International Journal of Speleology

International Journal of Speleology
Title	International Journal of Speleology
Discipline	Speleology
Abbreviation	Int. J. Speleol.
Publisher	Società Speleologica Italiana; University of New Mexico (historical affiliations)
Country	Italy
History	1964–present
Frequency	Biannual / Quarterly (varied)
Issn	0392-6672; eISSN = 1827-2689

International Journal of Speleology The International Journal of Speleology is a peer-reviewed periodical dedicated to the scientific study of caves and karst. It publishes original research, reviews, and field studies that intersect with geology, hydrology, biology, and archaeology. The journal serves an international readership across institutions such as University of Bologna, University of New Mexico, University of Bristol, Smithsonian Institution, and University of São Paulo.

History

The journal was founded amid mid-20th century developments in karst research involving figures associated with International Union of Speleology, Società Speleologica Italiana, and national bodies like British Cave Research Association and National Speleological Society. Early editorial leadership included scholars connected to University of Rome La Sapienza and University of Belgrade. The journal evolved alongside milestones such as the establishment of the International Symposium on Karst Hydrogeology and collaborations with institutions like Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica and Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología. Over decades its publication cadence adjusted in response to partnerships with university presses including University of New Mexico Press and technical associations like European Geosciences Union.

Scope and Content

The journal covers multidisciplinary research integrating work from researchers at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Geological Survey, British Geological Survey, and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Typical subjects include karst geomorphology studied by teams linked to University of Ljubljana and University of Zagreb, cave biology with contributors from Moscow State University and University of California, Berkeley, and paleoclimate records developed with collaborators from University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. Reports often reference fieldwork in regions governed by agencies such as Iberian Peninsula institutions, Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism registries, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Mammoth Cave National Park and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Editorial Board and Publisher

Editorial leadership has historically involved scholars affiliated with Società Speleologica Italiana and editorial offices connected to University of New Mexico, University of Bologna, and research centers such as Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU. The publisher maintains ties to professional societies including International Union of Speleology and national organizations like German Speleological Federation and Speleological Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Peer review policies follow standards comparable to those promoted by Committee on Publication Ethics and indexing practices coordinated with entities such as Clarivate Analytics and Scopus.

Abstracting and Indexing

The journal is abstracted in major databases and bibliographic services similar to Web of Science, Scopus, GeoRef, and disciplinary indexes used by BIOSIS Previews and Emerald Insight subscribers. Libraries at institutions including British Library, Library of Congress, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze, and university systems such as University of Sao Paulo Library and Harvard University Library provide serial access. Abstracting collaborations mirror programs run by CrossRef and archiving initiatives like Portico and LOCKSS.

Impact and Reception

The journal has influenced karst science cited by researchers from University of Melbourne, University of Buenos Aires, University of Stellenbosch, and agencies like European Environment Agency. Its citation metrics have been compared in analyses involving journals indexed by Journal Citation Reports and scholar evaluations at ISI Web of Knowledge. Reviews in regional outlets such as Geological Society of America Bulletin and continental meetings including International Congress of Speleology note the journal’s role in advancing methods used by teams from CSIRO and US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Notable Articles and Special Issues

Noteworthy contributions include multi-author syntheses on cave biodiversity with collaborators from Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and paleoclimate reconstructions tied to work at Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris. Special issues have focused on topics convened at conferences like International Conference on Karst Hydrogeology and regional symposia hosted by Cave Research Society of Slovenia and Croatian Speleological Society. Case studies published in the journal have informed conservation policy at sites such as Mammoth Cave National Park, Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust, and Waitomo Caves.

Category:Scientific journals Category:Speleology