Virginia s version is the Virginia Speleological Survey. Another research field seeing more activity is karst hydrology. An increasing number of communities in limestone country are becoming more aware of the potential for pollution of water supplies by sewage, spills, uncontrolled development, and other sources. The mapping and dye tracing of underground watercourses is becoming more utilized to control or predict potential trouble spots. Much biological investigation is also taking place.
Caves are home to many unusual and in some cases undescribed life forms.
In addition, research is being done in the fields of Archaeology, Paleontology, and History. However, since caves are such a fragile resource, research cannot just be carried out indiscriminately. Most states have some form of cave protection act, which makes it illegal to collect or disturb any form of mineral material, animal life, historical, or paleontological remains without a proper permit. Human remains may not be tampered with at any time. Quite a few caves in the area are habitats for endangered species of bats.