33ʳᵈ International Karstological School
DATES: 15–19 June 2026
LOCATION:
📍 Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU, Titov trg 2, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia
📍 Cultural Centre Postojna, Gregorčičev drevored 2, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia
DESCRIPTION OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL:
Karst areas, which constitute about 15 % of the world’s ice-free continental area, are characterised by distinct surface and subsurface features created by the dissolution and precipitation of carbonates in natural water. Carbon dioxide plays a central role in the weathering of carbonates, where reactions at the air–water and water–rock interfaces mobilise carbonates and affect the flux of carbon; giving karst a potential role as a net global CO2 sink. Since CO2 is generally considered as the most important factor attributed to anthropogenic climate change, it is of critical importance to evaluate all carbon pools and quantify fluxes on a global scale. This requires an understanding of its storage and distribution, in addition to gaining knowledge about its physical and biogeochemical pathways in all reservoirs, including karst. A significant part of the karst subsurface consists of the vadose zone, which only recently has been acknowledged as a rich reservoir of CO2. However, the pathways in which carbon is transferred into, within and out of karst systems are complex and currently understudied. This year, the aim of the 33rd International Karstological School “Classical Karst”—Carbon Pathways in Karst is to bring together karst researchers from different backgrounds to promote a transfer of knowledge about carbon pathways in karst and to raise awareness of the complexities and open-questions regarding carbon in karst.
HOW TO APPLY?
📌 MORE ABOUT THE SUMMER SCHOOL
Organiser: ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute
More information: Mr Franci Gabrovšek, Ms Vanessa E. Johnston, Mr Mitja Prelovšek
