[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

We have waited to send this message to include the important announcement below 
so you can virtually join the celebration of the International Year of Caves 
and Karst at UNESCO Headquarters. Please read and join live or watch the 
recording when you can.

Our full list of news and announcements is:

The International Year of Caves and Karst: Join the Celebration at UNESCO!

Various News:

  *   Invitation: Multi-Media Competition
  *   Italian Cave Exploration Movie at the 78th Venice International Film 
Festival
  *   Newest International Show Cave Association Newsletter: Now Available

Conferences and Meetings

  *   European Cave Rescue Association Meeting: Postponed
  *   Fort Stanton Cave Science Conference: Postponed
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

The International Year of Caves and Karst: Join the Celebration at UNESCO!

The International Year of Caves and Karst is organized by the International 
Union of Speleology (UIS) to celebrate caves and karst internationally and 
teach the world about their importance. Please join us, on Monday, 13 September 
2021, when UNESCO will celebrate the International Year with us at UNESCO 
Headquarters in Paris. Many governmental ambassadors and influential people 
will be at the meeting in Paris. These are people who have the power to make 
changes in UNESCO and their countries around the world to improve our ability 
to “Explore, Understand, and Protect” caves and karst. Change will not happen 
immediately. Changes are slow to happen with governments. But this is the 
biggest opportunity in history to advance worldwide governmental appreciation 
of caves and karst!

You can watch the celebration live on YouTube at 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSiErLj5x6viNbvAdehDvA from 10:00-13:00 Paris 
time. You will also find it recorded to watch later at that site since many of 
you will normally be sleeping at that time. Please share this YouTube address! 
It is important that as many people as possible watch it to impress UNESCO with 
our interest and commitment to caves and karst.

While UNESCO seems far from many people, as the global organization of 
governments for education, science, and culture, its celebration of the 
International Year gives you strength to prove in your area, to your lawmakers, 
to your supporters, to your public, that caves and karst are truly important.

Thank you for your support. For more information, visit the International Year 
website (www.iyck2021.org). Also like us at the UIS 
Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/uisspeleo), UIS Twitter account 
(https://twitter.com/uisspeleo), and/or the UIS Instagram page 
(https://www.instagram.com/uisspeleo/).

We welcome your organization to join our 236 International Year partners 
(http://iyck2021.org/index.php/partners/) and to announce your International 
Year events and activities at http://iyck2021.org/index.php/events/.

George Veni
President, International Union of Speleology
Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute

---

Invitation: Multi-Media Competition

Dear Friends of the Karst and Caves,

I have the honor to invite you to participate in the international multimedia 
competition “Karst under protection – gift for the future generation” 
(http://prokarstterra.bas.bg/competition/). It is a Bulgarian initiative, held 
since 2005, which in 2012 received support from UNESCO. The Competition is 
organized by the Experimental Laboratory of Karstology (ELK) of the National 
Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography (NIGGG) at the Bulgarian Academy 
of Sciences (BAS). In the four editions of the Competition held so far (2005, 
2012, 2015 and 2019) there are participants from 20 countries. The fifth 
edition of the Competition is held in support of the International Year of 
Caves and Karst (IYCK) and is included in its program 
(http://iyck2021.org/index.php/events/).

The International Year of Caves and Karst is an opportunity for wider global 
participation in the competition. It is maximally accessible (without age 
restrictions) and offers a larger number of competition sections (18). An 
additional incentive for participation is the international status of the 
competition, as well as the opportunity to express various skills and 
scientific interests, motivated and focused on karst and caves. Active and 
multinational participation in the competition will provide a basis for serious 
analysis and guidelines for more effective promotion of the karst on a global 
scale, especially among young people.

We ask your assistance to spread the information about this competition to 
reach the maximum number of potential participants. Thank you in advance.
Together we can do more!

Petar Stefanov,
ELK – 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

These news messages share information from NCKRI and our friends around the 
world with thousands of people interested in caves and karst. Our address list 
includes the addresses for several national organizations where our messages 
reach all their members in those countries. With this message, we add a new 
country to that list. The Moroccan Explorers Club asked to receive these 
messages for their members. We are happy to include them and to help advertise 
their 2nd national congress (see below). If any other organizations would like 
these NCKRI messages to go directly to your list of members, please contact me 
and I will add you. Remember, NCKRI does not sell or share its list to protect 
your information.

We do not have many announcements this time but are happy to share the 
following from our friends around the world:

The International Year of Caves and Karst: Celebration at UNESCO Update

Various News:

  *   Lands of Karst Published! Free download

Conferences and Meetings

  *   2nd National Moroccan Caving Congress: Karst, Arts, Spéléologie et 
enjeaux de développement
  *   Announcing EuroKarst 2022: Malaga, Spain
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

The International Year of Caves and Karst: Celebration at UNESCO Update

The International Year of Caves and Karst is organized by the International 
Union of Speleology (UIS) to celebrate caves and karst internationally and 
teach the world about their importance. The most important celebration is 
speleological history will occur on 13 September 2021 (originally announced as 
14 September but changed) in Paris, France, where the United Nations 
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has invited the UIS 
to celebrate at UNESCO Headquarters!

Final details are being developed, but we now know this will be a hybrid 
celebration to include speakers who cannot attend in person, plus live 
streaming of the celebration. Following UNESCO and COVID restrictions, live 
attendees will be primarily governmental ambassadors, which is a major 
opportunity to teach them directly about caves and karst so they can take the 
information back to their countries. Please encourage your UNESCO 
representatives to attend!

The International Year currently has 231 partner organizations from 49 
countries. We encourage them and everyone interested in caves and karst to see 
this UNESCO celebration as opportunity to validate their work with their 
governments and partners as valuable and of global significance. While everyone 
cannot be in Paris, everyone will be able to watch the celebration live or 
recorded on YouTube. Please share the celebration to build stronger 
partnerships and respect for your work. There has never been a greater chance 
to elevate the value of caves internationally!

YouTube links and more updates will be posted as soon as they become available.

For more information about the International Year, visit the website 
(www.iyck2021.org), UIS Facebook page 
(https://www.facebook.com/uisspeleo), UIS Twitter account 
(https://twitter.com/uisspeleo), and/or the UIS Instagram page 
(https://www.instagram.com/uisspeleo/). We welcome your organization to join 
our more than 200 International Year partners 
(http://iyck2021.org/index.php/partners/) and to announce your International 
Year events and activities at http://iyck2021.org/index.php/events/.

George Veni
President, International Union of Speleology
Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute

---

Lands of Karst Published! Free download

A book of nice photographs, “The Lands of Karst. A Visual Story” has just been 
published and is available for free download on our website: 
http://www.karst.edu.rs/en/.
 It is a contribution to the International Year of Caves and Karst declared by 
the International Union of Speleology and supported by UNESCO and numerous 
institutions and organizations.

The book comprises several hundred color photographs from six Lands of Karst - 
Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North 
Macedonia, which had been recorded by more than 70 geologists, speleologists, 
biologists, archaeologists, mountaineers, professional photographers or simply 
amateurs—karst and cave lovers.

The editors of this story are Neven Kresic and Zoran Stevanović, who following 
the rule “a 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

This has been a busy month with many events and activities for the 
International Year of Caves and Karst. Learn about all those details and more 
below:

International Year of Caves and Karst

  *   International Year Events

Various News

  *   Five Decades of Advances in Karst Hydrogeology
  *   US Cave Laws Updated on NSS Website!
  *   Call for Papers: Carbonate Critical Zone Petrology, Mineralogy, and 
Geochemistry in Karst Systems

Conferences and Meetings

  *   6th EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium: Registration Deadline Soon
  *   14th International Symposium on Pseudokarst Goes Virtual
  *   Announcing: XV Mexican National Congress of Speleology
  *   US Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Meeting: Postponed
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

The International Year of Caves and Karst: Many Partners, Many Events

The International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK) was created to teach people 
around the world about caves and karst. It is an event organized by the 
International Union of Speleology (UIS), but the UIS can’t reach the world 
alone. We now have 154 national and international organizations partnering with 
us. Together we have 87 events announced around the world and 27 other events 
are already complete, most of which you can watch or read about at 
http://iyck2021.org/index.php/event-results/.

More partners join us and post events daily. We ask you to be one of them. This 
is your unique chance to be part of the team that is making a global impact to 
improve knowledge, and from that, appreciation, funding, and protection for 
caves and karst. To become a partner is simple. Send you logo and website to 
the address on the Partners page of the IYCK website 
(www.iyck2021.org), and then send your event 
announcements as shown on the Events page. No event is too small. It is all 
important.

Join us! And visit the UIS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/uisspeleo), 
UIS Twitter account (https://twitter.com/uisspeleo), and/or the UIS Instagram 
page (https://www.instagram.com/uisspeleo/).

George Veni
President, International Union of Speleology
Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute

---

International Year Events

A growing number of events are scheduled for the International Year of Caves 
and Karst. You will find the full list at 
http://iyck2021.org/index.php/events/. Some are scheduled throughout the year. 
One is described below.

We remind everyone that when each event is completed, to please send a short 
report to the Event Results page on the website 
(http://iyck2021.org/index.php/event-results/). This page provides links to 
video lectures, news reports, and other information on the results of all IYCK 
events. At the end of the IYCK, all the results will be compiled into one 
document that anyone can use to demonstrate the global interest, value, and 
support for caves and karst, which we believe will help us all find more 
support and funding for exploration, research, and protection.


  *   Karst, Caves, and People: This excellent 172-page book was prepared for 
the IYCK by UIS Treasurer Dr. Nadja Zupan Hajna. It is filled with fabulous 
photos from around the world and was published by and developed with the 
support of the Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU in Slovenia. The book is 
available for sale at 
https://izrk.zrc-sazu.si/en/publikacije/karst-caves-and-people?fbclid=IwAR2lTUeBeDSyT2GMXvPLTi4CwTrVHxducJ_7SLJ5rZ-sf-rXtD16haTrnhM#v.

---

Five Decades of Advances in Karst Hydrogeology

The February 2021 issue of Hydrogeology Journal provides a state-of-the-art 
overview of advances in karst hydrogeology since the foundation of the 
International Association of Hydrogeology’s Karst Commission 50 years ago. The 
guest editors, Drs. Augusto Auler and Zoran Stevanović, collected 29 articles 
representing 20 countries. This comprehensive collection covers innovative 
methods and applications, modelling of karst environments, karst protection and 
global changes, and case studies with wider applicability. It will be useful as 
a theoretical background to further academic studies and a practical guide to 
handling the complex geotechnical problems associated with karst regions. All 
the special issue articles will be freely accessible until 4 April 2021 - 
please feel free to share the link below with colleagues:
https://link.springer.com/journal/10040/volumes-and-issues/29-1

---

US Cave Laws Updated on NSS Website!

Excellent, useful reference tools! Check out revised reference materials and 
pdfs at https://caves.org/conservation/laws.shtml
Thanks to Tom Lera’s 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



Welcome to the International Year of Caves and Karst! We encourage you to join 
NCKRI and nearly 90 partners (and increasing) in celebrating the year and 
teaching the world about the wonders and importance of caves and karst.



Below are a few announcements to start the new year, which we hope will be 
healthy and happy for all of you:

International Year of Caves and Karst has Begun!

Job Opportunity

  *   Cave and Karst Management Science Director at NCKRI

Various News

  *   New International Show Caves Association Newsletter

  *   Karst Information Portal: A Free Source for International Publications


Conferences and Meetings

  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

The International Year of Caves and Karst has Begun!

