We have been organising the International Karst School “Classical Karst” (IKS) since 1993. The School offers a framework in which both young and established karstologists from all over the world present new research in the field of karstology, socialise and get to know the Classical Karst. In addition to keynote lectures, participants have to opportunity to share their research as oral or posters presentations. Particular highlights of the School are the afternoon and full-day excursions, where Carbon Pathways in Karst will be discussed at various field sites in the Classical Karst. The last full-day excursion (on Friday) is entirely dedicated to the general presentation of the most important areas of the Classic Karst.
In 2026, the main topic will be Carbon Pathways in Karst. The sessions will cover a wide range of topics related to carbon transfer between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. Themes will explore the distribution and storage of carbon in karst systems, interactions between different carbon pools, and how they relate to speleogenesis and broader karst processes.
