Thomas M. Iliffe. 1987. Observations on the biology and geology of anchialine caves. In: Proceedings of the Third Symposium on the Geology of the Bahamas,
H.A. Curran, ed., CCFL Bahamian Field Station, pp. 73-80.
Significant biological and geological discoveries have resulted from the use of specialized cave diving techniques for the exploration and study of anchialine caves. Many new and higher taxa of troglobitic organisms have been found, some of which are relic "living fossils". Marine troglobites have at least three possible origins: (1) ocean currents, (2) Tethyan origin with dispersal by sea floor spreading and continental drift, and (3) deep sea origin, possibly in
association with deep water caves. Geological phenomena of interest in anchialine limestone and volcanic caves include submerged stalactites and stalagmites, cave morphology, mineralogy, and sediments.
Thomas M. Iliffe, Department of Marine Biology,
Texas A&M University at Galveston, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, Texas
77553, USA.
E-mail:
iliffet@tamug.edu
Keywords: anchialine caves; cave diving; troglobites; volcanic caves.
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