The International Union of Speleology (UIS) welcomes everyone to the 
International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK)! The major goal of the IYCK is to 
teach people about caves and karst. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to 
become part of the IYCK. No program or activity is too small. We are trying to 
reach the world and need your help. Please visit the IYCK website’s 
(www.iyck2021.org) and its Download page for the 
Planning Guide and other materials you are free to use, If you have already 
planned events, please send them for posting on the Events page. We also 
welcome several new partners (almost 90 in total!) and hope to welcome more 
soon.

The official opening of the IYCK will be on 26 January 2021. The location, 
details, and other information will be posted soon on the IYCK website 
(www.iyck2021.org) and the UIS Facebook page at 
https://www.facebook.com/uisspeleo. Please visit those sites to see how you can 
help by being part of this global education campaign and contact me if you have 
any questions (gv...@nckri.org).

George Veni
President, International Union of Speleology
Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute

---

Job Opportunity: Cave and Karst Management Science Director at NCKRI

Joel Despain has done excellent work as the National Cave and Karst Research 
Institute’s (NCKRI) Cave and Karst Management Scientist. As he retired at the 
end of 2020, we are looking to hire his successor, but at a higher level as our 
Cave and Karst Management Science Director. We seek to hire an expert on the 
multidisciplinary management of caves and karst systems. This person will 
primarily provide professional leadership, advise, and technical assistance to 
the US National Park Service. This person will also conduct and support NCKRI 
cave and karst management research, and assist other partners and groups as 
available. The position description is provided at:
https://www.nmt.edu/hr/docs/hr/jobs/CaveKarstMgtSciDir20-121.pdf

This position will be based at the National Park Service offices in Lakewood 
(Denver area), Colorado, USA. To apply for the job, for questions about 
applying for the job, and other questions related to employment, please see 
https://www.nmt.edu/hr/employment.php. NCKRI is proud to be administered by the 
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, which employs all NCKRI 
personnel.

If you have questions about the job’s responsibilities, contact NCKRI Executive 
Director Dr. George Veni at gv...@nckri.org.

---

New International Show Caves Association Newsletter

Dear All,

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve. May the new year be filled with 
brightness and hope for all of you.

Follow the link below to download and read our latest newsletter:

  *   ISCA Newsletter - January & February 
2021

I hope you enjoy reading it and remember to contact me if you have any 
interesting contents to share with the rest of the community. Don't forget to 
follow us on 
Facebook, and you 
can also send new materials (pictures, texts...) about your caves in order to 
upload data on our renewed website.

Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year.

Kind regards,
Juanjo Tíscar Moya
ISCA Editor
juanjotis...@i-s-c-a.org
www.i-s-c-a.org
Follow us on 
Facebook

---

Karst Information Portal: A Free Source for International Publications

The Karst Information Portal (www.karstportal.org) 
is a NCKRI project in partnership with the Uni­versity of South Florida 
Libraries (USF), University of New Mexi­co, and the International Union of 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



This may be our last message of this difficult year. We at NCKRI hope you and 
your loved one are well and have a healthy and prosperous new year. The 
challenges of 2020 made it difficult to prepare for next year’s International 
Year of Caves and Karst, so we encourage you to join us in that globally 
important program (see message below).



Below are announcements from our friends, and starting with an exciting 
announcement from NCKRI:

Job Opportunity

  *   Cave and Karst Management Science Director at NCKRI

International Year of Caves and Karst: Facebook, Events, and Partners

Student and Learning Opportunities

  *   TAMU-CC Study Abroad Programs: Karst of the Yucatán Peninsula
  *   Cave and Karst Graduate Studies Programs
  *   Visual KARSYS: Next Online Course Announcement


Conferences and Meetings

  *   6th EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium Rescheduled
  *   14th International Symposium on Pseudokarst: Call for Papers
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Job Opportunity: Cave and Karst Management Science Director at NCKRI

Joel Despain has done excellent work as the National Cave and Karst Research 
Institute’s (NCKRI) Cave and Karst Management Scientist. As he retires at the 
end of this year, we are looking to hire his successor, but at a higher level 
as our Cave and Karst Management Science Director. We seek to hire an expert on 
the multidisciplinary management of caves and karst systems. This person will 
primarily provide professional leadership, advise, and technical assistance to 
the US National Park Service. This person will also conduct and support NCKRI 
cave and karst management research, and assist other partners and groups as 
available. The position description is provided at:
https://www.nmt.edu/hr/docs/hr/jobs/CaveKarstMgtSciDir20-121.pdf

This position will be based at the National Park Service offices in Lakewood 
(Denver area), Colorado, USA. To apply for the job, for questions about 
applying for the job, and other questions related to employment, please see 
https://www.nmt.edu/hr/employment.php. NCKRI is proud to be administered by the 
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, which employs all NCKRI 
personnel.

If you have questions about the job’s responsibilities, contact NCKRI Executive 
Director Dr. George Veni at gv...@nckri.org.

---

International Year of Caves and Karst: Facebook, Events, and Partners

The International Union of Speleology (UIS) has created a new Facebook page at 
https://www.facebook.com/uisspeleo. While it will certainly have UIS news, much 
of the news for the next year will focus on the International Year of Caves and 
Karst (IYCK). If you use Facebook, join this page for more updates and news, 
and of course, visit the IYCK website 
(www.iyck2021.org) for more information and to see how 
you can help by being part of this global education campaign.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to because part of the IYCK. No program or 
activity is too small. We are trying to reach the world and need your help. 
Please visit the Download page for the Planning Guide and other materials you 
are free to use, If you have already planned events, please send them for 
posting on the Events page. We also welcome several new partners (more than 80 
in total!) and hope to welcome more soon. Please contact me if you have any 
questions (gv...@nckri.org).

George Veni
President, International Union of Speleology
Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute

---

TAMU-CC Study Abroad Programs: Karst of the Yucatán Peninsula

This GEOL 4650 Field Geology course at Texas A University at Corpus Christi 
describes the different types of caves and karst rocks, the water rock 
interactions in carbonate rock systems, and it explains cave formation via 
hydrogeological and geochemical processes. It offers field work experience such 
as sample collection, determining field parameters, karst and cave surveys, 
measuring spring discharges in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and laboratory 
experience on the Texas A University-Corpus Christi campus. The relationship 
between the Ring of Cenotes and regional fracture patterns will also be 
determined in the field. The course will be offered during the second Summer 
2021 session

Prerequisites: GEOL 1403 Physical Geology, GEOL  Hydrogeology or GEOL 
4311/ESCI4490.011 Paleoclimatology or permission of instructor(s).

For more information visit Karst of the Yucatan Peninsula Texas A 
University-Corpus Christi 
(tamucc.edu)
 or contact: Dr. Val Murgulet, 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



I hope this message finds you well. Below are several important and interesting 
announcements:

International Year of Caves and Karst: Opening Ceremony!

Student and Job, and Grant News and Opportunities

  *   Call for Proposals: Fort Stanton Cave, New Mexico, USA

New Books and Publications

  *   Now Available: Best Practice Guidelines on Geoconservation in Protected 
and Conserved Areas
  *   Special Issue of the Journal Sustainability on Karst and Sustainability
  *   New Paper on Portuguese Cave: Buraca Gloriosa

Various News

  *   Virtual Field Trip to Laurel Caverns, USA
  *   EuroSpeleo Newsletter, November 2020, Now Available


Conferences and Meetings

  *   ALCADI 2020 Postponed
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

International Year of Caves and Karst: Opening Ceremony!

The International Union of Speleology (UIS) has the high honor of being invited 
to hold the opening ceremony of the International Year of Caves and Karst 
(IYCK) at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Caves have never had such a high 
international stage to teach the world about their importance! Unfortunately, 
because of the continuing COVID pandemic, the opening will now be a UIS virtual 
event on the same day, 26 January 2021. The UIS and UNESCO are looking for a 
date later in 2021 for a celebration of the IYCK at UNESCO Headquarters.

At this time, the details about the virtual opening are being finalized, Visit 
the IYCK website (www.iyck2021.org) for updates and to 
see how you can help by being part of this global education campaign. Everyone 
is welcome and encouraged. No program or activity is too small. We are trying 
to reach the world and need your help. Please visit the Download page for the 
Planning Guide and other materials you are free to use, and contact me if you 
have any questions (gv...@nckri.org).

George Veni
President, International Union of Speleology
Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute

---

Call for Proposals: Fort Stanton Cave, New Mexico, USA

Caving Community,

It's that time of the year when the BLM Roswell Field Office is asking for 
proposals to be submitted for project work in Ft Stanton Cave for the 2021 
caving season. 2020 was a successful year despite the Covid-19 pandemic and we 
accomplished some great projects and learned more about FSC. Thanks to all who 
participated!

Please help by distributing this email, and or the link contained within it, to 
any caver, grotto, professional, academic, regional, cave related listservs, or 
groups. Forward to any individual, group or organization that might like to 
submit a proposal during the open submission period to do cave related projects 
in the BLM Roswell Field Office.

Please go to the following BLM website and follow the directions found there.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/new-mexico/2021-caving-proposals

If you have questions, please email me.

Thanks,

Knutt

Knutt Peterson
ORP Cave and Karst Specialist
BLM Roswell Field Office
2909 W 2nd ST
Roswell, NM 88201 USA
knutt...@blm.gov

---

Now Available: Best Practice Guidelines on Geoconservation in Protected and 
Conserved Areas

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has just published 
Best Practice Guidelines on Geoconservation in Protected and Conserved Areas. 
Although this is number 31 in a series of guidelines that provide an 
authoritative resource for the world's protected area managers it is the first 
to address the protection and conservation of geodiversity and geoheritage 
which is now seen as a fundamental part of nature following broadening of the 
IUCN definition of a protected area to embrace all of nature. The document 
includes chapters on general principles of conservation, establishing 
geoconservation in protected and conserved areas, geoheritage management, 
dealing with threats to geoheritage and on education and communication for 
geoconservation. Globally many protected areas contain caves and karst and 
section 7.1 of the guidelines is devoted to "Karst and cave protected and 
conserved areas".

The document is intended principally for use by protected area managers, staff 
and advisors but anyone with an interest in the conservation of cave and karst 
should also find it useful. The document is available as a free download from 
https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2020.PAG.31.en. Please feel free to pass the 
link on but please do not circulate the pdf. The reason is that IUCN are 
counting the downloads as an indicator of the interest generated by the 
Guidelines but there is no way of knowing how often a pdf has been circulated.

---

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



COVID is increasing around the world again, and so there is not much news to 
share. I hope you and your loved one remain well through this crisis. Here is 
the news:

Student and Job Opportunities

  *   Summer Course: Puerto Rico’s Caves and Culture


Various News

  *   New Maya Cave Rock Art Report Available
  *   Sharks Added to the List of Mammoth Cave National Park Fossils, USA



Conferences and Meetings

  *   Announcing: 23rd National Cave and Karst Management Symposium, Texas, USA
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Summer Course: Puerto Rico’s Caves and Culture

This summer course is designed to introduce students to caves, and their 
influence in Puerto Rican culture over millennia. Students will learn the 
fundamentals of cave development, the influence that caves have in Puerto Rican 
culture (and other Caribbean countries), and explore theoretical models to 
study the interaction human-geology. The tentative course dates are 25 May to 9 
June 2021 and are subject to change.

The application deadline is 1 November 2020 so apply quickly by going to 
https://www.jmu.edu/global/abroad/programs/jmu-puerto-rico-geology.shtml.

