Speleology is the scientific study of
caves and other
karst features, their make-up, structure, physical properties, history, life forms, and the processes by which they form (
speleogenesis) and change over time (speleomorphology). The term speleology is also sometimes applied to the recreational activity of
exploring caves, but this is more properly known as
caving, spelunking or potholing. Speleology and caving are often connected, as the physical skills required for
in situ study are the same.
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