Amazing discovery in the Velebit caves, see what researchers have found

A team of 51 speleologists from ten cave exploration groups across Croatia, Austria, the United States, Portugal and Bosnia and Herzegovina has completed a major expedition in the Northern Velebit Mountains. The mission focused on inventorying and studying speleological sites with particular attention to documenting and monitoring permanent ice formations present in numerous caves. Scientists concluded that the Northern Velebit remains one of the coldest locations in Croatia this summer, with winter temperatures reaching as low as minus 22 degrees Celsius. These extreme conditions have created favorable microclimatic conditions within the caves. During the expedition, researchers documented several interesting phenomena, including the influence of deep caves on surface ecosystems, changes in microclimatic conditions within the caves, and the dynamics of permanent ice. According to previous studies, the age of such ice ranges between 400 and 3,000 years. The collected data indicate that winters in the Northern Velebit continue to be exceptionally cold, contributing positively to the microclimatic conditions inside the caves. Additionally, the movement of cold air from some caves during August allowed snow to remain on certain locations on the surface of the Hajducki Kukovi area. This phenomenon makes the region one of the coldest spots in Croatia this summer. Researchers noted that while these conditions suggest a relatively stable environment, climate change still exerts a noticeable impact on subterranean microclimates. In several caves, they observed dynamic changes in the level of permanent ice, including its decline or complete disappearance. The expedition was led by Ema Buljan and Olga Jerković Perić from the Speleology Section of the PDS Velebit and the Commission for Speleology of the HPS, with support from the National Park Northern Velebit. They explored 33 speleological sites, totaling a depth of 1,100 meters, and updated data on already surveyed speleological objects. The results of the expedition will contribute to a better understanding of how climate change affects both underground and above-ground ecosystems within the national park. The findings and documentation gathered will be used in creating educational materials for both formal and informal education, addressing the underrepresentation of information about Croatia’s natural values and the need for their preservation for future generations. The expedition highlights the ongoing importance of studying these unique environments and their sensitivity to environmental changes.