduction Karst aquifers are vital sources of freshwater, characterised by their unique geological karst features, formations, including caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. These systems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and providing essential ecological services, such as wate...

  Limitations of Conventional Darcy-Based Groundwater Modelling in Karst and Chalk Aquifers: Hydroecological Risks and the Need for Integrated Biospeleological Assessment Mike Buchanan 2025 Abstract Conventional Darcy-based regional groundwater models, such as MODFLOW using an Equivalent Porous Medium (EPM) approach, are widely employed in regulatory assessments of abstraction impacts. While suitable for many porous aquifers, this method is conceptually and practically limited in karstic carbonates, which include chalk, limestone and dolomite. In such settings, conduit and fracture-dominated flows, cross-catchment connectivity, and highly stratified subterranean ecosystems challenge the validity of standard modelling outputs. This paper critiques the continued reliance on such models in the UK context, using the case of abstraction licensing in Chalk aquifers, and calls for the mandatory inclusion of karst-specific hydrogeological techniques and biospeleological baselines in ...

  "The Bushveld Bolide"  Evidence for a Hypothetical Catastrophic Extra-terrestrial Impact Event. Buchanan 2012 Introduction   The Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) South Africa is one of the largest and most enigmatic geological features on Earth. Traditionally, formation of the BIC has been attributed to extensive magmatic activity (Cawthorn, R.G. (1996). However, the unique shape and distribution of the complex, as well as its association with other regional geological features, suggest an alternative explanation. The BIC was formed by a massive, low-angle carbon rich extra-terrestrial impact shatter cone vaporising event. Geological Evidence The elliptical shatter cone shape of the BIC, spanning over 65,000 square km, indicates a trajectory of impact at a shallow angle, rather than a purely vertical magmatic intrusion (Reimold, W.U., & Gibson, R.L. (2006). The Pilanesberg volcano and associated lava flows in the region do not exhibit the expected circumferentia...

  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...