ABSTRACTS

55 Volume, 2004, Number: 1-4

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

THE EXTREME FLOOD EARLY AUGUST 2002 IN THE HIRLATZ CAVE (1546/7) COMPARED TO HYDROGRAPHIC DATA FOR THE DACHSTEIN REGION
Die extreme Hochwassersituation Anfang August 2002 in der Hirlatzhöhle (1546/7) im Vergleich mit hydrographischen Daten des Dachsteingebietes
Walter Greger, Peter Seethaler, Maximilian Wimmer

In August 2002, after exceptionally heavy rainfalls, Austria's longest cave, Hirlatzhöhle, was flooded partly up to 100 m high. Severe changes due to shifts of sediments were noticed. Apart from the high water level, the great quantity of water flowing through and the higher speed of current were remarkable. In certain parts of the cave stones of a diameter of up to 30 cm were shifted in their position. Even supposedly safe spots were flooded, climbing aids and ropes heavily damaged. A project for marking water levels in the cave was started to gain data for future comparisons. Analysis of the precipitation data showed that the waters reacted within only a few hours. The probability of a repetition of such an event was estimated at intervals of 50 to 60 years. The extreme flood of 1920 was certainly bigger, than the August 2002 flood.

Kitzsteinhorn high-alpine karst (Salzburg, Austria): Evidence of non-glacial speleogenesis
Philippe Audra

Cave and karst development in a recently deglaciated alpine area (Kitzsteinhorn, Salzburg, Austria) is examined and compared to presently and previously glaciated karst regions elsewhere. Field evidence suggests that cave genesis occurs mainly during warm, interglacial periods when vegetation and soil formation provide chemically aggressive runoff during the melting season. During periods of extensive glacier coverage, the glacial contribution to karst development is restricted to surface abrasion, shaft development in pre-existing vadose caves and infill of fine-grained sediment in the epiphreatic zone.

SPELEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE HOCHSCHWAB PLATEAU, STYRIA
Speläologische Charakterisierung und Analyse des Hochschwab-Plateaus, Steiermark
Lukas Plan

The Hochschwab is one of the major karst massifs of the Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA), situated in the north of the Austrian province of Styria and provides freshwater for the city of Vienna. Karstmorphological mapping of 44 km² of its plateau brought the discovery of 770 new caves. Together with formerly recorded caves and possible caves detected on aerial photographs a total of 1284, mainly vertical objects are integrated into a GIS. In combination with additional digital datasets, statistical analyses are performed considering the spatial distribution of cave density as well as the dependence on altitude and lithology. Beside this, the most important caves within the study area are characterised. The investigated caves are mainly pits and vertical canyons which developed in the vadose zone. Phreatic cave levels associated with former valley floors, which are common in the NCA, do not exist in the Hochschwab. A few caves of phreatic origin developed above aquitard geological units. The average cave density in the investigation area is 24 objects/km². In glacially strongly overprinted areas it increases to more than 400 caves per km². Remarkable facts of the dependence on lithology are that the limestone of the Dachstein Formation does not show an increased cave density. In contrast, the diverse facies of the limestones of the Wetterstein Formation exhibit major differences.

THE UNDERGROUND LABORATORY IN THE OBIR CAVES
Das Untertagelabor in den Obir-Höhlen
Christoph Spötl

The Obir Caves in the southern part of the province of Carinthia are among the best known dripstone caves in Austria. These caverns were only discovered as a result of mining operations during the 19th century and parts of them were adapted as a show cave which was opened in 1991. In a cave system adjacent to the show cave and not open to the public, an underground research station was set up in 1998 and has been in operation since then. This laboratory encompasses a total of six automatic drip water measurement stations in two cave chambers, as well as air temperature data loggers. On regular cave visits every one to two months since 1998, a series of manual measurements (e.g., partial pressure of CO2) and water and cave air samples have been taken. Compositional parameters determined on site include pH, electric conductivity and carbonate alkalinity. Parameters determined in laboratories elsewhere include cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Sr), anions (Cl, F, NO3, SO4), dissolved silica and stable isotopes (dD, d18O, d13CDIC, d13Cair). These measurements are complemented by soil studies above the cave (soil temperature and soil water chemistry, rainwater composition).

THE STATE OF SPELEOTHERAPY IN AUSTRIA
Zum Stand der Speläotherapie in Österreich
Rudolf Bengesser, Rudolf Pavuza

The successful medical utilisation of the subsurface climate in caves and abandoned mines in Austria is currently limited to a few speleotherapeutic stations. Despite the fact that this kind of treatment is widespread and successfully applied in Eastern Europe its profile and public interest remains comparatively low. Furthermore, certain safety related legal problems have emerged recently. The large number of appropriate natural caves and mines, the increasing size of a comprehensive speleoclimatic database as well as promising results of small scale tests in different caves and mines could help to establish additional speleotherapeutic stations.

WALTER CZIERNING´S RESEARCH IN STYRIA – A CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISTORY OF CAVE RESEARCH IN STYRIA
Walter Czoernigs Forschungen in der Steiermark - Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der Höhlenforschung in der Steiermark
Volker Weißensteiner

This publication is intended as a referencebook for the historical knowledge of investigations of Walter Czoernig in Styria between 1922 and 1944, including a bibliography.

