We begin the lecture series “LES COVES, UNS AMBIENTS ÚNICS“, with speleologist Dr. Xisco Gràcia.

Gràcia will speak to us about the discoveries made over the past three decades, which have enabled the exploration of the island’s most extensive speleological systems—positioning Mallorca’s underwater caves as key references in the study of coastal caves in both Spain and Europe.

These caves are exceptional sites for studying the evolution of karst formations and their relationship with sea-level fluctuations over time. The geological formations inside them, shaped by dissolution and precipitation processes, are of great scientific interest and remarkable beauty. Furthermore, some of these caves are significant paleontological and archaeological sites, and they host unique, endemic species that are perfectly adapted to extreme environments.

However, these are fragile ecosystems, highly vulnerable to pollution and human activity. Therefore, their protection and conservation is a top priority, as they represent an important part of Mallorca’s natural heritage.

Activity funded by the Fundación Española para la Ciencia y Tecnología, F.S.P. (FECYT), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades i la Conselleria d’Educació i Universitat.