Dear Friends

With this message I am delighted to welcome the members of the Karst Commission of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) to this e-mail list. They asked to be added as a group to receive NCKRI’s announcements. For more information about IAH, visit https://iah.org.

If your group or you as an individual who may possibly be getting these updates indirectly and want to be added to the list, just contact me at my address at the bottom of this message. NCKRI sends these free messages about 1-4 times each month internationally and does not sell its list.

The news items in this message are:

· Professor Position in Cave and Karst Studies: NCKRI-New Mexico Tech, USA

· Two Student Positions in Karst Hydrology & Geophysics: New Mexico Tech, USA

· PhD Position in Comparative Karst Hydrology: Germany

· PhD Karst Hydrology Position: Sydney, Australia

· The Sinkhole Conference: Don’t Forget to Register

· Characterization and Engineering of Karst Aquifers Field Course: Bosnia and Herzegovina

· William L. Wilson Student Scholarship in Karst Science

· White-Nose Syndrome Communication and Research Grants Available

· EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium Call for Abstracts: Ebensee, Austria

· 24^th International Cave Bear Symposium

· 11^th International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds Karst Session

· 18^th International Vulcanospeleology Symposium: Registration is Open

· List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

Look below for the details on these announcements, please contact the people and organizations listed for more information, and feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested.

George

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Associate/Professor Position in Cave and Karst Studies: NCKRI-New Mexico Tech, USA

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology invites applications for an open rank tenure-track position in cave and karst studies in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science (www.ees.nmt.edu), with target start date in August 2018. New Mexico Tech is the academic partner of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI), located near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The successful candidate will serve as NCKRI’s Academic Director, facilitating the link between activities at New Mexico Tech’s campus in Socorro and NCKRI headquarters in Carlsbad.

We seek an individual specializing in an earth-science oriented aspect of cave and karst research. Areas of particular interest could include hydrogeology, geochemistry, geobiology, paleoclimatology, and speleogenesis/geomorphology of cave and karst systems. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the earth sciences or a related field at the time of appointment. Demonstrated excellence in research, a commitment to teaching, potential for future growth, broad expertise in national cave/karst issues, and the ability to coordinate New Mexico Tech’s activities within NCKRI are the most important qualifications. Responsibilities will include developing an active program of extramurally funded research, supervising and supporting graduate students, and teaching two graduate or undergraduate courses per year. The position may be filled at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, commensurate with qualifications. Salary is negotiable and competitive. Women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply. For detailed inquiries, contact search committee chair Dan Cadol ().

The Department has strong programs in Hydrology, Geophysics, and Geology/Geochemistry, with a history of interdisciplinary research within the department and with other departments across campus. Additional geoscience professionals on campus include over 30 staff members of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, plus faculty and researchers in the Petroleum Recovery Research Center and the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center. Applicants should submit a letter of interest (including thoughts on how to build on the unique NMT/NCKRI linkage), CV, statements of research and teaching interests (at most 2 pages each), and the names and contact information of three references to New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Human Resources, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801. E-mail applications are not accepted. Review of applicant materials will begin on 15 November 2017 and continue until the position is filled. New Mexico Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and Hispanic Serving Institution.

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Two Student Positions in Karst Hydrology & Geophysics: New Mexico Tech, USA

Two Research Assistantships for PhD (or exceptional Masters) students are available in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Research will involve geophysical analysis of karst aquifers, which are important water resources for up to a quarter of the world’s population. The study will employ fieldwork in the Santa Fe River Sink-Rise system in north-central Florida. Geophysical responses to recharge events will be monitored using seismometers, tiltmeters, and GPS instruments and interpreted alongside hydrologic and meteorological data to facilitate aquifer characterization and regionally integrated flow monitoring. Implications range from the development of karst hazards maps, illustrating areas susceptible to sinkhole formation, to subsurface flow monitoring, aiding water supply management. In addition, the students will assist in the development of an interactive traveling exhibit that will be displayed in visitor centers in Florida and New Mexico.

This project provides an excellent opportunity to develop a valuable set of interdisciplinary skills, and the students will be supervised by Andrew Luhmann (Assistant Professor of Hydrology, , (575) 835-5029), Susan Bilek (Professor of Geophysics, , (575) 835-6510), and Ronni Grapenthin (Assistant Professor of Geophysics, , (575) 835-5924). The Department of Earth and Environmental Science at New Mexico Tech has strong programs in Hydrology and Geophysics as well as in Geology and Geochemistry. Several research and instrumentation centers such as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, IRIS PASSCAL, the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, and the Petroleum Recovery Research Center are housed on New Mexico Tech’s campus and create a vibrant science environment. Students will ideally start in May 2018. The graduate student application deadline for the 2018-2019 academic year is Jan. 15, 2018. For more information, please see https://goo.gl/afvHAR.

