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Exploring New Frontiers in

Cave and Karst Science

AUTHORS formation, such as microbial contributions to carbonate precipita-
Jason S. Polk, Chair, GSA Karst Division tion in moonmilk and recognition of the role of iron-reducing
Dan Jones, Secretary, GSA Karst Division microorganisms in the formation of unusual iron ore caves in
Ben Tobin, Treasurer, GSA Karst Division Brazil. We’ve unearthed new antibiotic resistance properties of cave
bacteria and are starting to apply microbiological techniques for
The GSA Karst Division, established in 2014, encompasses a managing cave resources, which are providing excellent approaches
thriving group of interdisciplinary researchers, students, and to combat unsightly, harmful photosynthetic lampenflora biofilms
explorers. The maturation and expansion of cave and karst science in show caves. Continuing advances in DNA sequencing technology
in recent years is evident in the “New Frontiers” sessions recently are enabling far more extensive microbial community characteriza-
held at GSA 2020 Connects Online, which highlighted emerging tion, and new genomic techniques are enabling researchers to better
and intriguing scientific work underway. Here, we discuss new link genes and geochemistry in karst settings. The New Frontiers
and innovative areas in which karst science is currently expanding session presentations included applications of cutting-edge genom-
and celebrate recognition of these efforts exemplified in the nam- ics technologies to shed new light on cave communities and improve
ing of 2021 as the International Year of Caves and Karst, orga- genome recovery of novel microorganisms from cave biofilms.
nized by the International Union of Speleology. We continue to look beyond the confines of Earth in ways never
At a global scale, the critical zone is where rock meets life at before possible, providing clues to the prevalence of lava caves on
Earth’s surface, from treetop to groundwater. Critical zone pro- the moon and Mars. These caves represent new opportunities to
cesses are a substantial focus for the earth-science community, access the Martian subsurface and hunt for signatures of life, past
though surprisingly little emphasis has been placed on karst areas; or present, and may eventually provide shelter for human habita-
however, the National Science Foundation recently funded a new tion. New robotics technologies are actively being developed to
research coordination network (RCN) focused on critical zone explore these extremely challenging terrains, and, here on Earth,
processes in carbonate terrains, which is bringing together multi- researchers are redoubling efforts at robotic- and human-guided
disciplinary researchers to focus on some of the most pressing exploration of analogue lava caves. The NASA Decadal Survey
issues related to carbon cycling, biogeochemical processes, and featured many new white papers addressing the subsurface than
human-environment interactions involving climate change in previous years, and efforts to advance subsurface studies using
through surface-subsurface connections. innovative geophysical and geomicrobiological methods hold
Karst hydrogeology has long focused on contaminant transport, promise for the future.
but as our understanding grows, researchers are making new Traditionally, karst science has fostered and embraced a diverse
advances in identifying and modeling the behavior of emerging collective of scientists, cavers, and communities passionate about
contaminants in karst aquifers. Rapid infiltration and discharge, these unique landscapes. Now, more than ever, we celebrate that
coupled with long-term storage capabilities, make karst ground- inclusiveness both in our research foci and delivery, which is evi-
waters especially susceptible to anthropogenic contaminants. dent through advances in how we interact and involve the commu-
Growing research on the sources and fate of microplastics in karst nity. We have transitioned successfully to offer novel virtual field
aquifers, having been the focus of only a single published manuscript studies courses and produced data-driven visuals using geocogni-
to date, is offering important new insights into the behavior of these tion to ensure understanding and learning about karst. Creative
ubiquitous contaminants in karst groundwaters and their impacts on research in ethnogeology is elucidating the importance of caves
sensitive cave ecosystems. Research is also expanding on emerging to societies around the world, highlighting how human society
contaminants, including fluorescent whitening compounds, PFOS relates to natural resources and their role in communities, which
and other perfluorochemicals, hormones, pharmaceuticals, personal- proves important to the management of caves and karst in the
care products, as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria in groundwater, broader context of globalization. Together, our efforts demonstrate
bringing them to the forefront of our attention as groundwater how karst researchers are championing the power of interdisciplin-
resources face critical vulnerabilities from numerous stressors. ary collaboration. We can be confident that future pioneers will
Cave geobiology and geomicrobiology is one of the most rapidly draw upon a collection of ideas, cultures, paradigms, and science
growing interdisciplinary subfields of karst research. Recent discov- that truly represent our best efforts to ensure a lighted path for
eries include insights into bedrock corrosion and speleothem cave and karst research toward a better world.

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