---

New Maya Cave Rock Art Report Available

In the Realm of Rain Gods: A Contextual Survey of Rock Art across the Northern 
Maya Lowlands, is a new open access (free) report you can download from 
https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/3/4/61. The abstract of the report follows:

“Regional rock art studies have provided insight into the role of caves in Maya 
ideology and worldview. In addition to the content of the imagery itself, the 
placement or siting of rock art with respect to natural and cultural features 
within the cave environment can reveal much about the function and meaning of 
cave use practices. This comparative analysis of rock art emphasizes contextual 
considerations with a discussion on the spatial and symbolic relationships 
between images in individual caves. Rock art in the northern Maya lowlands is 
commonly associated with watery areas and pathways leading to pools in caves. 
Across the northern Yucatan Peninsula, watery caves witnessed the rites and 
rituals of religious practitioners who appealed to the rain gods. Rock art 
scenes throughout this region were often devised and positioned in ways that 
reveal or are consistent with this unique and pervasive emphasis on rain and 
agricultural fertility in religious practice.”

---


Sharks Added to the List of Mammoth Cave National Park Fossils, USA



A team of paleontologists, cave specialists, and park rangers at Mammoth Cave 
National Park have discovered a trove of fossil treasures that has yielded one 
of the most diverse Mississippian shark faunas in North America. At least 40 
different species of sharks and their relatives have been identified, including 
six new species. Rare preservation of three-dimensional skeletal cartilage 
documented in Mammoth Cave allows us to understand the anatomy and 
relationships of these ancient sharks.



The discoveries in remote cave locations within the park were made during an 
ongoing paleontological resources inventory that began in November 2019. 
Mammoth Cave is known for a variety of ice age mammal fossils as well as 
ancient marine organisms.



The 325 million-year-old fossil-rich limestones of the Mammoth Cave System were 
formed during the Late Paleozoic, during a time period known to geologists as 
the Mississippian Period. The park staff reported a few fossil shark teeth 
exposed in the cave walls of Ste. Genevieve Limestone in several locations. 
Fossil shark specialist John-Paul (JP) Hodnett of the Maryland-National Capital 
Parks and Planning Commission was recruited to help identify the shark fossils, 
which were primarily teeth and fin spines. Since most of the skeleton of sharks 
is composed of cartilage, rather than bone, the skeletons of sharks are rarely 
preserved as fossils.



Hodnett and park staff, quickly discovered and identified many different 
species of primitive sharks from specimens in the rocks lining the cave 
passages in Mammoth Cave. More than 40 different species of fossil sharks and 
relatives have been identified from Mammoth Cave specimens in the past 10 
months and the fossil survey continues.  Among this fossil shark assemblage, 
there appears to be at least six fossil shark species that are new to science. 
Those species will be described and named in a forthcoming scientific 
publication.



Most of the shark fossils have been discovered in areas inaccessible to 
visitors on cave tours, but park staff are preparing photographs, artists’ 
renditions, and three-dimensional models for the visitors to view and explore 
in park exhibits. A new painting showing some of the 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



There is not much news this time, but the news is important to many and some 
things are happening soon:

Student and Job Opportunities

  *   Graduate Student, Grant Specialists, and Post-Doctoral Scholar 
Opportunities: Texas, USA


Various News

  *   Visual KARSYS: Next Online Course Announcement


Conferences and Meetings

  *   Philippine Cave and Karst Forum Goes Digital This Week!
  *   Speleo Kamarton 2021: Register for News
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Graduate Student, Grant Specialists, and Post-Doctoral Scholar Opportunities: 
Texas, USA

(The following announcement is from the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data 
Center at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA. While cave and karst 
work is not mentioned specifically, the Edwards Aquifer is a major karst 
aquifer and karst studies are intended.)

Research focus: Hyporheic Zone Processes and Biology.

Details:
Seeking multiple applicants to join a large, well-funded, multi-disciplinary, 
and highly collaborative group of researchers working on a large-scale project: 
“Quantifying drivers of native and non-native aquatic species abundance and 
distribution in drought- and flood-prone Texas basins". The project is a 
collaboration between Texas State University and the US Army Corps of 
Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center.

Applicants should be broadly interested in working on hyporheic and/or 
groundwater systems and their connections to and influence on related surface 
systems at a variety of scales, from site to region. Research topics include 
but are not limited to: spatial and temporal patterns in species diversity and 
distribution, groundwater - surface  water interactions from an ecohydrology 
perspective, flow and transport of nutrients, and geomicrobiological processes. 
Groundwater and hyporheic ecosystems in much of TX are biologically diverse, 
span multiple environmental gradients (e.g., T and Precip) and regions (e.g., 
geology and ecoregion), and provide excellent opportunities to test hypotheses 
across large and small temporal and spatial scales.

Our collaborative group at Texas State University, a federally designated 
Hispanic Serving Institution, wants to contribute to an increase in diversity 
(visible and invisible) in aquatic sciences and we are especially interested in 
applicants who share our commitment to equity and the high-quality education of 
students from historically underserved and systematically marginalized 
communities. For all positions we seek and encourage candidates from 
under-represented groups to apply. Applicants for all positions are encouraged 
to describe how they will support and contribute to our efforts build and 
maintain a diverse and inclusive research team.
Graduate Students:
Multiple positions are available for highly motivated and curious students with 
excellent quantitative and problem-solving skills, and excellent written and 
oral communication skills. Preferred skills and experience include an 
intermediate to advanced understanding of one or more of the following: 
invertebrate biology in stream/hyporheic/aquifer ecosystems; 
surface-groundwater interactions and hydrology/hydrogeology; groundwater 
ecosystem processes; hyporheic zone ecosystem processes. A working to advanced 
knowledge of statistical packages, GIS, invertebrate identification, 
dichotomous keys, and specimen curation is a plus. Depending on 
thesis/dissertation topics, graduate research could include lab and/or field 
work. Field work could include remote and sometimes difficult areas and 
conditions, and multiple day research trips with camping could be required. A 
12-month Graduate Research Assistantship and graduate tuition are provided.

Grant Specialists:
Two full-time (40-hour/wk) positions are immediately available for highly 
motivated and curious applicants. A B.S. or M.S. degree in Biology or other 
science field is required at the time of employment. Preferred skills and 
experience include: excellent quantitative, problem-solving, and communication 
(written and oral) skills; experience collecting, sorting, and identifying 
aquatic freshwater invertebrates in field and lab settings using dichotomous 
keys and other taxonomic literature; specimen curation; a basic to advanced 
working knowledge or understanding of one or more of the following: 
invertebrate biology in stream/hyporheic/aquifer ecosystems, MS Office 
(including Excel and Access), statistical packages, microscope use and imaging, 
and GIS. Experience with a variety of microscopes and imaging software is a 
plus. It is anticipated that >80% of the work related to these positions will 
be in the lab, though opportunities will be available to pursue advanced 
training in lab and field methods, and 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



The news has been slow for the past couple of weeks, but we are happy to share 
what we’ve received:


Various News

  *   #SPELEOMEDIT Project—Speleology of the Mediterranean: Call for 
Participation
  *   Gazing Deeply: The Art and Science of Mammoth Cave


Conferences and Meetings

  *   BCRA Cave Science Meeting 2020
  *   14th International Symposium on Pseudokarst: New Date
  *   Balkan Cavers Camp: Cancelled
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

#SPELEOMEDIT Project—Speleology of the Mediterranean: Call for Participation

Dear caving friends:

Here is our idea about the #SPELEOMEDIT project that we are using to promote 
the International Year of Caves and Karst.

The Speleological Society of Italy, in collaboration with TETIDE, is developing 
a special book, Speleology of the Mediterranean, dedicated to the countries 
directly connected with the Mediterranean Sea. This project will be a 
fundamental contribution to creating a common awareness and strengthening the 
bonds between caving groups and research organizations of the Mediterranean, 
while supporting the protection of karst and caves. Our plan is to present the 
project results at the 18th UIS International Speleology Congress, and at the 
international meeting 
http://www.speleokamaraton.eu

This collection of information about each nation that borders the Mediterranean 
will be posted on the web site and used for the creation of a Photography 
exhibition and a special edition magazine.

This special book may be introduced by four articles on the physical geography 
and geomorphology, hydrology and water, biospeleology, culture and artificial 
caves, of the Mediterranean which, as it were without national borders, to give 
the reader an overview of the karst territories and the mountains overlooking 
this sea. We have also foresee a closing article on the water and 
bio-speleology related to the Mediterranean area highlighting the themes of 
environmental protection, and also a proposal on artificial cave studies.

The publication will be prepared and printed in English and the editorial staff 
will make texts and photographs available for both an electronic PDF version, 
and a translation into the language that each national organization will choose 
to use, so that the editorial product will be a communication tool for each 
participating country.

We currently have participation for 17 of the 21 Mediterranean countries and 
hope the remaining four (Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, and Syria) will join us 
soon. More information is at http://www.speleokamaraton.eu/speleomedit/.

If you are interested in participating from any country, please contact us at:

tet...@speleokamaraton.eu

Best to you all

Ferdinando Didonna

ferdinando.dido...@socissi.it

---

Gazing Deeply: The Art and Science of Mammoth Cave

The Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University, USA, is hosting this museum 
exhibit on Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest cave. The exhibit will remain up 
until 15 May 2020. If you can’t go there personally, you can take a 360-degree 
virtual tour of the exhibit by clicking this 
link.


Visitors to the exhibition will discover:

  *   How Mammoth Cave has formed and is explored, including how explorers 
study and document the cave;
  *   What international karst scientists saw when they looked at historic 
illustrations of Mammoth Cave;
  *   Artistic works by art instructor Julie Schuck and her students about 
Mammoth Cave and its inhabitants, informed by their tours of the cave and 
scientific studies;
  *   Mammoth Cave's sister parks and how YOU can help protect these vital 
regions; and
  *   How WKU is fostering applied, interdisciplinary learning and inspiring 
the next generation of Science+Arts changemakers.



This exhibition is curated in partnership with Dr. Chris Groves (Geology), 
Julie Schuck (Art), and Dr. Rick Toomey (Mammoth Cave National Park) and 
features the commentary and work of numerous karst scientists and WKU art 
students. For more information, visit: 
https://www.wku.edu/kentuckymuseum/exhibits/gazingdeeply.php

---

BCRA Cave Science Meeting 2020

The 2020 British Cave Research Association (BCRA) Cave Science Meeting is now 
confirmed for Saturday November 14th 2020 but will take place using an online 
portal. It will be hosted by Professor Mike Rogerson at the University of 
Northumbria. Although we would very much enjoy contributions that discuss how 
caves have behaved during the lockdown period, we are open to abstracts on any 
subject linked to cave and karst science, from professional or amateur 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



We continue to send you our best hopes that you and your loved ones are well 
during this time of international crisis.



Here is the latest news:


Various News

  *   International Journal of Speleology: Call for Papers for Special 
International Year of Caves and Karst Issue
  *   ASTM Karst Subcommittee: First Meeting Announcement
  *   Karst Information Portal: update


Conferences and Meetings

  *   Announcing: 2021 Australian Cave and Karst Management Association 
Conference
  *   Fort Stanton Cave Science Conference: Postponed
  *   International Cave Bear Symposium: Postponed
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---


International Journal of Speleology: Call for Papers for Special International 
Year of Caves and Karst Issue



On the occasion of the International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK) next year, 
the International Journal of Speleology (IJS) is preparing a Special Issue that 
will consider manuscripts representing new advances, provide insights into, and 
address challenges in all fields of cave and karst research topics. We 
especially encourage cross-disciplinary contributions. For more information, 
visit https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/ijs/. The deadline for submission is 
October 15, 2020.


The IYCK has incredible potential to advance speleology in many and great ways, 
but only if we all work together to make it possible. For more information and 
a downloadable leaflet and planning guide in multiple languages, see 
www.iyck2021.org.


