Introduction to case studies related to cave systems.
Overview of topics covered:
Philippine Cave Systems
Characteristics of Karst Landscape
Benefits from Philippine Wetlands
Tourism and Climate Change
Religious and Historical Interactions with Caves
Summary
A cave or cavern is a natural void large enough for human entry.
Formed by weathering of rock, often extending underground.
Caves as key components of karst landscapes.
Classified by:
Parent bedrock
Proximity to groundwater
Morphology and speleogenetic history
Types:
Solution Cave
Sea Cave
Lava Tubes
Glacier Cave
Eolian Cave
Talus Cave
Uses: Scientific research and recreation.
Pros: Insulated from elements.
Cons: Poor ventilation, high risk.
Republic Act 9072 (2001) defines cave and cave systems, including naturally occurring voids large enough for individual entry.
Excludes man-made excavations.
More than 1,500 identified caves, many yet to be explored.
Ecosystems provide habitats for various organisms.
Organisms include microorganisms, plants, and animals in diverse cave zones.
Notable cave featuring unique speleothems and a navigable underground river.
Most common type in the Philippines, formed in warm shallow seas.
Can turn into marble under pressure.
Movement under Earth's crust lifts sedimentary rock.
Plant growth causes rock to crack.
Rainwater dissolves limestone, forming caves.
Continuous water action creates more chambers.
Stalactites: Icicle-like deposits from dripping water.
Stalagmites: Deposits formed on the floor from dripping water.
Passages, hydrology (karst aquifer), speleothems, and microclimate details.
Integration of surface and subterranean features; historical artifacts found in cave deposits.
Ecosystems depend on water quality and environmental conditions.
Caves in the Philippines linked to religions, myths, and burial practices.
Examples include beliefs in spirits and ritual sites in caves.
Biak-na Bato: Revolution hideout, Manunggul Cave: ancient religious beliefs.
Important archaeological site located in Palawan.
Overview of tourism's impact on environments.
Activities involving travel to places outside usual environments for varied purposes.
Changes attributed to human activity affecting the atmosphere.
Largest global growing industry impacting economies and environments.
Tourism industry affected by climate change; focus on reducing carbon emissions.
Examples: Eco-tourism, Adventure tourism, Wildlife tourism.
Travel involving risk and physical activity to observe natural settings.
Interaction with local ecosystems for tourism.
Focus on wellness and deeper connections with nature.
Areas controlled by water, important for ecosystems in the Philippines.
Includes lakes, swamps, marshes, coral reefs, etc.
Notable wetlands recognized internationally.
Various notable wetlands in the Philippines listed.
Provide stable food sources, contributing to ecosystem health.
Key resources like rice, fish, and water from wetlands.
Rice from irrigated lands and created wetlands.
Fish sourced from inland and coastal wetlands.
Wetlands contribute to freshwater supplies across Philippines.
Chart showing different wetland types across the region.
Visual representation of lakes and reservoirs in the Philippines.
Characteristics and importance of estuarine environments.
Features of swamps and their ecological importance.
Relation of terraces and environmental impact.
Importance and specific features of coral ecosystems.
Role of marshes in ecology and hydrology.
Critical roles in coastal ecosystems.
Importance for local agriculture and fishing industries.
Functions of wetlands in ecology and human interaction.
Value of Philippine caves for science, culture, and biodiversity with challenges posed by human activity and climate impact on tourism.
Acknowledgments for the presentation resources.