- Cave ecosystems are very fragile because cave animals have evolved
to survive in a very stable, unchanging environment.
- Caves themselves are also very fragile. The dissolving of limestone
to form caves and its reverse, the deposition of pure calcite to form
cave decorations (speleothems) depends on a very fine chemical equilibrium
which either dissolves or deposits calcium carbonate.
- This equilibrium is influenced by the catchment above the cave
including geology and soils, climate, the water cycle and vegetation.
- Inside the cave it is influenced by carbon dioxide levels, humidity,
groundwater flow and temperature.
- Small changes by people to the catchments above caves or the
caves themselves can have a major impact on the caves and their
ecosystems.
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Caves
ecosystems are fragile because
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