Contents of Volume 25, Number 3, December 1998

Editorial:

(Gunn, J. & D. Lowe (eds))
Editorial on the thematic issue Vol 25 (2) as a tribute to Rob Palmer, and the death before the publication of Vol 25 (3) of two more memorable characters, Alfred Bögli and P.B. Smith.
Vol 25 (3) p 107

Valedictions:

(Gunn, J.; Lowe, D.)
Valedictions to P.B. Smith (1938 - 1998)
Vol 25 (3) p 108

(Cigna, A.A.; Dreybrodt, W.; Gams, I.; Gunn, J.; Lowe, D.; Palmer, A.N.)
Valedictions to Alfred Bögli (1912 - 1998)
Vol 25 (3) pp 109 - 112

Papers:

(Bárány-Kevei, I.)
The geo-ecology of three Hungarian karsts
Vol 25 (3) pp 113 - 117
Abstract: The sensitivity of karst systems to human activities has become increasingly apparent as a result of research during the 1980s and 1990s. Environmental processes are very rapid on karst, and non-karstic materials integrate quickly into the karst system, modifying and damaging the natural processes and forms. This paper presents some results of research into karst geo-ecological systems in three Hungarian karst areas.

(Tarhule-Lips, R.F.A. & D.C. Ford)
Morphometric studies of bell hole development on Cayman Brac
Vol 25 (3) pp 119 - 130
Abstract: Bell holes are cylindrical cavities that extend vertically upwards into ceilings of caves. They have been reported only in the humid tropics. The processes responsible for their formation are not fully identified; different hypotheses have suggested mechanical, chemical or biological action but none of these appears to explain the holes satisfactorily. On the Caribbean island of Cayman Brac bell holes appear to be distributed at random in the entrance zones of certain caves. The environment in which these holes formed and developed is subaerial rather than subaqueous. Fifty-five bell holes from five sample caves were measured in detail with a graduated gauge; profiles were drawn and volumes calculated for each. Bell holes in four of the caves displayed similar morphometry, whereas the holes in the fifth cave were significantly different in size but not shape. All appear to be dissolutional rather than erosional features. Dissolution, enhanced or not by microbiological activity, is thought to take place in a thin film of condensation water.

(Waltham, T. & A. Cooper)
Features of gypsum caves and karst at Pinega (Russia) and Ripon (England)
Vol 25 (3) pp 131 - 140
Abstract: A profusion of collapsed dolines and subsidence hollows characterises the gypsum karst around Ripon in Yorkshire; clearly there are caves beneath the area, but none is accessible. In arctic Russia, the Pinega karst has many gypsum caves, among which some of the larger passages appear to have been formed by subglacial meltwater. The environments of the two sites are comparable, and one possible implication is that the unseen caves at Ripon may also be of Pleistocene subglacial origin.

Reports:

(Murphy, P.)
Trollers Gill, Wharfedale, North Yorkshire: its geology, caves and hydrology
Vol 25 (3) pp 141 - 144
Abstract: Part of a karst valley system on the southern edge of the Askrigg Block is described. Aspects of the present underground and surface hydrology, including the currently known sinks, risings and cave fragments, are considered in relation to the modern topography and the underlying geology. Possible mechanisms previously suggested for the evolution of the surface morphology are reviewed, and a development model based on rapid incision by glacial meltwater is presented.

Forum:

Correspondence

(Cordingley, J.)
Erratum: The use of rebreathers in cave diving
Vol 25 (3) p 145

(Jones, S.W. & G.J. Davies)
Comments on "Geochemical and depth controls on microporosity and cavity development in the Maynardville Limestone: Implications for groundwater" ((Shevenell, L. & P.M. Goldstrand) Vol 24 (3))
Vol 25 (3) pp 145 - 146

(Shevenell, L.)
Author's reply to the above comments
Vol 25 (3) pp 146 - 147

Scientific Notes

(Craven, S.A.)
Cango Cave in the 1930s: A historically important photograph
Vol 25 (3) pp 148 - 149

Symposium Review

(Faulkner, T.)
International Symposium on Karst and Tectonics, Han-sur-Lesse, Belgium, 9 - 12 March 1998
Vol 25 (3) pp 150 - 152

Thesis Abstracts

(Bunting, B. 1998)
The impacts of recreational caving on the physical environment of wild caves; MSc dissertation, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, HAMILTON, New Zealand
Vol 25 (3) p 152

(Burgess, S. 1998)
The microbial biomass of forest soils and cave sediment in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia; Honours thesis, prepared in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Plant and Soil Science BSc (Hons), Department of Plant & Soil Science, University of Aberdeen, ABERDEEN, UK
Vol 25 (3) p 152