George Veni, PhD
Executive Director, National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI)
and
President, International Union of Speleology (UIS)


---


ASTM Karst Subcommittee: First Meeting Announcement


The first meeting of ASTM International’s Karst Subcommittee (D18.27) will be 
held virtually on Monday, 29 June 2020 at 8:00 in the morning, US Eastern 
Daylight Time (New York time). The purpose of the Karst Subcommittee is to 
develop standards that assist and/or guide the protection of karst and 
pseudokarst and assist in understanding the geohazards accompanying those 
systems.

If you have experience in karst or pseudokarst geology, hydrogeology, and/or 
geotechnical methods, we invite you to join the ASTM Karst Subcommittee to help 
develop the best standards possible for the proper evaluation and management of 
karst.

If you are an ASTM member, please join D18.27. If you are not an ASTM member, I 
invite you to join at https://www.astm.org/MEMBERSHIP/index.html. Membership is 
only $75 for individuals. You do not need to be from the US to join and the 
Karst Subcommittee already has member from several countries.

If you are not sure you want to join ASTM, this is the perfect meeting for you. 
You can join virtually, learn more, and then decide if you want to be involved. 
For more information to join the meeting, contact me at 
gv...@nckri.org.

George Veni, PhD
Chair, ASTM Karst Subcommittee


---

Karst Information Portal: update

For those who have not seen or used it, the Karst Information Portal 
(www.karstportal.org) is a free on-line library 
with thousands of reports and publications in many languages from dozens of 
countries around the world. It is a project of NCKRI in partnership with The 
University of South Florida Libraries, International Union of Speleology, and 
the University of New Mexico. The Portal is used by explorers, managers, 
educators, and scientists to advance their activities in cave and karst studies.

For the past couple of years, over 200,000 research papers and other reports 
are downloaded each year at no cost. Each day, new reports are added to the 
Portal. Recent additions include studies on speleothems and paleoclimates, cave 
protection and management, karst hydrology and geomorphology, bats, 
archaeology, and karst in conglomerate rocks.

If you would like to include your research, newsletter, journal, thesis, or 
other publications on the Karst Information Portal where everyone can learn 
from your work, then go to the website above, click on “Help” and send a 
message.


---

Announcing: 2021 Australian Cave and Karst Management Association Conference

Wellington Caves in New South Wales, Australia, is pleased to be hosting the 
Australian Cave and Karst Management Association (ACKMA) events on 3-7 May 
2021, incorporating a Guides School and a review of the recent bushfires in 
Australia and its effects on karst with a Post Fire Workshop. We appreciate the 
challenges associated with international travel right now but hope to welcome 
overseas people next year. This conference will also be an event promoting the 
International Year of Caves and Karst. For 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



In one week the price of registration for the Sinkhole Conference goes up! Look 
below for the details on this great meeting and its fabulous location in Puerto 
Rico (or just go register now at 
www.sinkholeconference.com!). Check out the 
announcement below for a new program added to the conference to increase its 
value for you! And also don't forget that while folks call it "The Sinkhole 
Conference," is it about karst water, engineering, geophysics, regulations, and 
so much more.



Below is the other newest news from the cave and karst world:

Grant Opportunities

  *   4th Annual SCCi Science Awards Program: Proposal Deadline Extended


Conferences and Meetings

  *   The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Register Now! Prices Increase on the 15th!
  *   The 16th Sinkhole Conference: New Event. Karst Clips!
  *   13th European Cave Rescue Meeting: Change of Location!
  *   International Year of Caves and Karst: Reminder
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George


---


4th Annual SCCi Science Awards Program: Proposal Deadline Extended

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) announces that the Annual 
Science Awards program to help fund scientific and conservation research 
projects on SCCi preserves is now soliciting grant proposals for 2019-2020. As 
the largest and most successful land conservancy solely devoted to acquiring 
and protecting caves in the US, SCCi understands that scientific research must 
be part of our mission. We firmly believe that research is essential to 
conserving cave and karst resources, and it is a foundation upon which good 
stewardship must depend.

We aim to have a well-rounded research program with focus mainly towards 
cave/karst topics in geology, geochemistry, hydrology, biology, environmental 
science, and archaeology. SCCi currently protects more than 170 caves on 31 
preserves in 6 states. Any one or more of these caves and preserves would be 
worthy of different scientific investigations.

SCCi is now accepting grant proposals from non-profit caving groups, 
scientists, university/college faculty members, and undergraduate-graduate 
students for conducting research projects at SCCi properties beginning in the 
Fall of 2019. Funds can only be given to a not-for-profit organization or 
educational institution. For this year, funding is available to support as many 
as 3 grants of up to $1,500-$2,000 for (1) geology, geochemistry, or hydrology, 
(2) biology (zoology and botany) and (3) environmental/archaeological projects.


The new deadline for submissions is 15 December 2019. For details visit 
https://saveyourcaves.org/news/252-4th-annual-scci-science-awards-program-call-for-proposals.html?fbclid=IwAR3h8Ial_RVjgU0kQBlT2RB9W1itg1HWqLB0o7yBRd__ClYMa3fe8l5noEg.


---

The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Register Now! Prices Increase on the 15th!



The price of registration for the 16th Multidisciplinary Conference on 
Sinkholes and Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst, generally called 
"The Sinkhole Conference," increases on November 15th. This will be perhaps its 
most fabulous location yet, in historic San Juan and the incredible karst of 
Puerto Rico. Another first will be that nearly all meals are included in the 
price of registration, making the overall cost of attendance cheaper, as well 
as much easier and more productive than many past conferences. Access to the 
conference is also easy, often as cheap or cheaper a flight than to many other 
locations in the US.



A lot of great talks are lined up, as well as field trips, short courses, and 
more. For all of the details, to register for the conference before the price 
goes up, and also to reserve your hotel room, visit 
www.sinkholeconference.com.


---

The 16th Sinkhole Conference: New Event. Karst Clips!


Are you interested in attending the Sinkhole Conference, but unable to submit a 
full paper for publication?  We still want to hear about your projects and 
research, and offer a new opportunity, less formal than a full paper and talk.

This year, we are instituting a special session called "Karst Clips" that will 
allow any participant to give a brief presentation about their work.  This 
session, styled in the manner of "lightning talks" common at many conferences, 
is designed to broaden participation and content, as well as to provoke 
discussions among participants.



Details about Karst Clips will be posted next week. In the meantime, register 
for the conference before the price goes up at 
www.sinkholeconference.com.


---

13th European Cave Rescue Meeting: Change of Location!

This 13th meeting of the European Cave 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,



In two weeks the price of registration for the Sinkhole Conference goes up! 
Look below for the details on this great meeting and its fabulous location in 
Puerto Rico (or just go register now at 
www.sinkholeconference.com!). Don't forget 
to bring your family. They'll love the beaches, shopping, and more as you enjoy 
the meeting. And also don't forget that while folks call it "The Sinkhole 
Conference," is it about karst water, engineering, geophysics, and so much more.



Below is the other newest news from the cave and karst world:

Grant and Job Opportunities

  *   $100,000 White-Nose Syndrome Grant Challenge


Various News

  *   James Gage Karst Preserve Fund Raising
  *   KWI Karst Award Recipient for 2020 Announced



Conferences and Meetings

  *   The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Register Now! Prices Increase on the 15th!
  *   10th Spanish Congress of Speleology
  *   Karst Record Conference 9: Innsbruck, Austria
  *   European Geosciences Union Speleogenesis Session: Austria
  *   Karst Session at Geological Society of America Joint Section Meeting: 
Call for Abstracts
  *   International Year of Caves and Karst: Update
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George


---

$100,000 White-Nose Syndrome Grant Challenge


Dear colleagues,


The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing a $100,000 challenge to combat 
white-nose syndrome (WNS), a lethal fungal disease that has killed millions of 
bats in North America and pushed some native bat species to the brink of 
extinction. Awards will be given to individuals or teams who identify 
innovative ways to permanently eradicate, weaken, or disarm the fungus.



You don't have to be a bat expert to enter the White-nose Syndrome Challenge. 
This opportunity is open to anyone with an innovative idea for tools or 
techniques that will lead to solutions to reduce the effects of the fungus 
without harming other beneficial species or the environment.



White-nose syndrome is caused by a fungus that sometimes looks like white fuzz 
on bats' faces and wings. The fungus thrives in cold, damp places and infects 
bats during hibernation. It disrupts bats' winter dormancy, causing them to 
expend too much energy stored in their fat and often resulting in dehydration 
and starvation before spring arrives.



Since 2007, white-nose syndrome has been confirmed in 33 states and seven 
Canadian provinces. At some affected sites, 90 to 100 percent of bats have 
disappeared, most succumbing to the disease.



There is no known cure for white-nose syndrome, but scientists worldwide are 
working together to study the disease and how it can be controlled.  Winning 
ideas from this challenge will be the focus of future collaborations with 
scientists, designers and engineers to bring solutions to life.



The deadline for individuals or teams to enter the Challenge is December 31, 
2019 by 11:59 p.m. ET.  For additional information regarding rules and 
eligibility, visit the White-nose Syndrome Challenge web 
page
 or www.challenge.gov.



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold an informational briefing for 
anyone interested in entering the Challenge on Nov. 20, 2019 at 2 p.m. ET.  
Advance registration is required. For more information, please visit the 
White-nose Syndrome Challenge 
web-page.



Please help us to spread the word about the Challenge by sharing this email and 
attached flyer with your peers, contacts, networks and the public.  Thank you 
for joining the fight to save our bats!

Christina Kocer
WNS Regional Coordinator
North Atlantic-Appalachian Region
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, MA 01035
office: (413) 253-8215
mobile: (413) 335-4482
christina_ko...@fws.gov
http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org
http://www.facebook.com/usfwswns


---

James Gage Karst Preserve Fund Raising


The James Gage Karst Preserve is in Schoharie County, New York. The management 
team has begun a fund-raising effort to replace and upgrade the cabin on the 
property. The existing cabin was in poor condition when acquired decades ago, 
has now deteriorated to the point where it has become an eyesore in the 
neighborhood, is unusable for any effective purposes, and will face code 
violations if not corrected. The generosity of members and friends has raised 
nearly a third of the way to the goal of $30,000 for the project. We are 
pleased to announce that our friend and long-time area caver Seth Perlman has 
issued a challenge to match dollar for 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI: Important Sinkhole Conference update!

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

In promoting NCKRI's Sinkhole Conference we discovered today that some people 
are having trouble registering and sending their abstracts through their mobile 
phones. We apologize for this problem and are working to fix it. In the 
meantime, we are extending the abstract deadline to Wednesday, 24 July 2019 (it 
will not be extended again beyond this date), and ask that you either use your 
computers to access the website or use the following links which should work 
directly with your phones (if not, then you will need to use your computers):


  *   Online registration: https://support.nckri.org/SinkholeConference2020
  *   Registration by PDF form: 
http://sinkholeconference.com/sites/sinkholeconference.com/files/2019-04/Sinkhole%20Conference%202020%20Registration%20Form..pdf
  *   Abstract submission information and link: 
http://sinkholeconference.com/sites/sinkholeconference.com/files/2019-05/Call%20for%20abstracts.pdf

All authors will be notified of acceptance of their abstracts by 31 July 2019. 
If you have any difficulties or questions about the registration or abstract 
process, please let me know. Remember that we offer scholarships for students, 
but they must also send their abstracts by 24 July 2019.

