Author/Editor		Sket, Boris; Trontelj, Peter; Žagar, Cvetka
Title		Speleobiological characterization of the epikarst and its hydrological neighborhood: its role in dispersion of biota, its ecology and vulnerability
Type		članek
Source		In: Jones WK, Culver DC, Herman JS, editors. Proceedings of the symposium held of the Epikarst: Karst waters institute special publication 9; 2003 Oct 1-4; Shepherdstown. Charles Town: Karst waters institute,
Publication year		2003
Volume		str. 104-13
Language		eng
Abstract		The fissure system of the epikarst is ecologically intimately connected to deeper tissure systems above and around cave corridors. Its main characteristics are narrow spaces of down to capillary dimensions without stronger currents in its water-filled parts. Temperatures tluctuate stronger than in typical subterranean habitats. Upper parts of the system may be comparatively rich in food resources. The epikarst aquatic fauna can be investieated indirectly if the crevice system opens to the ceiling of a cave. Here, the dripping or the jet of percolated water can be filtered. Animals may also be caught in their very different secondary habitat - puddles fed by percolated water.
Descriptors		FRESH WATER ECOSYSTEM CRUSTACEA