We have been organizing 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 can present new research in the field of karstology, make contacts and familiarise themselves with the Classical karst. Each year we choose a central theme, the history and state of research of which is presented by invited speakers, while the other participants present their research in the form of lectures or posters. The red thread of the school is the afternoon and full-day excursions, during which the main theme is presented at the field sites of the Classical Karst. The last full-day excursion is dedicated to the general presentation of the most important areas of the Classical Karst.
The 31st IKS will delve into the pivotal theme of data: its acquisition, processing and interpretation. The rapid evolution of measurement and analytical techniques in the engineering and natural sciences has significantly augmented the toolkit of methods and findings in karst research. State-of-the-art measuring systems, which provide data with high spatial and temporal resolution, now permeate all facets of karst research — from speleology, karst hydrology, geology and geomorphology to research into the cave climate and subterranean life. When navigating the challenging terrain of the karst underground, one encounters many obstacles that require innovative solutions for data acquisition. The complexity of karst environments requires ingenuity in processing and interpreting the temporal and spatial data obtained. We invite participants to share their experiences in characterizing karst environments, elucidate the challenges they have encountered and present their inventive solutions.
