Cave documentation

Karst and cave documentation

The year 2021 has been declared the International Year of Caves and Karst by the UIS (Union Internationale de Spéléologie)! In the framework of this, some actions will also take place in Austria: You can find more information here.

The Working Group on Karst and Caves (KHA) of the Natural History Museum Vienna cooperates closely with the Speleologic Society in Vienna and Lower Austria, but also with other groups of the Austrian Speleological Association (VÖH). The Working Group on Karst and Caves is primarily active in the eastern part of Austria. Working in the terrain requires some physical fitness, surefootedness and a sense of orientation, as marked paths are usually abandoned. However, interesting objects can be found at all altitudes and terrain forms; therefore, participation is possible at any age.

Cave entrances are searched for in the area, their position (coordinates) determined and photographed. The documentation of karst forms (dolines, karst springs, shrinkage etc.) is of interest as well. Enthusiasts have the opportunity to learn how to survey caves and how to draw cave maps!

Who can participate?

Interested people aged 14 and over who like to walk off the beaten track.

Period

A participation is possible right away; the end of the project is not foreseeable.

Where?

Primarily in Eastern Austria, but also throughout Austria.

What kind of data is collected?

• Determination of the coordinates of cave entrances and karst forms (by means of GPS, laser scan, aerial photographs, etc.)

• Photodocumentation of karst forms and caves

• Mapping and surveying of caves after previous training possible

Roles in the project

• Project management: Overall coordination of the project

• Project coordination: Data management

• Project participants (Citizen Scientists): data collection and processing

Contact

Click here to go to the website of the Speleological Society of Vienna and Lower Austria.

If you are interested and have found something or would like to make an appointment, please contact us by phone or e-mail:

Mag Dr. Lukas Plan
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Tel.Nr.: +43 1 5230418-10

Dipl.-Geogr. Pauline Oberender
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Tel.Nr.: +43 1 5230418-14