National Speleological Society

National Speleological Society (NSS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration, study, and conservation of caves and karst environments. The NSS was founded in 1941 and is based in Huntsville, Alabama, United States.

History

The National Speleological Society was established in 1941 by a group of individuals who shared a common interest in caving, speleology, and cave conservation. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, with over 10,000 members worldwide as of 2021.

Mission

The mission of the NSS is to promote the study of caves and the environment, to promote the conservation of caves and their natural contents, and to promote responsible cave exploration and management. The organization achieves this through education, research, and direct action.

Activities

The NSS conducts a wide range of activities related to caves and speleology. These include organizing caving expeditions, conducting scientific research, providing training in safe and responsible caving practices, and advocating for cave conservation.

Publications

The NSS publishes several periodicals, including the NSS News, the Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, and the NSS Bulletin. These publications cover a wide range of topics related to caves and speleology, including scientific research, exploration reports, and conservation news.

Affiliations

The NSS is affiliated with several other organizations that share its interests in caves and speleology. These include the International Union of Speleology, the American Cave Conservation Association, and the Cave Research Foundation.

See also

• Caving
• Speleology
• Cave conservation
• Karst