Abstract

Encyclopedia of Caves is a self-contained, beautifully illustrated work dedicated to caves and their unique environments. It includes more than 100 comprehensive articles from leading scholars and explorers in 15 different countries. Each entry is detailed and scientifically sound, yet accessible for students and non-scientists. This large-format reference is enchanced with hundreds of full-color photographs, maps, and drawings from the authors' own work, which provide unique images of the underground environment.

• Global in reach--authors are an international team of experts covering caves from around the world
• Includes 24 new articles commissioned especially for this 2nd edition
• Articles contain extensive bibliographies cross-referencing related essays
• Hundreds of color photographs, maps, charts and illustrations of cave features and biota
• A-Z sequence and a comprehensive index allow for easy location of topics
• Glossary presents definitions of all key vocabulary items

Praise for the first edition:

"Culver and White have aimed at a broad span of topics, inlcuding some like caves in myths, show caves, Mayan caves and saltpetre mining, which might not be the ones that instantly come to mind...If there is any bias it might be towards cave biology, which is no bad thing as this is an area where infomration is not easily available." -John Goodier, in REFERENCE REVIEWS, VOL. 19, 2005 "...an excellent addition to the very limited currently available literature on caves and karst." -Andy Baker, Department of Geography, University of Birmingham, in JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE, 2005 "Although scientifically rigorous, the articles are readily approachable by the nonprofessional and at times include the reader in the 'hows' of cave exploration. Truly international in both geography and contributors, this encyclopedia is one for browsing-the perfect assemblage of 15- to 20-minute intellectual diversions." - AMERICAN SCIENTIST "This book is an exciting and significant contribution to the field of caves and karst. It represents an exceptionally handy reference for experts in specific aspects of caves and karst but it is also an excellent reference for those individuals who are less expert because technical jargon has been minimized. The sound scholarship...is a credit to the field and will make this a much sought after book for many years." - Malcolm S. Field, Editor, Journal of Cave and Karst Studies "Caves, caves and more caves! This book is for anyone and everyone with an interest in caves… This encyclopedia brings the mystique and science of caves to life and covers all types of caves, including those you might not have known existed…" - Journal of Sedimentary Reseach "Culver and White have brought together a truly international team of world-class experts--almost as international as caves themselves--to contribute to the Encyclopedia of Caves. But this work is more than an encyclopedia, and it covers more than just caves. It offers in-depth accounts of all important topics concerning caves and life in caves. Students of biology, geography and geology will value it for its textbook-style clarity... For cavers and professionals it will serve as the most comprehensive state of the art reference in the multidisciplinary field of subterranean sciences." - Peter Trontelj, Univ. of Ljubljana, Slovenia "This monumental and attractively presented reference book belongs on the bookshelf of every person with an interest in caves, endangered species, or the biological diversity of our planet. The hundred or so chapter authors are a Who’s Who of the world’s cave experts...This book will be an invaluable reference for students, teachers, scientists, and anyone interested in learning more about the remarkable diversity of life and geology that lies hidden beneath our feet." - Larry Master, Chief Zoologist, NatureServe "The construction of the items from 'Adaptation to Darkness' to 'Worms' gives a deep, accurate insight on the cave’s world. Several points of view are considered, from exploration techniques to history and archaeology, from geology to hydrogeology, from biology to taxonomy and evolution...Encyclopedia of Caves will be one of the landmarks for the sciences of cave studies from now and for many years onward..." -Giuseppe Messana, CNR - Institute of Ecosystem Study , Firenze, Italy "The Encyclopedia of Caves, edited by Culver and White, with over 100 articles by world-wide experts on caves, is quite unique with contributions from multi-disciplines and a great variety of subject matter: academic, as well as practical...This volume is a must for researchers, cave enthusiasts, teachers, and developers." - Philip LaMoreaux, Editor-in-Chief, Environmental Geology and Water Science, from the Foreword "…one of the most readable and engaging volumes of this kind…the editors are to be commended for bringing together such a wealth of useful and interesting material in a single reference volume and for its appealing presentation." - Russell S. Harmon, North Carolina State University