Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Radon monitoring in the Harmanecká Cave, Slovakia

  A study monitoring radon levels in Harmanecká Cave, Slovakia, revealed that annual average radon activity concentration inside the cave ranged from 930 to 2240 Bq/m³, significantly higher than the outdoor cavity measurement of 222.5 Bq/m³. Seasonal variations in radon levels were observed but showed no clear correlation with microclimate or meteorological parameters, suggesting that continuous measurements are necessary for a comprehensive assessment. The estimated annual effective dose for cave guides remained below the safety limit of 20 mSv. The research utilized Ramarn track detectors placed at multiple stations inside and outside the cave, with data collected over a year from December 2023 to November 2024.

  Smetanová, I., Pristašová, L., Haviarová, D., & Csicsay, K. (2026). Radon monitoring in the Harmanecká Cave, Slovakia. Contributions to Geophysics and Geodesy, 56(1), 25–38. https://doi.org/10.31577/congeo.2026.56.1.2

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• Gravimetric Detection of Cave Space and Sinkhole Hazard with Growth Inversion: Valaská Village Case in Karst (Slovakia)

  A persistent sinkhole hazard exists in Valaská village, Slovakia, despite mitigation efforts, as revealed by microgravimetric analysis using the Growth inversion methodology. This study demonstrates that Growth inversion—a free-geometry inversion technique—is effective for detecting shallow cave spaces and assessing sinkhole risks in karst environments. The research highlights both the strengths and limitations of this approach, emphasizing the importance of parameter tuning to improve accuracy. Valaská's history of sinkholes, including a notable incident involving a horse in 1964, underscores the ongoing threat, which the gravimetric study confirms remains active.

  Bódi, J., Vajda, P., Zahorec, P., Putiška, R., Papčo, J., Pašteka, R., & Fernández, J. (2026). Gravimetric Detection of Cave Space and Sinkhole Hazard with Growth Inversion: Valaská Village Case in Karst (Slovakia). Geosciences, 16(5), 179. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16050179

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• Middle Pleistocene (>350 ka) glaciation in the Carpathians unveiled by quartz microtextures from cave sediments (Low Tatra Mountains, Slovakia)

  Researchers have uncovered direct evidence of Middle Pleistocene glaciation (>350,000 years ago) in the Western Carpathians, specifically within the UNESCO-listed Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. By analyzing quartz grain microtextures from dated cave sediments in the Demänová Cave System (Low Tatra Mountains, Slovakia), the study provides the first conclusive proof of Chibanian glaciation in this region. Using scanning electron microscopy, the team identified glacigenic grains preserved in allochthonous cave clastic sediments that predate Marine Isotope Stage 10. Additionally, well-rounded quartz grains from Triassic rocks suggest glacial activity during MIS 6. This innovative approach is uniquely sensitive to early glacial imprints in karst terrains, where conventional geomorphic evidence may have been erased by subsequent ice advances. The method offers a novel way to detect otherwise missing records of glaciations, advancing our understanding of past climate dynamics in this region.

  Siemek, D., Szczygieł, J., Woronko, B., Littva, J., Bella, P., & Kłapyta, P. (2026). Middle Pleistocene (>350 ka) glaciation in the Carpathians unveiled by quartz microtextures from cave sediments (Low Tatra Mountains, Slovakia). Geology, 54(10), 972–977. https://doi.org/10.1130/g54825.1

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• Shear-Wave Seismic Imaging using Small-Scale Broadband Electromagnetic Vibrators: A Case Study from Slovak Karst Mountains

  Researchers successfully employed small-scale broadband electromagnetic vibrators to map shear-wave seismic activity in the Slovak Karst Mountains, revealing potential new extensions of cave systems. The study tested modified ElViS VII and eVibe Lightning vibrators, both generating high-quality signals within a 4–120 Hz frequency band during a CTBTO On-Site Inspection field test. While the modified ElViS showed higher harmonic distortion, it achieved a 15 dB signal increase in reflection-dominated bands, producing a stacked seismic section with a notable anomaly suggesting further cave exploration. This approach demonstrates the viability of broadband near-surface S-wave seismic imaging for karst environments.

