Before entering fully into the meaning of the term speleology, it is necessary to proceed to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Greek as it is the result of the sum of two lexical components of said language:
-The noun “spélaion”, which can be translated as “cave”.
-The name “logos”, which is synonymous with “study”.
It is the scientific discipline dedicated to the analysis of the characteristics of these cavities and the living beings that inhabit them.
The expert in caving is known as a speleologist . Anything linked to caving, on the other hand, is classified as speleological .
The Frenchman Édouard-Alfred Martel (1859-1938) is considered the creator of the modern version of caving. This lawyer who loved natural sciences promoted the first expeditions with scientific pretensions and founded, in 1895, the Speleological Society of France .
The underground world is the object of study of speleology, which investigates the topography and morphology of caves to determine how they emerged. Speleologists also analyze the flora and fauna of these cavities and the traces of the prehistoric human beings who lived there. That is why this science is linked to anthropology, zoology, geography, geology and other specialties.
Depending on the places where it takes place, caving is classified in different ways. Volcanic caving takes place in volcanic caves that are formed by the action of lava expelled by volcanoes. Karst caving , for its part, takes place in caves created by water currents that erode the rock.
Another type of caving is called speleodiving . In this case, the explorations take place in underwater caves. This specialty is very complex due to the conditions of the workplace .
In addition to the different types of caving indicated, we cannot ignore the existence of another one. We are referring to sports caving, which leads those who practice it to carry out not only hiking but also climbing, descending or diving. And it is a very complete and also complicated sporting activity that requires good fitness as well as skill and knowledge of the caves in which these activities will take place.
This type of caving is so complicated that it is also required that the people who carry it out comply with a series of requirements and advice:
-Always go in a group and not separate from that group because it is the way to ensure your own safety.
-Requires having the appropriate clothing and material. With respect to the latter, we are referring to a backpack with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a compass, among other things.
-You always have to study well the cave in which you are going to practice this caving.