THE UNDERGROUND WORLD
THE UNDERGROUND WORLD
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Carbonate and evaporite rocks—mainly limestone, but also dolomite, gypsum and salt domes—cover about 13% of the Earth’s land surface.
Carbonate and evaporite rocks—mainly limestone, but also dolomite, gypsum and salt domes—cover about 13% of the Earth’s land surface.
In these geological settings, karst landscapes develop, included caves, which are the focus of speleological research. Thanks to almost two centuries of exploration, more than 30,000 kilometres of natural underground systems have so far been discovered and mapped worldwide. Some of these systems reach depths greater than 2,000 metres and extend for over 500 kilometres, forming a true dark underground “universe”.
In these geological settings, karst landscapes develop, included caves, which are the focus of speleological research. Thanks to almost two centuries of exploration, more than 30,000 kilometres of natural underground systems have so far been discovered and mapped worldwide. Some of these systems reach depths greater than 2,000 metres and extend for over 500 kilometres, forming a true dark underground “universe”.
Despite these achievements, the underground remains a largely unexplored geographical domain. Statistical estimates suggest that karst networks may be 100 to 1,000 times more extensive than those currently known.
Despite these achievements, the underground remains a largely unexplored geographical domain. Statistical estimates suggest that karst networks may be 100 to 1,000 times more extensive than those currently known.
Underground environments are extremely important from several perspectives.
Underground environments are extremely important from several perspectives.
First of all, they represent fragile ecosystems that are often still poorly understood by science—almost “alien” environments where new species can still be discovered, and where microbiological research is only beginning to explore their complexity.
First of all, they represent fragile ecosystems that are often still poorly understood by science—almost “alien” environments where new species can still be discovered, and where microbiological research is only beginning to explore their complexity.
Caves are also sites of human presence and settlement. Thanks to their highly stable environmental conditions, they preserve historical and archaeological evidence of exceptional value.
Caves are also sites of human presence and settlement. Thanks to their highly stable environmental conditions, they preserve historical and archaeological evidence of exceptional value.
From a human‑use perspective, underground environments are especially important for water resources. Data published by the FAO indicate that between 2025 and 2030 approximately 80% of the drinking water resources will originate from karst areas, while much of the remaining water is progressively affected by pollution or salinisation.
From a human‑use perspective, underground environments are especially important for water resources. Data published by the FAO indicate that between 2025 and 2030 approximately 80% of the drinking water resources will originate from karst areas, while much of the remaining water is progressively affected by pollution or salinisation.
At the same time, caves are connected to the surface in many different ways and therefore cannot remain unaffected by the ongoing climate changes.
At the same time, caves are connected to the surface in many different ways and therefore cannot remain unaffected by the ongoing climate changes.
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