THE NEW PHYLOGENETIC TREE OF ALPINE CAVE BEARS
Der neue Stammbaum der alpinen Höhlenbären
Gernot Rabeder, Michael Hofreiter

In the Upper Pleistocene the Alps were inhabited by at least three taxa of cave bear (group) which differ in their mitochondrial DNA as well as in metrical and morphological criteria. The possibilities of distinguishing these evolutionary lineages in the fossil record are described and discussed. Two „high Alpine dwarf forms“ are described as possible subspecies of U. spelaeus (U. s.? ladinicus and U. s.? eremus), the third taxon is separated as an independent species (U. ingressus). By means of numerous diagrams an attempt is made to find metrical and morphological differences in the teeth and limb bones in order to distinguish the three Alpine taxa. A new phylogenetic tree is drawn.

REMAINS OF MARMOT (Marmota marmota L., 1758) FROM MOOSSCHACHT (2836/237), TANNEBEN NEAR SEMRIACH, STYRIA
Reste vom Murmeltier (Marmota marmota L., 1758) aus dem Moosschacht (2836/237) auf der Tanneben bei Semriach, Steiermark
Martina Pacher

Marmot bones from the Moosschacht in the Tanneben, Central Styrian Karst, were identified as Marmota marmota L. by morphological and metric characteristics. Based on an AMS date of older than 48.300 BP the sample is the oldest radiocarbon dated marmot record in the region.

 

FORSCHUNGSBERICHTE / EXPLORATION REPORTS

RESEARCH PROJECT MOOSSCHACHT (2836/237), TANNEBENSTOCK NEAR SEMRIACH, STYRIA
Forschungsprojekt Moosschacht (2836/237) auf dem Tannebenstock bei Semriach, Steiermark
Heinrich Kusch

The karst of the Grazer Bergland (Styrian karst, Austria) is well known for its large cave systems, including the famous Lurgrotte. In autumn 2001, a new cave (called Moosschacht) was discovered in the Tanneben, which is part of the Grazer Bergland. This article summarizes the initial exploration and scientific results of this new, extensive cave system which developed in the vicinity of the Semriach entrance of the Lurgrotte.

SUCCESSFUL RESEARCH CAMP OF THE SPELEOCLUB OBERSTEIER IN THE HOCHKASTEN AREA
Erfolgreiches Forscherlager des Vereins für Höhlenkunde in Obersteier im Bereich des Hochkasten
Robert Seebacher

In August 2003, the VHO (Upper Styria Caving Club) organized the first expedition in the area of the central plateau of the Totes Gebirge. Near the summit of Großer Hochkasten (2389 m), 10 members set up a camp for 9 days. The walk to the camp without luggage takes approximately 5-6 hours. So the whole equipment of the expedition was transported by helicopter. Many cave entrances were found and 25 caves and shafts were surveyed and documented. The total surveyed length was near 2600 m. Remarkable was the first proof of the existence of the “Upper cave ruin level” in the Totes Gebirge. The most important cave is the “Grauer Riese” that was surveyed to a total length of 1028 m and a depth of 348 m. Due to the many unexplored caves and open leads, the VHO plans another camp in the Hochkasten area for summer 2004.

ALPINE CAVE EXPLORATION IN THE NATIONAL PARK GESÄUSE, STYRIA
Alpine Höhlenforschung im Nationalpark Gesäuse, Steiermark
Eckart Herrmann

Since 2002, members of the Landesverein für Höhlenkunde in Wien und Niederösterreich pushed ahead systematic cave exploration in the former speleologically neglected chain of Hochtor (2370 m), a very rugged part of the Ennstaler Alpen, Styria. Until now 2200 m of cave galleries in up to 451 m long and 193 m deep caves were surveyed, and altogether 74 caves were registered in the Austrian Cave Inventory. Open ends, bedded limestone of the Dachstein formation and relief energy of more than 1700 m give hope on further success. The documented cave morphology and speleothems offer starting points for scientific research such as (paleo)climatology and morphogenetic interpretation. The extremely difficult terrain on the surface demands alpinistic competence and adapted technology in equipment and exploration.

NEW EXPLORATION RESULTS FROM HIRLATZ CAVE
Neue Forschungsergebnisse aus der Hirlatzhöhle
Ulrich Meyer, Peter Hübner

An overview over the last five years of exploration in the Hirlatz Cave (Dachstein, Austria) is given. Diving expeditions in the western parts led to the discovery of the enormous hall called Wadiland. At the far eastern end of the cave a technical climb gave way to 3 km of huge mainstream passages. The newest success was a dive in the Kessel Spring, which led to a connection with the Hirlatz Cave. The actual length is 91.8 km, the depth is 1070 m.

BRITISH DACHSTEIN (PLATEAU) EXPIDITION
Britische Dachstein-(Plateau-) Expeditionen
Peter Hübner

The article deals with the results of yearly summer expeditions of the Bristol Exploration Club to the plateau area of the Dachstein. The aim of exploration is to find a connection with the most western parts of Hirlatzhöhle. So far, British explorers have reached considerable depths in several caves, the deepest of the last decade is the Eisturnenhöhle with its 610 m of vertical difference.

