Cave and Karst Science

Cave and Karst Science is the current cover title of a long-established scientific journal that was originally known as the Transactions of the British Cave Research Association (BCRA). The BCRA http://www.bcra.org.uk/ was established by formal merger of the British Speleological Association (BSA) and the Cave Research Group of Great Britain (CRG), when they were dissolved in June 1973. During its 30+ years of existence the BCRA has been responsible for the production of a whole suite of publications, including scientific textbooks, popular guides to caving areas and aspects of speleology, a Bulletin (later known as Caves and Caving) containing information about cave exploration and related issues, and its scientific Transactions, later known as Cave Science and then as Cave and Karst Science. Nominally Cave and Karst Science is published three times a year, and normally comprises 48 printed A4 pages, with monochrome illustrations. Inevitably, from time to time, the idealized publication schedule breaks down, due to the effects of shortages of appropriate material or logistical difficulties encountered during production. Currently, potential authors are encouraged to submit articles for publication in Cave and Karst Science under four broad headings:

1. Papers

Scientific papers, normally up to 6,000 words but occasionally significantly longer, on any aspect of karst/speleological science or related topics, including archaeology, biology, chemistry, conservation, geology, geomorphology, history, hydrology and physics. Manuscript papers are expected to be of a high standard, and all manuscripts submitted are subject to peer review by at least two appropriately qualified referees.

2. Reports

These are generally shorter contributions, normally comprising 500-3,000 words, on aspects of karst/speleological science, as listed above, or containing more descriptive material, such as caving expedition reports and technical articles. The Editorial Board will review Report manuscripts unless the subject matter is outside their fields of expertise, in which case assessment by other appropriate experts will be sought. It is the strong belief of both current Editors that Cave and Karst Science should not be the exclusive preserve of professional and/or academic scientists, but should also provide space - and encouragement - for the inclusion of observations and ideas submitted by non-scientist cave explorers or amateur scientists. To this end the Editors will consider all such submissions and provide whatever advice and support is required to help the related authors achieve successful publication.

3. Forum

Material appropriate to Forum includes personal statements, normally up to 1,000 words, concerning topical cave- and karst-related issues, as well as discussion of published papers, and book reviews. Where appropriate, statements intended for publication in Forum should put forward an argument and make a case, backed-up by examples used as evidence.

4. Abstracts

Authors (or supervisors) of undergraduate or postgraduate dissertations on cave/karst themes are encouraged to submit abstracts for publication. The author (or supervisor) should indicate whether the thesis is available on inter-library loan. Abstracts of papers presented at BCRA (and other cave- and karst-related) conferences or symposia are also published.

Intending authors of material in any of the above categories are encouraged to contact the Editors, who will be pleased to advise on manuscript preparation.

Manuscripts should be sent to either of the Editors:

Dr D J Lowe, c/o British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK. d.lowe@bcra.org.uk
Professor J Gunn, Limestone Research Group, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HDI 3DH, UK. j.gunn@bcra.org.uk

Enquiries by E-mail are also welcomed.