One last important word about the Sinkhole Conference. We've heard comments and 
questions about what people think is the high cost and difficulty to travel to 
Puerto Rico from the USA. This is very wrong. Puerto Rico is part of the USA! 
It is easy travel, and the cost of flights is comparable to and cheaper than 
flying to many US mainland destinations. Also, while some think of it as a 
resort destination, there is world class karst and serious karst issues like 
Superfund sites we'll be visiting, so it stands as major and important meeting 
to attend.

For more information about the Sinkhole Conference and other news, please see 
the messages below.



The Sinkhole Conference
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Call for Abstracts and Registration
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Special Sessions Announcement
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Beck Student Scholarship Call for 
Applications
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Beck Student Scholarship Call for Donors



Various News

  *   Critical Zone Collaborative Network
  *   European Cave Protection Commission: Call for Members



Conferences and Meetings

  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---


The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Call for Abstracts and Registration

The Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and 
Environmental Impacts of Karst, generally called "The Sinkhole Conference," is 
the longest-running international conference of its type. Since 1984, 
engineers, geologists, hydrologists, land managers, biologists, and many others 
have gathered at these meetings to exchange cutting-edge information on karst 
and its many benefits and challenges.

The call for abstracts is now open for the 16th Sinkhole Conference. Abstracts 
may be submitted until 24 July 2019 (new and final deadline), after which will 
be the time to submit your papers to accompany your abstracts. The papers of 
past Sinkhole Conferences have made those proceedings highly sought and widely 
cited. We expect the proceedings of the upcoming meeting will be the best yet.

The 16th Sinkhole Conference will occur on 20-24 April 2020 in fabulous San 
Juan, Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico offers a tropical karst landscape and a vibrant 
historical and cultural venue unlike anything seen in rest of the United 
States. Many people are already talking about attending the conference as part 
of a vacation, and we are helping to make that possible.

The conference will be held in the lovely Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel, located 
in the historic heart of the city. Unlike previous conferences, your 
registration will include your breakfasts and lunches, in addition to the other 
usual amenities. Also, your discount conference room rates will extend to three 
days before and after the conference, in case you want to stay longer and enjoy 
a vacation.

For all of the details on the conference, including information on how to 
prepare and submit your abstracts, visit http://www.sinkholeconference.com/.  
Remember, the deadline is 24 July 2019.

The Sinkhole Conference is managed by the National Cave and Karst Research 
Institute and with tremendous assistance from a diverse team of karst experts 
from around the country who join us to form the Organizing Committee. On behalf 
of the 16th Sinkhole Conference Organizing Committee, we look forward to 
receiving your abstracts and seeing you in San Juan next year!

George Veni
Sinkhole Conference Co-chair
NCKRI Executive Director

---

The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Beck Student Scholarship 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Below is the list of news and announcements for this message, starting with 
NCKRI's Sinkhole Conference. This is your last minute reminder that the 
abstract deadline is this Monday, 15 July 2019! Send your abstracts now!



The Sinkhole Conference
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Call for Abstracts and Registration
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Special Sessions Announcement
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Beck Student Scholarship Call for 
Applications
· The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Beck Student Scholarship Call for Donors



Student, Job, and Research Grant Opportunities

  *   Physical Scientist Job at Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
  *   Two PhD Student Jobs in Karst Hydrogeology: Germany



Conferences and Meetings

  *   EuroKarst 2021: Spain
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---


The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Call for Abstracts and Registration

The Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and 
Environmental Impacts of Karst, generally called "The Sinkhole Conference," is 
the longest-running international conference of its type. Since 1984, 
engineers, geologists, hydrologists, land managers, biologists, and many others 
have gathered at these meetings to exchange cutting-edge information on karst 
and its many benefits and challenges.

The call for abstracts is now open for the 16th Sinkhole Conference. Abstracts 
may be submitted until 15 July 2019, after which will be the time to submit 
your papers to accompany your abstracts. The papers of past Sinkhole 
Conferences have made those proceedings highly sought and widely cited. We 
expect the proceedings of the upcoming meeting will be the best yet.

The 16th Sinkhole Conference will occur on 20-24 April 2020 in fabulous San 
Juan, Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico offers a tropical karst landscape and a vibrant 
historical and cultural venue unlike anything seen in rest of the United 
States. Many people are already talking about attending the conference as part 
of a vacation, and we are helping to make that possible.

The conference will be held in the lovely Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel, located 
in the historic heart of the city. Unlike previous conferences, your 
registration will include your breakfasts and lunches, in addition to the other 
usual amenities. Also, your discount conference room rates will extend to three 
days before and after the conference, in case you want to stay longer and enjoy 
a vacation.

For all of the details on the conference, including information on how to 
prepare and submit your abstracts, visit http://www.sinkholeconference.com/.  
Remember, the deadline is 15 July 2019.

The Sinkhole Conference is managed by the National Cave and Karst Research 
Institute and with tremendous assistance from a diverse team of karst experts 
from around the country who join us to form the Organizing Committee. On behalf 
of the 16th Sinkhole Conference Organizing Committee, we look forward to 
receiving your abstracts and seeing you in San Juan next year!

George Veni
Sinkhole Conference Co-chair
NCKRI Executive Director

---

The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Beck Student Scholarship Call for Applications

The Sinkhole Conference was created in 1984 and led for many years by Dr. Barry 
Beck. In his memory, the conference now offers the Beck Student Scholarship. 
Students awarded a Beck Scholarship will receive free registration to the 
conference and up to $1,000 reimbursement for travel expenses, as well as 
certain special recognitions and other benefits. Scholars from the previous 
Sinkhole Conference are recognized at 
http://www.sinkholeconference.com/Beck-scholarship. To apply for the 
scholarship, visit 
http://www.sinkholeconference.com/how-to-apply-for-the-beck-scholarship.

---

The 16th Sinkhole Conference: Beck Student Scholarship Call for Donors

The Sinkhole Conference funds one Beck Student Scholarship for each conference, 
but more than one scholarship can be offered with your support. Six were 
awarded last time! Attending The Sinkhole Conference can be a life-changing 
experience for students by opening their eyes to state-of-the-art knowledge, 
and important professional contacts and opportunities. To help change a 
student's life for the better, we ask and encourage you to donate to the Beck 
Scholarship. All donations are tax deductible. For details on how to donate, 
visit http://www.sinkholeconference.com/How-to-sponsor-the-scholarship.

---

Physical Scientist Job at Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Big Bend National Park is looking to hire a GS-12 Physical Scientist. The 
announcement closes on July 19th. For details see 
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/53873
This is a great job.  A lot 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Once a year we extend these news announcements to our friends of the US 
National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) who don’t normally receive 
them. The reason for including them is to send our latest annual report, which 
can be downloaded through the first announcement below. If any of you wishes to 
begin receiving these news announcements regularly, please let me know. They 
are sent 1-2 times a month, there is no cost, and NCKRI does not sell its 
mailing list.

Keep in mind that while the NCKRI offices are closed until 2 January, we hope 
your holidays are continuing splendidly and that you enjoy a wonderful New 
Year. Here are the cave and karst news and announcements of this final NCKRI 
message of the year:



  *   NCKRI’s 2017-2018 Annual Report Now Available!
  *   Summer internships at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, USA
  *   VII International Photo Contest on Cave-Dwelling Flora and Fauna
  *   Announcing: 27th International Karstological School “Classical Karst”, 
Slovenia
  *   PhD Student Research Opportunity: Croatia
  *   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

NCKRI’s 2017-2018 Annual Report Now Available!

NCKRI’s latest annual report covers the period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 
2018. We welcome all of our friends to download it and learn about our 
projects, progress, and other activities during that year. If you’re in 
Carlsbad or at one of the conferences where we have a booth, please come by and 
get a printed copy. Otherwise, you can download a digital copy from 
http://www.nckri.org/about_nckri/nckri_publications.htm.

You will also find all of NCKRI’s publications at this online location. They 
are all available for free download. Please look around there. You’ll find more 
annual reports plus technical studies, research monographs, and a variety of 
conference proceedings to download. We expect everyone interested in caves and 
karst will find something helpful and interesting.

---

Summer internships at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, USA

We are pleased to announce that Carlsbad Caverns National Park has openings for 
two Natural Resource Management interns for summer 2019 through the 
Geoscientists-in-the-Park and Mosaics in Science internship programs.  The 
interns will assist in assessing impact to the park's world-class cave 
resources through impact mapping, photo monitoring, and more. They will get 
first-hand experience with a wide range of resource-related projects, work with 
public cave program volunteers, and broaden their skills through interaction 
with the numerous researchers conducting studies within the park. This is a 
great opportunity to become intimately familiar with an outstanding caving area 
and join a dynamic team that is passionate about protecting cave resources.

We encourage cavers and cave scientists to apply. For more information, see:

Geoscientists-in-the-Parks (GIP) Internship
Dates: 5/20/2019-10/7/2018 (20 weeks)
https://rock.geosociety.org/eo/viewJob.asp?jobID=2409

Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship
Dates: 5/20/2019-8/8/2019 (12 weeks)
https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/job/biology-technician-south-florida-im/

Cheers,
Erin

Erin Lynch
Physical Science Technician
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
575-236-1442

[As a reminder, at the time this message is being sent the US federal 
government is closed and National Park Service employees will not be available 
to answer questions until the government reopens.]

---

VII International Photo Contest on Cave-Dwelling Flora and Fauna

Dear friends,

Announcing the VII International Photo Contest on Cave-Dwelling Flora and Fauna:

https://bioespeleologia.blogspot.com/2018/12/vii-concurso-internacional-de.html

Thanks for the disclosure and participation.

Best regards.

Grupo de Espeleología de Villacarrillo (G.E.V.)
Plaza 28 de Febrero, nº 5, 1º-2ª; 23300 Villacarrillo (Jaén, SPAIN)
gevillacarri...@hotmail.com
Blog: http://espeleovillacarrillo.blogspot.com.es/
Biospeleology Blog: http://bioespeleologia.blogspot.com.es/
Publications: https://sites.google.com/site/espeleovillacarrillo/

---

Announcing: 27th International Karstological School “Classical Karst”, Slovenia

Dear colleague!

You are cordially invited to participate at the 27th International 
Karstological School Classical Karst”: Karst Hydrogeology - Research Trends and 
Applications from the 17th to 21rd June 2017 in Postojna, Slovenia.

Abstracts in English are submitted at the registration.
More information is available on http://iks.zrc-sazu.si

Organizing Committee
Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU
Titov trg 2
SI-6230 Postojna
Slovenia
T: +386 5 700 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Below is the latest news from NCKRI and our colleagues around the world.



·   Doctoral Study Program in Karstology: Slovenia

·   XIV National Congress of Speleology, Mexico: Call for 
presentations/Registration is open

·   Geological Society of America Convention: Call for Cave and Karst Papers

·   Geological Society of America Convention: Karst Field Trips 
Registration Open

·   Summer School on Speleology: Indonesia

·   New Book: Hypogene Karst of Texas

·   Speleology and Environmental Legislation Symposium: Brazil

·   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Doctoral Study Program in Karstology: Slovenia

The University of Nova Gorica in Slovenia announces its Doctoral Study Program 
in Karstology (Third level).

For details visit: 
www.ung.si/en/study/graduate-school/study/3KR/
 or contact Dr. Martin Knez k...@zrc-sazu.si or Dr. 
Tanja Pipan pi...@zrc-sazu.si
---

XIV National Congress of Speleology, Mexico: Call for 
presentations/Registration is open

The XIV National Congress of Speleology will be held on 1-4 February 2019 in 
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. An excellent series of presentations, trips, and 
activities are planned. To register for the conference, submit your oral, 
poster, or video presentation, and for more information visit 
http://umae.org/congreso2019/. You can visit the congress Facebook page, 
Congreso Mexicano de Espeleología 2019 (@cnme2019), for extra updates.

