Volume 28(2), August 2001

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Sources of pollen in stalactite drip water in two French caves Macroinvertebrates in limestone springs in the Wye valley, Derbyshire, UK Alona quadrangularis from a Derbyshire (UK) cave Pre-Devensian dolines above Crummackdale, UK Karst: whence the name? Forum Cover Photo by John Gunn of Wormhill Spring, Derbyshire, UK. Wormhill Spring is the largest of over 20 limestone springs that supplement the flow of the River Wye, the only river to maintain a perennial flow across the northern 'White Peak' district of Derbyshire. The springs have a diverse aquatic ecology, as discussed in the article by Smith et al. in this Issue.

Editorial

(Gunn, J. & D. Lowe (eds))
Editorial
Vol 28 (2) pp 51 - 52

The editorial comments on the difficulties encountered in the etymological refereeing of the report on the origin of the word "karst" in this Issue, and on problems with the production of the diacritical marks required .

At the recent BCRA AGM in Buxton there was some comment to the effect that it is 'too difficult' for the 'average caver' to prepare an article to the high standard expected by Cave and Karst Science referees. It is hoped that the tribulations recorded in the earlier part of the Editorial about the karst report will serve to illustrate the Editors' commitment and desire, both to maintain high standards, and to assist contributors in achieving them to the best of the Editors' ability.

Papers

(Goldie, H.S. & M.E. Marker)
Pre-Devensian dolines above Crummackdale, northwest Yorkshire, UK
Vol 28 (2) pp 53 - 58

Abstract: This paper reports a preliminary study of large Pre-Devensian dolines above Crummackdale Head. The distribution of these dolines has been plotted on 1:10,000 scale base maps, and selected dolines have been measured. All these large dolines have acted as sediment depositories. Most contain fine sandy silt, yellow in the aerobic zone and grey below. This is interpreted as loess. These sediments pass upwards into peat or remnant peat that is shown to date from 9,000 B.P.

(Genty, D., M.-F. Diot & W. O'Yl)
Sources of pollen in stalactite drip water in two caves in southwest France

Vol 28 (2) pp 59 - 66

Abstract: Pollen filters were placed under active stalactites in the Vilars and La Faurie caves (southwest France) for one year, to see whether pollen grains were brought in by seepage water and to quantify the pollen fluxes. In the Villars Cave, filters that were protected from the cave atmosphere did not collect any pollen, whereas those that were open collected a few grains, demonstrating that, here at least, pollen was carried by cave air and not by seepage water. In La Faurie Cave, two protected filters collected a few pollen grains, partially representative of the local vegetation, which show that some pollen arrives in the cave with seepage water. Pollen grains extracted from three stalagmites from Villars Cave show that only stalagmite that includes detrital layers contains a significant amount of pollen. As well as pollen, different kinds of plant and animal micro-debris were found in the filters and in the stalagmites, providing complementary information about the sources of the pollen.

(Smith, H., P. Wood & J. Gunn)
The macroinvertebrate communities of limestone springs in the Wye Valley, Derbyshire Peak District, UK

Vol 28 (2) pp 67 - 78

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study of the spring-dwelling macroinvertebrates of 18 springs in the Wye Valley, Derbyshire. The fauna found within the springs is a mix of species exhibiting ubiquitous, crenobiontic and crenophilic ecological valence, with the relative contribution that these groups make varying between sites. Multivariate analysis indicates that water chemistry is not a major influence on the benthic communities, and that the major environmental determinant at a broad-scale of analysis is related to flow regime. Some taxa are characteristic of springs with a permanent or an intermittent flow regime, although the majority of the fauna occur in both habitat types. The mechanisms through which recolonisation of the intermittent springs occur are also examined. The conservation and protection of these unique and little-studied habitats is discussed, and suggestions are made as to how to achieve this in the Wye Valley.

Reports

(Hromník, C.A.)
Karst, Kras or Karasattu: whence the name?
Vol 28 (2) pp 79 - 88

Abstract: The cavernous region of modern Slovenia, which gave its name to the science of karstology, is called Karst in Germanic and Kras in Sloven (Slavic) languages, but the meaning of this name is still unknown. This article attempts to find the hidden meaning and finds it not in the sphere of geology but in the realm of the human troglodytes. Their ancient Dravidian name Karasattu is found to be the source of the name Karst and Kras. Corroboration of this finding comes from the karsts of Slovenia and of France. Religious use of the caves is found to be the main reason for the appearance of this name. Latin records and the surviving toponymy of the Karst are the principal sources of the revealing discovery. These include numerous names, such as Rekka, Timavo, Wetterloch, Zegnana jama, Karavanke Mountains, Adriatic, and other corroborating terms, which, when properly understood, shed a new light on the distant history of the Slovene Kras. Interestingly enough, it is the Chinese way of describing the process of karstification that has presented us with the key to the mystery of the oronym Rekka. Its parallel has been found in India.

(Wood, P.J. & M.T. Greenwood)
Alona quadrangularis (O F Muller) (Chydoridae: Cladocera): first record from a Derbyshire (UK) cave
Vol 28(2) pp 89 - 90

Abstract: The first record of Cladocera (Alona quadrangularis: Chydoridae) for Derbyshire caves is reported. Alona quadrangularis was common in a number of benthic samples from Speedwell Cavern. Some possible reasons for the under-recording of this and other microfauna in subterranean environments are examined.

Forum

Scientific Note

(Murphy, P.J.)
Syn-glaciation hydrology recorded in re-used, pre-existing cave systems

Vol 28 (2) pp 91 - 92

Book Reviews

(Gunn, J.)
Simms, M., 2001. Exploring the limestone landscapes of the Burren and the Gort Lowlands
Burrenkarst.com, Eden House, Belfast BT8 8JY, ISBN 0 9540892 0 0
Vol 28 (2) p 93

(Palmer, A.N.)
Onac, B.P., 2000. Geologia regiunilor carstice [Geology of karst terrains]
Bucuresti, Edituria Didactia si Pedagogica
Vol 28 (2) p 93

Thesis Abstract

Pressdee, C., 2001. Engineering impacts of karst: A review of some engineering aspects of limestone weathering with case studies from Devon and Ireland
MSc Thesis, Engineering Geology and Geomaterials, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Greenwich, Medway University Campus, Pembroke, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
Vol 28 (2) p 94

Abstracts from Karstologia for 1997 and 1998

Vol 28 (2) pp 94 - 96

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