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PhD Position in Comparative Karst Hydrology: Germany

There is a vacancy for a PhD position in Comparative Karst Hydrology within the research project “Global Assessment of Water Stress in Karst Regions in a Changing World (GloW)” funded by the Emmy-Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG).

We invite applications for a TV-L 13 position, 65% for 3 years, starting February 1st 2018.

This position will deal with developing a framework to assess the degree of karstification of various karst systems around the globe with the aim to apply this framework within large- scale hydrological modeling. A previously established karst data base with hundreds of observed karst spring discharge time series will be analyzed to extract proxies for karstification at karst basins within different climate regions and to understand factors that control the springs’ dynamics. Later on, process-based modeling will explore different possibilities to incorporate the new knowledge into karst hydrological simulation. The findings of the PhD project will contribute to the development and improvement of a large-scale karst hydrology model.

The PhD candidate will be responsible for the maintenance and use of the karst data base. She or he will extract and pre-process the available (and still growing) data of the karst data base (quality check, statistical analysis). Automatic methods to analyze a large number of time series simultaneously will be developed and applied (in Matlab, R, Python, or similar) and map-based visualizations of the results are planned. The incorporation of the information on karstification will require the application and modification of lumped or semi-distributed karst hydrology models (also in Matlab, R, Python, or similar), the estimation of their parameters, and the evaluation of their uncertainty.

All applicants should have a MSc degree in hydro(geo)logy, environmental engineering/sciences or in a closely related field. We encourage applications from enthusiastic dedicated individuals with strong quantitative skills as well as good writing skills in English (German is an asset) who enjoy working in the multi-disciplinary team of the GloW project (in total 5 researchers). Strong experience in programming and hydrological modeling are essential, as well as the willingness to visit collaborating research groups within and outside Germany.

We offer an interdisciplinary, international work environment within a formal PhD program (http://www.gs.esgc.uni-freiburg.de). An intensive exchange of the PhD students between Freiburg and the research teams at University of Victoria (Canada) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) is foreseen. The University of Freiburg is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women scientists. Consequently, we actively encourage applications from qualified women. We also welcome applications from candidates with severe disabilities who will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.

Please send your application including a cover letter, CV, an example of your own scientific writing, a statement of research interests, certificate & transcript of your highest degree earned and the names and contact details of at least two potential references in one pdf-file to Andreas Hartmann (). Application deadline is November 19^th 2017.

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PhD Karst Hydrology Position: Sydney, Australia

We invite applications for a UNSW Graduate Research Scholarship, starting 2018, for a PhD (3.5 years) or research masters (MRes, 2 years).

Karst develops from the dissolution of carbonate rock and creates a strong heterogeneity of flow and storage processes. Up to now, karst research has been focusing on karstic groundwater processes and little knowledge is available about how karst systems transfer and store water at the surface and the unsaturated zone.

This PhD project is embedded within an international research project led by Dr. Andreas Hartmann (Freiburg, Germany) that investigates karst unsaturated zone processes at different sites across the globe with the aim of filling this research gap. At each site, a large network moisture probes will be installed. In addition, soil water will be analyzed for its isotopic composition.

This advertised position will deal with the exploration of karstic unsaturated zone processes at Wellington Caves, New South Wales. Building on our existing cave drip water monitoring programs, an extensive soil monitoring network will be established with the purpose of exploring the spatial variability of the flow pathways and water storage in the shallow subsurface (soil & epikarst). Combining observations of soil moisture and soil water isotope dynamics at a large number of measurements points will allow to simulate the spatiotemporal variability of shallow subsurface hydrological processes and consequently of the generation of groundwater recharge. The findings of the PhD project will contribute to the development and improvement of a large-scale karst hydrology model and to a better understating of unsaturated zone flow processes that reach a karstic cave below the test site.

The PhD candidate will be responsible for the sampling and analysis of the temporal and spatial distribution of soil moisture and stable isotopes of water in the soil and epikarst. The PhD candidate will use observed soil moisture and stable isotope patterns to establish an improved understanding of the unsaturated zone flow and storage processes. In a second part, an isotope-enabled model will apply the newly gained understanding to simulate the dynamics of drip rates in the cave below the test site.

All applicants should have an Australian Honours degree or equivalent (e.g. MSc) in hydro(geo)logy, soil science or environmental science or in a closely related field. We encourage applications from enthusiastic dedicated individuals with strong quantitative skills who enjoy working in the multi-disciplinary team of researchers. Strong experimental background and willingness to travel frequently to the field sites and work in the field is essential. Knowledge of stable isotope hydrology and tracer techniques is an asset.