---

Geological Society of America Convention: Call for Cave and Karst Papers

The next annual convention of the Geological Society of America (GSA) will be 
held on 4-7 November 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. GSA will continue its 
tradition of the past 10 years in offering a diverse array of great karst 
sessions, which are listed below. You are encouraged to share your knowledge 
and submit your abstract as follows:


·The abstract deadline is 14 August, 11:59 p.m. PDT.

·The body of your abstract must be 2000 characters or fewer, not 
counting spaces. Please view Preparing an On-Line 
Submission for 
additional detailed guidelines on preparing and submitting your abstract.

·Please familiarize yourself with and adhere to the GSA Code of 
Ethics
 for abstract publication and meeting presentation.

  *   All abstracts undergo peer review. Common reasons for rejection include 
dubious conclusions, questionable methodologies, poorly edited prose, and 
incomplete or outdated information.
  *   Acceptance notifications are delivered within three weeks after the 
abstract deadline to allow sufficient time to make travel arrangements.

Please refer to 
http://community.geosociety.org/gsa2018/science-careers/sessions/topical for 
additional abstract information and 
https://community.geosociety.org/gsa2018/home for details on the conference.

T1. Karst Hazards and Monitoring

Andrew J. Luhmann, Jonathan B. Sumrall, Jason S. Polk
GSA Karst Division; GSA Geophysics and Geodynamics Division
Abstracts should be focused on hazards monitoring approaches found in karst 
landscapes. Topics include technical applications (e.g., LiDAR, 3D scanning, 
geodatabase development) and management implications (resource management, 
education, policy and regulation in karst areas).
Karst
Submit an abstract to this 
session



T2. Cave and Karst Research in Indiana and Kentucky: A Tribute to Art Palmer, 
Peg Palmer, and Dick Powell

Lee J. Florea, Patricia N. Kambesis
GSA Karst Division; GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and 
Geomorphology Division; National Cave and Karst Research Institute; Indiana 
Geological and Water Survey
This session seeks presentations and conversations from those whose lives and 
careers have been touched by friendships and collaborations with Art Palmer, 
Peg Palmer, and Dick Powell.
Karst | Hydrogeology | Geomorphology
Submit an abstract to this 
session



T3. Karst Hydrology and Hydrogeology

Andrew J. Luhmann, Jonathan B. Sumrall, Jason S. Polk
GSA Karst Division; GSA Geophysics and Geodynamics Division; GSA Hydrogeology 
Division
This session calls for abstracts themed around the fundamental aspects of 
fluid-rock interactions within karst landscapes, including geologic, 
hydrogeologic, and hydrologic investigations. Topics include dye tracing, 
aquifer processes, surface-subsurface 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Below is the latest news from NCKRI and our colleagues around the world.



·   Middle East Speleology Symposium IV and 8th Turkish National Cave 
Science Symposium: Call for Abstracts

·   British Cave Research Association 29th Cave Science Symposium: Call for 
Abstracts

·   Job Announcement: Research Engineer/Research Scientist/Sr. Research 
Scientist – Geology

·   Balkan Cavers Camp: Registration is Open!

·   Biospeleology and Theoretical & Applied Karstology Symposium: Romania

·   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Middle East Speleology Symposium IV and 8th Turkish National Cave Science 
Symposium: Call for Abstracts

This fourth international meeting on speleology of the Middle East region and 
its surroundings will occur in Antalya, Turkey, from 29 September to 6 October 
2018. Scientists and cavers from the region and beyond are invited to meet, 
discuss, and prepare for future ventures. Abstracts are due on 1 July 2018. For 
more information visit: http://mess4.com/.

---

British Cave Research Association 29th Cave Science Symposium: Call for 
Abstracts

The British Cave Research Association is pleased to announce details of the 
29th Annual Cave Science Symposium. The Symposium will be hosted by Dr. David 
Richards of the School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, on 
Saturday 13th October, 2018. A programme of presentations is being assembled 
that will be of interest to anyone wishing to know more about the underground 
environment. Further details will follow in later circulars, as well as via 
other BCRA news outlets.

Symposium
This year’s symposium will feature a special session on Cave Archaeology and a 
keynote lecture by Prof. Alistair Pike (University of Southampton) dedicated to 
Neanderthal Cave Paintings.  In addition, the symposium will include oral and 
poster presentations covering BCRA’s principal areas of interest. Following the 
symposium, an informal evening meal will be arranged for those who are 
interested. Details are to be announced.

Call for Abstracts
Abstracts are welcome for posters or oral presentations on any topic of cave or 
karst-based research, and these should be submitted by email no later than 31st 
August, 2018, to the lecture secretary, Gina Moseley 
gina.moseley[-at-]uibk.ac.at. Please include all authors with their 
affiliations, an email address for the primary author, and an abstract of up to 
500 words (main text and references only). If you are intending to submit an 
abstract, Gina would appreciate you sending her an email with a preliminary 
title. Don’t worry, there is no commitment, but it helps her to compile a 
diverse and interesting programme.

Registration
Please register your interest in attending here 
(https://doodle.com/poll/4zib83s43fb3fc59). Registration will be finalised on 
the day and a small fee will be requested to cover refreshments.

Venue
The address for the venue is School of Geographical Sciences, University of 
Bristol, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SS, United Kingdom. Further details on 
‘where to find us’ are located here: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/geography/contact/

Symposium Organisers
Please contact Dr. David Richards (david.richards[-at-]lbristol.ac.uk]) for 
details of the venue and local facilities in Bristol.  Contact Gina Moseley 
(gina.moseley[-at-]uibk.ac.at) for details of the programme and for enquiries 
concerning oral or poster presentations.

All are welcome, and we look forward to seeing you at the symposium.

---

Job Announcement: Research Engineer/Research Scientist/Sr. Research Scientist - 
Geology

Job Summary (Job code: 15-01247): Work with existing staff to design, execute, 
and interpret groundwater and surface water models using standard codes (e.g., 
MODFLOW, FEFLOW). Support on-going and new work in the area of water resource 
analysis. Conduct independent and group project work, including presenting 
project results to clients and at scientific meetings. Contribute to business 
development activities in support of the water resource analysis area, 
including proposal development and direct client interaction.

Education/Experience: Requires a MS or Ph.D in Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology 
or Civil Engineering with at least a 3.0 GPA and 5 years of related experience. 
Experience in groundwater and surface water modeling for Texas and surrounding 
areas as well as karst hydrologic flow systems is required. Experience in the 
design, execution, and interpretation of groundwater and surface water models 
using standard codes (e.g., MODFLOW, FEFLOW) is required. Must be able to 
conduct independent research then present results at scientific meetings. 
Professional geologist registration in Texas (or 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Many new things have come up since NCKRI's previous message. There is a lot of 
news for you below.


·   EuroSpeleo Newsletter, March 2018

·   Karst 2018-Expect the Unexpected: Call for Papers

·   18th International Vulcanospeleology Symposium: Call for Abstracts

·   Announcing: Middle East Speleological Symposium, Antalya, Turkey

·   Cave Hydrology Research Position Available

·   Karst Hydrology Post-Doctoral Position: University of Puerto Rico, 
Mayagüez

·   The Eighth Balkan Photo contest: We and Caves

·   US Environmental Protection Agency Seeks Comments on Groundwater

·   Karst Field Studies Summer Courses: Final Announcement

·   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---


EuroSpeleo Newsletter, March 2018 - Bulletin d'information EuroSpeleo, mars 2018



English version (version Française ci-dessous)



It is with great pleasure that the European Speleological Federation (FSE) 
publishes its first EuroSpeleo Newsletter in year 2018. This Newsletter will be 
exclusively available in electronic form and it will be distributed through the 
FSE mailing lists, website and Facebook page. It will be edited by the FSE 
Bureau and will inform member countries and individual speleologists about 
important events nationally and internationally as well as new developments and 
the initiatives of the FSE and its member countries. This Newsletter will be 
released on an occasional basis.



You can download the English version of the March 2018 Newsletter here:

http://www.eurospeleo.eu/images/stories/docs/europeleo-news/Z5_EuroSpeleo_Newsletter_March_2018_EN.pdf



With cordial regards,



The FSE Bureau, March 2018





Version Française



C'est avec grand plaisir que la Fédération Spéléologique Européenne (FSE) 
publie le Bulletin d'Information EuroSpeleo, mars 2018. Ce bulletin sera 
exclusivement disponible sous forme électronique, et il sera distribué à 
travers les listes de diffusion FSE, le site Web et la page Facebook. Il sera 
édité par le Bureau de la FSE et informera les pays membres et spéléologues 
individuels sur des choses importantes à l'échelle nationale et internationale 
ainsi que de nouveaux développements et des initiatives de la FSE et ses pays 
membres. Ce bulletin sera publié sur une base occasionnelle.



Vous pouvez télecharger la version Française du Bulletin d"Information de mars 
2018 ici:

http://www.eurospeleo.eu/images/stories/docs/europeleo-news/Z5_EuroSpeleo_Newsletter_March_2018_FR.pdf



Cordialement,



Le Bureau de la FSE, mars 2018


---

Karst 2018-Expect the Unexpected: Call for Papers

Dear friends,

We are happy to inform you that full paper submission is extended up to 1st 
April, so please send us your contribution! Instructions for paper submission 
are on the web site: www.karst.edu.rs.

We are also informing you that on Tuesday, 5th June we will try to organize 
free transfers for participants from Dubrovnik airport and from Tivat airport 
to Trebinje.

Only participants who have sent us arrival details (time of arrival and flight 
number, arrival from) will be transferred. Those who are not on the list cannot 
use the transportation.

Please send your arrival details no later than Tuesday 1st May if you wish to 
be included in the transfers.

Do not forget to make the reservation for your accommodation on time!

Looking forward seeing you in Trebinje,

Kind regards,
Technical Secretariat

www.karst.edu.rs


---

18th International Vulcanospeleology Symposium: Call for Abstracts

For those who would like to attend IVS 18, and would like to make a 
presentation - please find abstract submission information below.  All proposed 
presentations should be related to speleology, but can be on any scientific, 
technical, cultural or educational aspect. The 18th IVS will offer general 
sessions listed below, but specific sessions will be organized if there are 
enough papers. Sessions will include at least one invited presentation and all 
sessions welcome submissions
Sessions currently envisioned for the 18th International Volcanic Caves 
symposium are:

·   Cave Exploration, Survey, Mapping, and Data Processing Techniques

·   Cave Mineralogy and Speleothem Research

·   Archaeology, Paleontology and Megafauna in Caves

·   Geomicrobiology of Cave Environments

·   Cave Climate and Palaeoclimate Records

·   History of Speleology Research, Cave Management, Public Interaction, 
and Education, especially around Lava Beds NP

Please submit abstracts to 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Here is the latest cave and karst information from NCKRI and our friends. This 
announcement is shorter than usual because of the urgency of the first item:


·   Sinkhole Conference: Registration is Open Again and Schedules and 
Scholars Posted

·   Karst Session at 45th International Association of Hydrogeologists 
Congress

·   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Sinkhole Conference: Registration is Open Again and Schedules and Scholars 
Posted…

Last week we announced that registration had closed for The Multidisciplinary 
Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst 
(aka “The Sinkhole Conference”) due to security needs at the conference venue, 
the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West 
Virginia. However, we have arranged to keep registration open through the 
conference, but with the following important consideration. At least one day 
before arriving at NCTC you must be registered AND receive confirmation of your 
registration from NCKRI. This assures that your name will be on the conference 
registration list that NCTC security will have at the gate. If your name is not 
on that list, you will not be allowed in the facility. Register as early as you 
can at http://www.sinkholeconference.com/registration-form.

