Elena V. Trofimova

Abstract

The aim of the research detailed here has been to apply a new approach in assessing cave environmentalchanges – the so-called Cave Disturbance Index (CDI), relating to relief, water objects, air, vegetation andfauna (as the main geographical components of the cave environment) plus cultural aspects of recent caveuse. Indicators coming under each of these categories are considered in detail and a quantitative estimationof total CDI then proposed. Practical application of the CDI method is then demonstrated by reference to cavessituated in the Muradimovskoe Uschelie Natural Park (Southern Ural Mountains).

Elena V. Trofimova, Institute of Geography Russian Academy of Sciences 29 Staromonetny pereulok, 119017 Moscow: Russia