22 August 2023
How Do We Explore Caves?
Caves represent unique natural forms in the earth's crust. Modern research of these objects implies a combined approach of many different scientific fields such as archeology, biology, geosciences, paleontology, physics, chemistry, and others. In those processes, a wide range of techniques and methods are used, with a special emphasis on the use of modern technologies and equipment.
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This program is based on presenting and familiarizing participants with the basic features of the interdisciplinary approach to the scientific study of cave systems, as well as training in the application of several different techniques and methods.
The program content includes familiarization with:
• the basic natural characteristics of caves from their origin to their evolution;
• the characteristics of the natural habitat and the forms of extinct and living flora, fauna, and other living organisms;
• the characteristics of traces of life and the use of caves by people throughout history;
• ways of caring for and protecting this type of natural goods, as well as examples of good exploitation practices and tourist presentation of caves.
Special emphasis will be placed on training participants in the application of several different techniques and methods used during research, as well as in the use of modern technologies.
Program activities include theoretical lectures and mostly practical work that will be carried out in the Petnica Cave, as well as in specialized laboratories and cabinets at Petnica Science Center with opportunities to work on original archaeological and paleontological material.
The program also includes an excursion – a tour of the Valjevo karst area and the Povlen mountain, where participants will learn about the natural features of the natural border of the Pannonian plain and the Dinaric massif (facies of the Alpine massif).
In the immediate vicinity of the Petnica Science Center, there is a natural monument, the Petnica Cave, which was created about 2 million years ago on the natural border between the mountainous Dinaric massif and the Pannonian plain. The cave consists of several spacious and interconnected halls and belongs to the type of living caves. The active hydro system consists of a network of canals, which have been partially explored so far, connected to the underground lake from which the Banja River flows. Established paleontological traces indicate that animals from the Ice Age inhabited the cave, the largest collection of which is represented by the remains of a cave bear. Among the archaeological traces, the sacral place from the 4th century AD should be singled out, in which a fetus aged 8.5 lunar months was buried, while in the hall below this place, we note a mass grave with over 25 buried individuals from the period IV-VI BC, which represents one of the largest underground tombs from this period in Europe. Today, the cave represents one of the most important natural habitats for bat colonies, as well as a special autochthonous centipede species found in Petnica.
Find more information and register on our website.
Course leader
dr Aleksandar S. Petrovic - Associate Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Geography
Vladimir Pecikoza - Petnica Science Center
Target group
This program is aimed at young people aged 18 to 25 from European countries who are interested in interdisciplinary exploration of caves.
Course aim
This program is based on presenting and familiarizing participants with the basic features of the interdisciplinary approach to the scientific study of cave systems, as well as training in the application of several different techniques and methods.
Fee info
EUR 500: Early bird duscount for applications completed by June 15th (price includes: accommodation, full board, filedwork, excursion and all program activities).
EUR 600: For applications after June 15th (price includes: accommodation, full board, filedwork, excursion and all program activities).