Encyclopedia of Caves, Third Edition, provides detailed background information to anyone with a serious interest in caves. This includes students, both undergraduate and graduate, in the earth, biological and environmental sciences, and consultants, environmental scientists, land managers and government agency staff whose work requires them to know something about caves and the biota that inhabit them. Caves touch on many scientific interests in geology, climate science, biology, hydrology, archaeology, and paleontology, as well as more popular interests in sport caving and cave exploration. Case studies and descriptions of specific caves selected for their special features and public interest are also included. This book will appeal to these audiences by providing in-depth essays written by expert authors chosen for their expertise in their assigned subject. - Features 14 new chapters and 13 completely rewritten chapters - Contains beautifully illustrated content, with more than 500 color images of cave life and features - Provides extensive bibliographies that allow readers to access their subject of interest in greater depth

With more than 130 color photographs and 170 drawings, this book shows how to read geological history: plate movements, earthquakes, glaciers, rivers, seas, and other forces that have shaped the earth over millions of years. Each geological region of eastern North America is described vividly and illustrated with detailed maps and cross sections. Highway tours tell where to go to find the best examples of each kind of formation.

Cave divers are the elite, and this is their story--a story of pushing the limits of technology and human endurance.