The CARDIKARST project was presented at the Regional Conference on Geomorphology – Geomorphology for Society: Challenges and Opportunities, held in Timișoara, Romania, from 16 to 18 September 2025. This international conference, organized under the auspices of the International Association of Geomorphologists and the Romanian Association of Geomorphologists, brought together researchers from across Europe and beyond to discuss contemporary advances in geomorphology and environmental research.
The project was represented through a poster presentation entitled “Geomorphological and microclimatic evidence of periglacial processes in caves – the case of Samograd and Budina ledenica caves (Croatia)”. The study presented evidence demonstrating how systematic monitoring of cave microclimate -particularly air temperature and CO₂ concentration – combined with detailed geomorphological mapping, allows the reconstruction of past cryogenic processes in karst environments. The results show that cave morphology and present-day microclimatic dynamics preserve clear indicators of former ice accumulation and freezing processes, providing important insights into the evolution of subterranean environments and their sensitivity to climatic change. The presented research highlights the value of integrating geomorphological observations with long-term microclimatic monitoring, a central methodological approach of the CARDIKARST project. These findings contribute to a better understanding of cave system evolution and provide a scientific basis for interpreting the disappearance of perennial ice deposits observed in many caves in recent decades.
In addition to presenting research results, Nenad Buzjak also served as one of the chairpersons of Thematic Session 13: Karst Geomorphology – A Modern Perspective, contributing to the scientific coordination and discussion of current advances in karst research. This role reflects the active involvement of the CARDIKARST project in the international scientific community and its contribution to advancing contemporary geomorphological and speleological research.
Participation in the conference provided an important opportunity to present project results, exchange knowledge with international colleagues, and further strengthen scientific collaboration in the field of karst geomorphology and cave climate research.
