Product Description

Caves are fascinating and interesting from many perspectives. They are unique biological and geological environments, and they often provide clues to past climates and life forms. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and can be formed by a variety of geological processes. They harbor many unique life forms, most of which have no eyes or pigment. They have also played an important role in human history as habitations, as sources of minerals, and as religious sites. They continue to be important because of their connection to ground water, and finally they are important recreational resources. The Encyclopedia of Caves brings together these disparate topics with scientifically uncompromising and yet accessibly written essays by the world's leading scholars of caves.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #145474 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-16
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 680 pages

Synopsis
"Encyclopedia of Caves" is a self-contained, beautifully illustrated work dedicated to caves and their unique environments. It includes more than 100 comprehensive articles from leading scholars and explorers in 15 different countries. Each entry is detailed and scientifically sound, yet accessible for students and non-scientists. This large-format reference is enhanced with hundreds of full-color photographs, maps, and drawings from the authors' own work, which provide unique images of the underground environment. "The Encyclopedia of Caves" is an essential interdisciplinary resource for scientists, students, and caving enthusiasts. It presents a cross-section of contemporary knowledge of caves ranging from biology, geology, and human uses to exploration techniques; showcases hundreds of color and black & white photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations; highlights many of the great caves of the world; and makes information easy to find with alphabetical listings, cross references, suggestions for further reading, plus a full glossary and index.

About the Author
Edited by Dr. David C. Culver and Dr. William B. White