For anyone attending and planning to attend, the Schedule-at-a-Glance and 
detailed schedule with the list of all papers and activities are now posted on 
the website. The direct address is http://www.sinkholeconference.com/program.

Also, this year’s conference will host a record number of six students 
attending through the Barry Beck Scholarship. To learn about these excellent 
students visit http://www.sinkholeconference.com/2018-beck-student-scholars-0. 
One scholarship is funded directly by the Sinkhole Conference while the rest 
are funded through the conference’s silent auction, T-shirt and hat sales, and 
especially by donations. Please donate to support students to attend the 
following Sinkhole Conference by going to 
https://support.nckri.org/beckscholarship. The students will gain great 
professional experience and connections by attending, and your donations are 
tax deductible.

The Sinkhole Conference is the longest-running international conference of its 
type. Since 1984, engineers, geologists, hydrologists, land managers, 
biologists, and many others have gathered at these meetings to exchange 
cutting-edge information on karst and its many benefits and challenges. The 
Sinkhole Conference is managed by the National Cave and Karst Research 
Institute and this next conference is jointly organized with the Karst Waters 
Institute. Additionally, the conference will include the 3rd Appalachian Karst 
Symposium to make for a truly special event.

The 15th Sinkhole Conference will occur on 2-6 April 2018. You are welcome to 
stay in the lodging at NCTC but there are other options nearby too. Details 
about the conference are available at http://www.sinkholeconference.com/.

---

Karst Session at 45th International Association of Hydrogeologists Congress

The next congress of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) 
will be held in Daejeon, South Korea, on 9-14 September 2018 with the theme 
Groundwater and Life: Science and Technology into Action. Topic 7 will focus on 
karst:

Advances in Karst and Fractured-rock Hydrogeology
Conveners: Nico Goldscheider, Young-Jin Park, Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, Sung-Hoon Ji

Sub-topics: Recent developments in karst hydrogeology; Characterizing fractured 
rock aquifers; Modeling of flow and transport in karst/fractured-rock aquifers; 
The critical zone in karst system (Karst Institute of Geology CAGS, UNESCO-IGCP 
Special Session); Regional flow systems of deep carbonates - Geological agency, 
discharge features and practical consequences. Nico Goldscheider will present a 
keynote lecture on karst hydrogeology. The deadline for the submission of 
abstracts is 31 March. Details: http://iah2018.org/

---

List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings


1) CavesLIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure, 14 March 2018 (on-line 
experience), https://CavesLIVE.org

2) The Sinkhole Conference, joint with the 3rd Appalachian Karst 
Symposium, 2-6 April 2018 (Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA), 
http://www.sinkholeconference.com/

3) Eleventh International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and 
Recalcitrant Compounds: Karst Case Studies Session, 8-12 April 2018 (Palm 
Springs, California, USA), 
https://www.battelle.org/newsroom/conferences/chlorinated-conference

4) Speleogenesis, Geomorphology and Hazards in Karst, European 
Geosciences Union, 8–13 April 2018 (Vienna, Austria), 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Here is the latest cave and karst information from NCKRI and our friends. 
Please notice that the first two items have deadlines that are approaching soon:


·   Sinkhole Conference: Register Now-Deadline Very Soon!

·   University of Bergen Postdoctoral Fellow in U-series Dating and 
Archaeometry: Norway

·   International Workshop on Ice Caves VIII, Spain: Registration Open!

·   BERGER 2018 "Clean deep": France

·   Approaches to Mitigation of Karst Sinkholes: A New ASCE Live Webinar

·   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Sinkhole Conference: Register Now-Deadline Very Soon!

The Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and 
Environmental Impacts of Karst, generally known as "The Sinkhole Conference," 
is the longest-running international conference of its type. Since 1984, 
engineers, geologists, hydrologists, land managers, biologists, and many others 
have gathered at these meetings to exchange cutting-edge information on karst 
and its many benefits and challenges. The Sinkhole Conference is managed by the 
National Cave and Karst Research Institute and this next conference is jointly 
organized with the Karst Waters Institute. Additionally, the conference will 
include the 3rd Appalachian Karst Symposium to make for a truly special event.

The 15th Sinkhole Conference will occur on 2-6 April 2018 at the National 
Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA, about a 
1.5-hour drive from Washington, DC. The conference circular, which is a 
convenient summary of the conference, is available from 
http://www.sinkholeconference.com/, where all other conference details can also 
be found.

This message reminds you to that we ask everyone to register by 23 February 
2018. Later and on-site registrants may not be allowed on the grounds. Please 
register as soon as possible and reserve your lodging.

---

University of Bergen Postdoctoral Fellow in U-series Dating and Archaeometry: 
Norway

There is a vacancy for a four-year postdoctoral fellow position at the SapienCE 
Centre of Excellence and at the Department of Earth Science, within the area of 
Uranium- series geochronology as applied to archaeological sites and cave 
deposits. The successful applicant will have responsibility for performing U- 
series dating on archaeological sites and adjacent caves in South Africa. The 
position will involve:

·   Field sampling in relevant caves and archaeological deposits

·   Managing the U-series preparation laboratory and the ICP-MS applications

·   Generating U-series dates

·   Supervising students

·   Improving the technique and its applications to archaeological and 
environmental problems.

About the position of postdoctoral fellow:
The position of postdoctoral fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the 
primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic 
positions. The fixed-term period for this position is four years, of which 25% 
of the time each year comprises required duties associated with research, 
teaching and dissemination of results. Individuals may not be hired for more 
than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral fellow at the same institution. 
Upon appointment, applicants must submit a project proposal for the qualifying 
work. The project proposal must be prepared in cooperation

General information:
Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: 
Professor Stein-Erik Lauritzen, Department of Earth Science, phone:
+47 55 58 3508, e-mail: 
stein.laurit...@geo.uib.no and at 
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/277248.

---

International Workshop on Ice Caves VIII, Spain: Registration Open!

The International Workshop on Ice Caves (IWIC) is an excellent opportunity for 
the exchange of ideas and advances in research on ice caves. The objective is 
to establish contacts and links between researchers during the IWIC, examining 
the state of the art, the applied techniques to investigate ice caves and 
relevant case studies, with special emphasis on promoting international 
cooperation. It is the ideal setting for the exchange of experiences and the 
presentation of results about the regional or thematic knowledge.

During this workshop the scientific sessions will alternate with visits to ice 
caves in Picos de Europa and karst environments in the coastal and the 
Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain. The workshop is sponsored by the Glacier, 
Firn and Ice Caves Commission of the International Union of Speleology (UIS).


Abstracts for IWIC-8 can be submitted until March 1st. 2018. We encourage you 
to prepare and send us abstracts about your most recent works on ice 

Re: [Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[William R. Elliott]

Hi George,

Next time please modify this announcement as follows:

6)  California Cave Life Symposium, 28 April 2018 (California Academy of
Sciences, San Francisco, California, USA),  http://cavelife.info/  or
speodes...@gmail.com

*William R. (Bill) Elliott*

*speodes...@gmail.com *

573-291-5093 <(573)%20291-5093> cell

On Thu, Feb 8, 2018 at 12:35 AM, George Veni  wrote:

> Dear Friends,
>
>
>
> I am happy to announce that two important national speleological
> organizations have asked to be added to the NCKRI news e-mail list. I
> extend my welcome to the Speleological Association of Slovenia and Unión
> Mexicana de Agrupaciones Espeleológicas. If any other organization, list,
> or individual wishes to be added to this NCKRI list, please let me know.
>
>
>
> Here is the latest cave and karst information from NCKRI and our friends.
> Please notice that the first two items have deadlines that are approaching
> soon:
>
>
>
> ·   *Sinkhole Conference Registration Price Deadline Soon*
>
> ·   *EuroSpeleo and European Protection Forum: Abstract Deadline
> Extended*
>
> ·   *UIS Bulletin now available: biggest and best ever!*
>
> ·   *NSS Section of Cave Geology and Geography Call for Abstracts*
>
> ·   *Job Announcement: Karst Hydrogeologist, Lima, Peru*
>
> ·   *Edwards Aquifer Authority Distinguished Lecture*
>
> ·   *List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings*
>
>
>
> Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more
> information, and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be
> interested.
>
>
>
> George
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
>
> *Sinkhole Conference Registration Price Deadline Soon*
>
>
>
> The *Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and
> Environmental Impacts of Karst*, generally known as “The Sinkhole
> Conference,” is the longest-running international conference of its type.
> Since 1984, engineers, geologists, hydrologists, land managers, biologists,
> and many others have gathered at these meetings to exchange cutting-edge
> information on karst and its many benefits and challenges. The Sinkhole
> Conference is managed by the National Cave and Karst Research Institute and
> this next conference is jointly organized with the Karst Waters Institute.
> Additionally, the conference will include the 3rd Appalachian Karst
> Symposium to make for a truly special event.
>
>
>
> The 15th Sinkhole Conference will occur on 2-6 April 2018 at the National
> Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA, about a
> 1.5-hour drive from Washington, DC. The conference circular, which is a
> convenient summary of the conference, is available from
> http://www.sinkholeconference.com/, where all other conference details
> can also be found.
>
>
>
> This message reminds you to that the price of registrations increases on *15
> February 2018*, so register soon to get the best price. Also, due to
> security needs at the conference venue, we ask everyone to register by *23
> February 2018*. Later and on-site registrants may not be allowed on the
> grounds. Please register as soon as possible and reserve your lodging.
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
>
> *EuroSpeleo and European Protection Forum: Abstract Deadline Extended *
>
>
>
> Dear all,
>
>
>
> Please note that the submission deadline for the abstracts to the
> Symposium and Forum has been extended to the 23 February.
>
> After this date no other abstract will be accepted.
>
>
>
> This gives you the chance to take part and have published your abstract in
> the printed version of the "Book of Abstracts" of the EuroSpeleo Forum 2018.
>
>
>
> Please don't wait until the last day.
>
> Find the extended call from the Forum annexed.
>
>
>
> Presentations from all over the world have been submitted but there is
> still room for your submission too.
>
>
>
> We are still open for submissions concerning this year's subject
> "Connecting Science with Cave Protection"
>
> Please find the 2nd circular of the ESPS (with extended deadline) annexed.
>
>
>
> Thank you
>
>
>
> best regards,
>
>
>
> Jean-Claude Thies
>
> ECPC President
>
> European Cave Protection Commission
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
>
> [image: Logo UIS - para envio do UIS Bulletin]
> --
>
>
>
> *UIS Bulletin now available: biggest and best ever!*
>
>
>
> We are glad to share with you the Volume 59-2 of the UIS Bulletin, the
> largest and most illustrated issue of the 66 bulletins published since the
> first one in 1970. Enjoy the content of it’s 123 pages!
>
>
>
> The PDF Interactive format can be downloaded by clicking on the link:
>
> http://www.uis-speleo.org/downloads/uis-bulletins/uisb592.pdf
>
>
>
> *CONTENT:*
>
> • Editorial - Historical Issue: Improvement Ahead
>
> • The President’s Column – *Renewal and Opportunities*
>
> • The Report of the UIS Secretary General
>
> • 17th International Congress of 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that two important national speleological organizations 
have asked to be added to the NCKRI news e-mail list. I extend my welcome to 
the Speleological Association of Slovenia and Unión Mexicana de Agrupaciones 
Espeleológicas. If any other organization, list, or individual wishes to be 
added to this NCKRI list, please let me know.

