DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-025-2-0011

ACCESSIBLE CAVES IN SLOVAKIA AS A TOOL FOR GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION

Miriama Javorská, Silvia Palgutová, Kristína Pramuková

Department of Geo and Mining Tourism, Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnology, Technical University of Košice, Boženy Němcovej 32, SK-042 00 Košice, Slovakia

Slovakia is a country which is rich in karst area. There are more than 8 100 caves in Slovakia. Caves represent a unique and valuable environment for Earth science education. Their study enables a better understanding of geological processes, hydrological cycles, climate changes, as well as the history of life on Earth. With their remarkable features, they appeal not only to experts of various fields, but also to the general public. Several caves are accessible to the public, which offer a unique experience of discovering the underground world, as well as various educational activities. The aim of the article is to characterize the accessible caves in Slovakia and to point out their current state, protection, use and forms of presentation.

Keywords: karst area, natural heritage, geoeducation

pages: 11-14, Published: 2025, online: 2025