We offer an interdisciplinary, international work environment, with a home base in Sydney within the graduate community within the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the Connected Waters Initiative Research Centre. Intensive exchange of the PhD students between Sydney and the research teams at the other sites (Germany, Spain, UK, USA) is foreseen.

Applicants would be expected to be competitive for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship to cover tuition fees, health cover and an annual stipend. Typically, this would require a top grade from a world top-100 university and research experience which includes one or more research publication. Interested, qualified applicants should send a CV, your research publication(s), a statement of research interests, certificate & transcript of your highest degree earned and the names and contact details of at least two potential references in one pdf-file to Prof. Andy Baker ().

The William L. Wilson Scholarship in Karst Science

The William L. Wilson Scholarship in Karst Science was established in 2002 to recognize the significant karst science contributions of the late William (Bill) L. Wilson. Bill Wilson used a variety of techniques, and unusual creativity, to tackle some of the most difficult karst science questions in Florida and elsewhere. He developed a leading karst consulting company in the United States, Subsurface Evaluations, Inc. To stimulate the development of new, energetic, motivated, and creative karst scientists, and to remember Bill Wilson and his dedication to karst science, the scholarship has been established in his memory. The scholarship includes recognition at the KWI spring banquet, a plaque naming the awardee, and a one-time award of $1,000.

To apply for the William L. Wilson Scholarship, the following conditions exist:

1) The applicant must be currently enrolled in, or have been accepted into, a master’s degree program at an institution of higher education in the United States. PhD students are not eligible.

2) A written proposal of the planned karst study must be submitted. The research topic should focus on karst science, broadly defined, including subfields of geochemistry, geology, geophysics, and/or hydrology. Applicants are requested to not recycle master’s thesis proposals as applications. The proposal narrative is limited to 1000 words, not including figure captions, references, or budget explanation. Although funds are unrestricted and do not have to provide complete support of the project, a simple budget and short justification should be included to reflect how the award may further the proposed work.

3) Academic transcripts of undergraduate, and any graduate work, should be submitted. Copies issued to the student by their institution are preferred.

4) Two letters of recommendation, with one of them from the student’s advisor or mentor, should be submitted. It is requested that these letters be emailed directly to by the letter writers.

5) Applications are due by February 1, 2018. They should be submitted electronically as a single pdf file that includes the proposal, budget, and all transcripts to:

Dr. Janet S. Herman

Professor, Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia

Questions regarding the scholarship should be addressed to Dr. Herman.

Applicants will be notified in early March of the decision of the Scholarship Committee.

Publications and presentations derived from supported research should acknowledge the Karst Waters Institute and the William L. Wilson Scholarship.

For more information, go to: http://karstwaters.org/scholarship/

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White-Nose Syndrome Communication and Research Grants Available

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is happy to announce that the WNS Small Grants program is now accepting proposals. This program funds projects for up to $30,000 to support priority communication and research needs for WNS. Applications for this program are due December 6, 2017 and must address identified priorities in:

- Outreach, education programs, and tools for WNS communications products

- Tools and strategies to improve survival rates for bats susceptible to WNS

- Gaps in knowledge of bat life history and ecological interactions relevant to WNS

See important details in the RFP here https://wildlifemanagement.institute/opportunities/funding.

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EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium Call for Abstracts: Ebensee, Austria

On behalf of the European Cave Protection Commission, we kindly invite all speleologists and scientists interested in - or working for - cave and karst protection, to participate at the 5^th EuroSpeleo Protection Symposium organized jointly by The Austrian Speleological Association in collaboration with the Speleological Society of Ebensee and the European Cave Protection Commission (ECPC) of the European Speleological Federation (FSE).

Please see the attached circular for information on how to submit your abstract, and for other details.

Jean-Claude Thies and Bärbel Vogel, Coordinators

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24^th International Cave Bear Symposium

Save the date! The next International Cave Bear Symposium will be organized in Chepelare, Bulgaria, from 27–30 September 2018 in the Agarta Family Hotel and the Bulgarian Museum for Speleology and Bulgarian Karst. Excursions will be in the Rhodopi Mountains, the Gorges of Trigran en Buynovo, the “Marvellous Bridges,” and Devil’s Throat and Jagodina Caves. Look for the circular and website in the coming months.

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11^th International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds Karst Session

Greetings fellow karst enthusiast!

