by Joseph W. Dixon » Oct 12, 2009 3:14 pm
If you Google micro, meso, or macro-cavern you get several hits. It appears these terms have also been used in a few published, referreed papers. I believe I originally saw these terms in a paper published by Howarth (1983), but I can't find my copy of it so I can't confirm where these terms come from.
Microcavern - do not exceed 0.1 cm in diameter or cross section
Mesocavern - greater than 0.1 cm but less than or equal to 20 cm in diameter or cross section
Macrocavern - greater than 20 cm in diameter or cross section
I would say these terms come close to what SG is looking for ["I am looking for a single word (or very short phrase or even an acronym) to describe all small, cave-like cavities in the earth, regardless of origin-but with an opening to the surface. Can anyone come with a word that encompasses small "caves," "karst features" (in the lingo of the NPS), vugs, enlarge joints, rock shelters, etc?"].
In my opinion, it would be pointless to reinvent the wheel. If the terms already exist and have been accepted (i.e. they have appeared in peer reviewed published papers), I wouldn't see a reason to invent a new term or terms (but that is just my opinion).
The only drawback I can see is it doesn't meet SG's criteria of a single term (she would have to use both micro and meso to describe the features).
Howarth, F. G. 1983. Ecology of Cave Arthropods. Annual Review of Entomology 28:365 - 389.