  Brodic, B., Koivisto, E., ElGabry, M., & Labak, P. (2026). Shear-Wave Seismic Imaging using Small-Scale Broadband Electromagnetic Vibrators: A Case Study from Slovak Karst Mountains. NSG 2026: 2nd Geohazards Assessment and Risk Mitigation Conference, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202620189

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• Soil enzyme activities and moss biomonitoring as complementary bioindicators of environmental status and toxic and potentially toxic element contamination in a karst cave and its catchment: Brestovská Cave, Slovakia

  A new study on Brestovská Cave, Slovakia, reveals that soil enzyme activities and moss biomonitoring are effective complementary bioindicators for assessing environmental status and toxic/potentially toxic element (TPTE) contamination. The research found two distinct gradients: a natural gradient where lithophile elements remain below world-soil averages and enzyme activities decline towards the cave's aphotic interior due to oligotrophy, rather than contamination; and an anthropogenic gradient where cadmium consistently exceeds Slovak statutory limits but shows no clear external input signal, while selenium exhibits strong enrichment and variability, indicating localized external contamination. Mercury at the resurgence also signals local pollution. Despite moderate ecological risk (ERI = 212), screening-level health risks for visitors were deemed acceptable (HI ≤ 0.59; As-CR ≤ 8.3 × 10⁻⁶). The study highlights the importance of reference choice in interpreting TPTE data and underscores the utility of moss biomonitoring alongside soil enzyme analysis.

  Bobuľská, L., Demková, L., Beheshti, M., Višňovská, Z., Lošák, T., Jančo, I., & Árvay, J. (2026). Soil enzyme activities and moss biomonitoring as complementary bioindicators of environmental status and toxic and potentially toxic element contamination in a karst cave and its catchment: Brestovská Cave, Slovakia. Catena, 274, 110585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2026.110585

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• Accessible Caves in Slovakia as a Tool for Geoscience Education

  Slovakia's rich karst landscape, home to over 8,100 caves, offers unparalleled opportunities for geoscience education. These subterranean environments serve as natural laboratories for studying geological processes, hydrological cycles, climate change, and the history of life on Earth. Accessible caves provide a unique platform for both experts and the general public to explore these phenomena through educational activities and guided tours. This study characterizes Slovakia's accessible caves, assessing their current state, protection measures, utilization, and presentation methods. By leveraging these geological wonders, the research highlights their potential as valuable tools for enhancing public understanding of Earth sciences.

  Javorská, M., Palgutová, S., & Pramuková, K. (2025). ACCESSIBLE CAVES IN SLOVAKIA AS A TOOL FOR GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION. Proceedings of the 16th Conference Public Recreation and Landscape Protection - with Respect Hand in Hand…, 16, 11–14. https://doi.org/10.11118/978-80-7701-025-2-0011

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• LiDAR-Based Morphometry of Dolines in Aggtelek Karst (Hungary) and Slovak Karst (Slovakia)

  LiDAR-based morphometry reveals that doline density in the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst UNESCO World Heritage Sites is 25% higher when derived from high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) compared to traditional topographic maps. This study introduces a new parameter, k, which characterizes the 3D shape of dolines, indicating whether they resemble cylinders, bowls (calottes), cones, or funnels. Most dolines in the region exhibit transitional shapes between bowl and cone forms. The research also highlights that doline density is negligible on slopes steeper than 12° and that 75% of dolines are associated with Wetterstein Limestone. Additionally, the lognormal distribution effectively models the size distribution of doline areas.

  Telbisz, T., Mari, L., & Székely, B. (2024). LiDAR-Based Morphometry of Dolines in Aggtelek Karst (Hungary) and Slovak Karst (Slovakia). Remote Sensing, 16(5), 737. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16050737

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