DIVE IN THE TERMINAL SIPHON OF PIESSLING URSPRUNG (1636/3), ROSSLEITHEN, UPPER AUSTRIA
Tauchgang im Endsiphon des Pießling-Ursprung (1636/3) Roßleithen, Oberösterreich
Robert Seebacher

The Pießling-Ursprung is one of the most important karst springs in Austria. During major floods, discharge increases up to 40 m3/s. The very first dive in the big entrance pool was in 1962, when two divers reached a depth of 52 m. The most remarkable dive was made by the famous cave diver Jochen Hasenmayer in 1987. He reached a depth of approximatly 80 m. Members of the caving club Sierning drained in 1977 a little side sump and opened the way to more than 1 km of dry passages. These end in a big sump, more than 400 horizontal meters behind the entrance. On March 26, 2002 the author made a first dive in this siphon and found it to be part of the main gallery of the cave, where the water comesfrom. He explored a big underwater tunnel over 64 m distance to a depth of 32 m.

LOWER AUSTRIA´S DEEPEST DIRECT PIT IN LICHTKEGELSCHACHT (1815/322), DÜRRENSTEIN
Tiefster Direktabstieg Niederösterreichs im Lichtkegelschacht (1815/322) am Dürrenstein
Alexander Klampfer

The entrance of the Lichtkegelschacht is located near the summit of the 1878 m high Dürrenstein in southwestern Lower Austria. Exploration started after widening the entrance in 2001. In three trips 173 m of new series were explored down to a depth of 85 m. A small squeeze with a strong draught remained unexplored. In August 2002, after widening the squeeze, a new series of large dimensioned pits was discovered. In January 2003, we descended to the bottom and reached a depth of 304 m by descending a 162 m deep pit. It was named “Schweine im Weltall” (Pigs in Space) and is the deepest single shaft in Lower Austria.

THE SANDKAR EXPIDITION OF THE SPELEOCLUB SALZBURG
Die Sandkar-Expeditionen des Landesvereins für Höhlenkunde in Salzburg
Peter Pointner, Walter Klappacher

The Thorhöhle (1511/153) in the central plateau of the Tennnengebirge (Salzburg) is known to the speleologists of the Salzburg Caving Club since 1934. After a series of less successful explorations in the early nineties of the last century a breakthrough could be achieved ultimatively. Several seasons of digging yielded a new cave – the Fuffzger – adjacent to the Thorhöhle, leading to a labyrinth following the bedding planes of the Dachstein Limestone. This cave was explored to a length of more than 3 km lacking any connection to the Thorhöhle. In 2000, a connection between the two systems was found. A recently discovered shaft system in the Fuffzger leads far to the North and down to a depth of -450 m. The current limit of exploration lies at a direct shaft of more than 250 m depth with tremendous dimensions. The scaling of a chimney in the Grosse Eishalle increased the total depth of the system to 472 m and the length to almost 8 km.

EXPLORATION OF BIERLOCH (1511/175), TENNENGEBIRGE
Neuforschung im Bierloch (1511/175), Tennengebirge
Giorgio Höfer

The Berger-Platteneck-Cave system (1511/ 162), located in the Bergeralpl area of Tennengebirge, is among the largest cave systems in Austria. In Bierloch (1511/175), which is a part of this system, new passages near the Riesentrichterhalle were surveyed in February 2004. These reach down to the karst water table at 715 m, bringing the total length of the cave system to 30 396 m (vertical range 1265 m).

KAMMER CAVE (1573/8) – HOHE TAUERN 2002 EXPIDITION (Kitzsteinhorn, Kaprun, Salzburg)
Kammerhöhle (2573/8) – Hohe Tauern 2002 Expedition (Kitzsteinhorn, Kaprun, Salzburg)
Philippe Audra, Jean-Yves Bigot, Sylvain Zibrowius

The Kitzsteinhorn massif harbours a highaltitude karst area in the vicinity of Schmiedingerkees, between 2200 and 2700 m altitude. The large ski resort around the “Alpincenter Kaprun” developed over much of the karst area. Several large caves are known, including Feichtnerschacht (2573/3), discovered by Richard Feichtner, who explored it altogether with Polish cavers down to –1049 m. A second large system is Kitzsteinhornhöhle (Zeferethöhle, 2573/2), -560 m deep. Cave investigation is only starting in this area. The potential of connecting existing systems as well as finding new extensions in these systems is high. The depth potential of the Kesselfall spring, located at about 1050 m above sea level, surpasses 1500 m. The aim of this expedition was to continue the exploration of swallow hole KA 5, which was discovered in 2001, and to continue the cave investigation near Feichtnerschacht. Unfortunately, KA 5 was plugged by snow this year. A continuation found in KA 3, however, also discovered in 2001, resulted in the Kammerhöhle (2573/8), a tremendous cave where we reached a depth of –226 m. In the area around the Alpincenter, about 20 small caves were surveyed, some of them new and some already explored by previous cavers.