Volume VII: Nature — Chapter 5: Cave Ecosystems
"Below, beneath the Central Plain, there is a world where there is no day or night. Where rivers flow in total darkness for millions of cycles. And where life has forgotten what light looks like." — Speleologist Khal-Ven, +3,500 y.
Related sections: → see [Ch.21, "Ecosystems"]
5.1 Scale
Théxar's karst systems are the planet's largest underground ecosystems.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total explored length | ~340,000 мо |
| Area of underground ecosystems | an extensive area |
| Largest cave | Thal-Ven (deep branching system) |
| Endemism | ~95% |
5.2 Cave Energetics
In the absence of light, primary production is provided by H₂S and Fe²⁺ chemosynthesis.
End of Chapter 5, Volume VII.