Here is the latest cave and karst information from NCKRI and our friends. 
Please notice that the first two items have deadlines that are approaching soon:


·   Sinkhole Conference Registration Price Deadline Soon

·   EuroSpeleo and European Protection Forum: Abstract Deadline Extended

·   UIS Bulletin now available: biggest and best ever!

·   NSS Section of Cave Geology and Geography Call for Abstracts

·   Job Announcement: Karst Hydrogeologist, Lima, Peru

·   Edwards Aquifer Authority Distinguished Lecture

·   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Please contact the people and organizations listed below for more information, 
and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

---

Sinkhole Conference Registration Price Deadline Soon

The Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and 
Environmental Impacts of Karst, generally known as "The Sinkhole Conference," 
is the longest-running international conference of its type. Since 1984, 
engineers, geologists, hydrologists, land managers, biologists, and many others 
have gathered at these meetings to exchange cutting-edge information on karst 
and its many benefits and challenges. The Sinkhole Conference is managed by the 
National Cave and Karst Research Institute and this next conference is jointly 
organized with the Karst Waters Institute. Additionally, the conference will 
include the 3rd Appalachian Karst Symposium to make for a truly special event.

The 15th Sinkhole Conference will occur on 2-6 April 2018 at the National 
Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA, about a 
1.5-hour drive from Washington, DC. The conference circular, which is a 
convenient summary of the conference, is available from 
http://www.sinkholeconference.com/, where all other conference details can also 
be found.

This message reminds you to that the price of registrations increases on 15 
February 2018, so register soon to get the best price. Also, due to security 
needs at the conference venue, we ask everyone to register by 23 February 2018. 
Later and on-site registrants may not be allowed on the grounds. Please 
register as soon as possible and reserve your lodging.

---

EuroSpeleo and European Protection Forum: Abstract Deadline Extended


Dear all,



Please note that the submission deadline for the abstracts to the Symposium and 
Forum has been extended to the 23 February.

After this date no other abstract will be accepted.



This gives you the chance to take part and have published your abstract in the 
printed version of the "Book of Abstracts" of the EuroSpeleo Forum 2018.



Please don't wait until the last day.

Find the extended call from the Forum annexed.



Presentations from all over the world have been submitted but there is still 
room for your submission too.



We are still open for submissions concerning this year's subject "Connecting 
Science with Cave Protection"

Please find the 2nd circular of the ESPS (with extended deadline) annexed.



Thank you



best regards,



Jean-Claude Thies

ECPC President

European Cave Protection Commission

---

[Logo UIS - para envio do UIS Bulletin]


UIS Bulletin now available: biggest and best ever!

We are glad to share with you the Volume 59-2 of the UIS Bulletin, the largest 
and most illustrated issue of the 66 bulletins published since the first one in 
1970. Enjoy the content of it's 123 pages!

The PDF Interactive format can be downloaded by clicking on the link:
http://www.uis-speleo.org/downloads/uis-bulletins/uisb592.pdf

CONTENT:

* Editorial - Historical Issue: Improvement Ahead

* The President's Column - Renewal and Opportunities

* The Report of the UIS Secretary General

* 17th International Congress of Speleology - Final Report

* UIS Prizes 2017 and France Habe Prize 2017

* The Deepest Cave in the World

* Largest Cave Chambers in the World - 3D Scanning Project

* Report - Arts and Letters Commission

* Report - Karst and Cave Protection Department

* Report - Artificial Cavities Commission

* Report - Speleotherapy Commission

* Report - History of Speleology Commission

* Report - Cave Rescue Commission

* Report - Karst Hydrogeology and Speleogenesis Commission

* Report - Physical Chemistry, and Hydrogeology of Karst Commission

* Report - Archaeology and Palaeontology Commission

* Report - Pseudokarst Commission

* Report - Cave Diving Commission

* Report - Bibliography Commission

* Report - 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni]

Dear Friends,

Following are news and announcements from NCKRI and some of our friends around 
the world. The full details are below.


*   Geological Society of America: Session Proposals due 1 February!

*   24th International Conference on Subterranean Biology: Registration 
Open/Student grant deadline 1 February!

*   24th International Cave Bear Symposium, Bulgaria

*Job Opening: Geology Professorship at The University of Texas at San 
Antonio, USA

*   New Cave Biology Book Seeking Authors

*   Announcing: 26th International Karstological School, Postojna, Slovenia

*   Karst Hydrology Student Opportunity: Buffalo National River, Arkansas, 
USA

*   International Vulcanospeleology Symposium: Registration Open

*   Television Documentary: Cave Archeological Discovery in Mexico

*   List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

As usual, please contact the people and organizations listed below for more 
information and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be 
interested.

George

-

Geological Society of America: Session Proposals due 1 February!


Dear Karst Division Members



It's that time of year to submit proposals for Karst sessions for the 2018 GSA 
Meeting!  The meeting will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana on 4-7 November and 
session proposals can submitted here.



The deadline for submitting topical sessions is February 1st, 2018 and the 
abstract submission window will open on April 1st, 2018. Short course proposals 
are also due on 2/1.



Please remember that the Karst Division Management Board has adjusted the way 
that abstracts and sessions are now managed at the annual meeting. Special 
Topical Sessions can still be proposed as before, but, moving forward, 
researchers will also have the option of submitting their abstracts to one of 
six predefined topical categories:

  1.  Karst Hydrology and Geology
  2.  Karst Processes and Speleology
  3.  Karst Hazards and Monitoring
  4.  Karst Sedimentary, Paleoclimate, and Historical Records
  5.  Karst Ecosystems and Biogeochemistry
  6.  Pseudo-karst Processes and Features


There will also be a Karst Division general discipline section that you can 
submit to if you are undecided and your abstract will be placed in the most 
appropriate session from those available. Please see the attached file for 
additional details.

In addition, the Karst Division Awards Deadline is also coming up on February 
1st, 2018. Please find more info on the awards 
here (or see 
attached document) and use these links to submit your 
nominations or 
apply for an 
award (or you 
can use the attached forms).

Please let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to serving you 
and the Division in the coming year!



Thank you and best wishes,

GSA Karst Division Management Board

-

24th International Conference on Subterranean Biology: Registration 
Open/Student grant deadline 1 February!

Dear colleagues,

I am delight to inform you that the registration for the 24 ICSB is now open:

http://24icsb.web.ua.pt/index.php/registration/how-to-register/

Important deadlines:

Students travel grants deadline: 1 February 2018

Abstract submission until: 28 February 2018

Early registration until: 12 March 2018

I kindly ask you to forward the information to potential participants.

Looking forward to see you in Aveiro!

All the best regards,
Ana Sofia Reboleira

-

24th International Cave Bear Symposium, Bulgaria


It is a great honour to invite you to the 24th International Cave Bear 
Symposium in Chepelare, Bulgaria from 27th to 30th September 2018 and introduce 
to you a beautiful landscape in the heart of Europe. The conference will be 
hosted by the Museum of Speleology and Rhodope Karst which will celebrate the 
50th anniversary of  the founding of the collection in 2018.



Please find attached the 1st circular of the 24th International Cave Bear 
Symposium.



We hope that the symposium will not only be an important meeting of experts of 
cave bears and Quaternary fauna from whole Europe, but also an important social 
and cultural event and happening.



We warmly invite you to this meeting, you will find all informations on our 
website soon: icbs2018.at, which is at the moment still under construction (we 
will send a separate e-mail as soon as it is online). We are looking forward to 
see you soon in Chepelare, Bulgaria.



Kind regards,



The Organizing Commitee

-

Job Opening: Geology Professorship at The University of Texas at San Antonio, 
USA

(The following position is not asking for karst expertise, but the university 
in located in a major karst area, 

[Texascavers] Cave and karst news and announcements from NCKRI

[George Veni via Texascavers]

Dear Friends,

I'm pleased to share the following several announcements. Their details follow 
below.

1)DeepKarst 2016: registration is open

2)50th Annual Meeting of North-Central Section of the Geological Society of 
America: karst symposium

3)Hypogea 2017: 2nd circular now available

4)23rd International Conference on Subterranean Biology

5)William L. Wilson Scholarship in Karst Science

6)Cave Conservancy Foundation 2016-17 Graduate and Undergraduate Fellowship 
Awards

7)List of upcoming cave and karst meetings

You are welcome to share this message with anyone you believe may be interested.

For more information on each announcement, contact the people or organizations 
listed.

George

---

DeepKarst 2016: registration is open!

This conference focuses on hypogene karst, its origin and implications for 
management, economic resources, and groundwater ecosystems. Papers from 10 
countries have been received. Look for an announcement soon on optional field 
trips that will be offered. NCKRI will host this conference on 11-14 April 2016 
in Carlsbad, New Mexico. To register and for more details, visit 
http://deepkarst.org/.

---

50th Annual Meeting of North-Central Section of the Geological Society of 
America
Champaign, Illinois, USA
April 18-19, 2016

www.geosociety.org/Sections/nc/2016mtg

Symposium T19. Characterization of Karst of the Midwestern U.S.: Problems with 
Unstable Ground and Groundwater Quality. Samuel V. Panno, Illinois State 
Geological Survey, s-pa...@illinois.edu; Walton R. 
Kelly, Illinois State Water Survey, 
wke...@illinois.edu.

This session will include papers describing methods for characterizing karst 
areas of the Midwestern US, and problems associated with the formation of 
cover-collapse sinkholes, cave collapse, and groundwater contamination from 
point and non-point sources. Sources include contaminants associated with urban 
and rural environments including road salt, pharmaceuticals and personal care 
products, animal waste, septic effluent and N-fertilizers.

---

Hypogea 2017: 2nd circular now available

Dear Colleagues

We know that there are too many things to do and too little time to do all 
those things
But the deadline for the abstracts of HYPOGEA 2017, International Congress of 
Speleology in Artificial Cavities is only two months away now. As we had 
informed both in our web 
page
 and in our 1. 
Circular,
 HYPOGEA 2017 Congress will be held on March 6-8, 2017 and the sessions will be 
focused on four main topics:

- Explorations
- Cultural and economic importance of the artificial cavities
- Hazards, remediation and rehabilitation
- Survey, mapping and dating techniques

After the congress there will be several excursions to various underground 
cities, rock churches, cave dwellings and geologically interesting points of 
Cappadocia.

The important deadlines to contribute to the Congress are:

Abstract submission:  10 January 2016
Full paper submission:10 June 2016

You can send your abstracts to 
contribut...@hypogea2017.com.

We kindly request your attendance and your help to share this information among 
your colleagues.

Organization Committee
www.hypogea2017.com

---

23rd International Conference on Subterranean Biology

Dear Colleagues,

What do Markus Friedrich, Meredith Protas, Helena Bilandžija, Bill Jeffery, 
Ruben Tovar, David Carline, Kelly O'Quin, Joshua Gross, and Masato Yoshizawa 
have in common?  They have already agreed to present papers at the  at the 23rd 
International Conference on Subterranean Biology, to be held from June 13 to 
17, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on the campus of the University of 
Arkansas.  The website 
(www.speleobiology.com/icsb2016/) has 
information on the meeting, including the preliminary program, information on 
housing, a registration form, and information on submission of abstracts.  We 
hope you will visit the website soon in order to make your plans for the 
meeting.  Among the highlights are an opening reception at the Botanical Garden 
of the Ozarks, a day long excursion deep into the heart of the Ozarks karst, 
and four special symposia on:

* Patterns of subterranean biogeography and biodiversity, organized by 
Louis Deharveng

* Conservation of subterranean fauna and habitats, organized by Michael 
Slay

* Cave animals at the frontiers of modern