I recently learned that the Program Chairs at Battelle’s upcoming Eleventh International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds have once again accepted my proposal to have a karst-specific session. For the coming conference, the title of the prospective session is “Karst Aquifer Case Studies”. Relevant topics include:

· Characterizing groundwater, vapor, and/or contaminant movement (including NAPLs)

o Innovative techniques and research

o Tracer studies

o Developing karst-specific conceptual site models

o Fate & transport modeling

o Applications of geophysics

o Relevant laboratory studies

o Hypogene karst

· Remediating karst aquifers

o State of the science

o Planning/implementing pilot- and field-scale remedies

o Emerging contaminants and karst

o Ongoing research

o Lessons learned

· Regulatory frameworks, strategies, and challenges

As you may also be aware, remediation in karst terranes continues to receive relatively little attention in the peer-reviewed literature or at national conferences. As the preeminent conference of professionals engaged in groundwater remediation, this Battelle conference offers an excellent platform to highlight the technical achievements of karst-community within the wider audience of the environmental-industry.

Conference: Eleventh International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds (Palm Springs, California; April 8-12, 2018)

Session title: “Karst Aquifer Case Studies” (code: 5d)

Conference Website: Click here to access the conference website

Keith White, CPG | Vice President/Principal Geologist

Arcadis | Arcadis of New York, Inc./Arcadis CE, Inc.

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18^th International Vulcanospeleology Symposium: Registration is Open

The 18^th International Vulcanospeleology Symposium will be held on 21-27 July 2018 at Lava Beds National Monument, California, USA. Registration has just opened on the new website: http://18ivslavabeds.com/ (note that this is also a new address). In addition to all of the opportunities the symposium offers, it was also schedule to end with enough time for participants to travel to the US National Speleological Society’s annual convention, which will be in Helena, Montana on 30 July to 3 August 2018. See http://nss2018.caves.org/ for more information.

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List of Upcoming Cave and Karst Meetings

1) International Conference on Geomorphology, 6-11 November 2017 (New Delhi, India), karst session, http://www.icg2017.com/session.php

2) Workshop: Grotte de Han, New Dramatic Effect of Lighting, 16-18 November 2017 (Han-sur-Lesse, Belgium), .

3) To Know and Share Caves and Karsts: Understanding, Conservation, and Geotourism, 6-9 March 2018 (Ardèche, France), https://dhuguet.wixsite.com/cavesymposium2018

4) The Sinkhole Conference, joint with the 3^rd Appalachian Karst Symposium, 2-6 April 2018 (Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA), http://www.sinkholeconference.com/

5) Eleventh International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: Karst Case Studies Session, 8-12 April 2018 (Palm Springs, California, USA), https://www.battelle.org/newsroom/conferences/chlorinated-conference

6) California Cave Life Symposium, 28 April 2018 (California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California, USA),

7) Characterization and Engineering of Karst Aquifers Workshop, 27 May – 5 June (Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina), http://www.karst.edu.rs/

8) Karst 2018: Expect the Unexpected, 6-9 June (Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina), http://www.karst.edu.rs/

9) EuroKarst 2018, 2-6 July 2018, (Besançon, France), http://www.eurokarst.org/

10) 18^th International Vulcanospeleology Symposium, 21-27 July 2018 (Lava Beds National Monument, California, USA), http://18ivslavabeds.com/

11) 2018 US National Speleological Society Convention, 30 July - 3 August 2018 (Helena, Montana, USA), http://nss2018.caves.org/

12) EuroSpeleo Forum 2018, 23-26 August 2018 (Ebensee, Austria), http://eurospeleo.at/expo.html.

13) 24^th International Conference on Subterranean Biology, 20-24 August 2018 (University of Aveiro, Portugal), http://24icsb.web.ua.pt/.

14) 24^th International Cave Bear Symposium, 27-30 September 2018 (Chepelare, Bulgaria), circular and website to be announced soon.

15) 16th International Symposium of Speleotherapy, 24-28 October 2018 (Zlate Hory, Czech Republic), http://www.speleotherapycommission.webgarden.com/menu/news/the-xvi-th-international

16) Hypogea 2019: The International Congress of Speleology in Artificial Cavities, 20-25 May 2019 (Dobrich, Bulgaria), http://www.hypogea2019.org/

17) National Speleological Congress of Switzerland, 9-12 August 2019 (Interlaken, Switzerland), https://sinterlaken.ch/en/

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George Veni, PhD

President, International Union of Speleology

and

Executive Director

National Cave and Karst Research Institute

400-1 Cascades Avenue

Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220-6215 USA

Office: +1-575-887-5517

Mobile: +1-210-863-5919

Fax: +1-575-887-5523