International holidays - Speleology Day

The study of catacombs, mines, natural caves and artificial dungeons is carried out by both professionals and amateurs - diggers In August 1893, after the speech of the cartographer and geographer E Martel at the XII Congress of the French Association for the Promotion of Scientific Research, the term “speleology” appeared Until this time, people who studied caves, their origins, minerals and the living conditions of microorganisms underground were called geologists August 4, the date of universal recognition of the new profession, became Speleologist Day Speleology Day is celebrated by scientists who study dungeons formed naturally - under the influence of water, wind, earthquakes, etc Treasure hunters, black diggers and archaeologists are considered the predecessors of speleologists Karst caves are a supplier of many minerals and 1/3 of the planet's water resources In addition, grottoes and crevices are very popular among tourists Excursions with descents into caves make a significant contribution to the development of the economy of the region where they are located Artificially created dungeons, ie mine workings, drainage systems, metro stations, sewers and other types of communications are studied by spelestologists Diggers are also engaged in similar activities semi-legally Descent into flooded caves is the prerogative of cave divers They dive underwater in bathyscaphes or wetsuits, using air cylinders for breathing Descent underground with gear and equipment requires professionals and amateurs to have physical endurance, the ability to work in extreme conditions, endurance and mental stability But all the hardships of work are more than compensated by the picturesque paintings and beauty of the underground world that burst into view Speleologists engage in scientific work by conducting experiments in caves with rock and minerals and analyzing their results The study of underground grottoes and crevices allows one to make discoveries in the fields of archaeology, geology and biology At the initial stage of research, the speleologist draws up a topographic plan of the cave If it is of interest to science, desk preparation begins At this stage, the composition of the expedition is determined, the location of the camp is selected, and equipment is dropped off As a result of a professional approach to the study of caves, minerals unknown to science were found, and more than 400 species of invertebrate animals were described The work of speleologists receives high marks from the scientific community and ordinary people Therefore, 2021, at the initiative of UNESCO, was declared the International Year of Caves and Karst The services of speleologists are needed by construction companies that need industrial climbers, and geological organizations that use the observations of specialists for practical purposes Professionals are part of the search and rescue teams of the Ministry of Emergency Situations All scientists who have become true fans of caves and underground life are congratulated on August 4th on Speleologist's Day