Kaszab Zoltán (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 69. (Budapest 1977)

P. Komáromy, Zs.: The algal flora of the Ördöglyuk cave at Szoplak (Hungary)

ANNALES HISTORICO-NATURALES MUSEI NATIONALIS HUNGARICI Tomus 69. Budapest 1977. The Algal Flora of the ördöglyuk Cave at Szoplak (Hungary) by Zs. P. KOMÁROMY, Budapest Abstract — Different biotopes of a "sac-like" cave, the Ördöglyuk at Szoplak wereinvestigated. 21 algal species were identified: Chlorophyta 5, Xanthophyta 3, Bacillariophyta 9, Cyanophyta 4. The brown forest soil originating from outside has a specific "forest soil-type" algal flora and this soil exists in the cave as "cell transport system". During microscopical examinations the phenological stages of species were noted in order to study their transfer, settlement and destruction. With 1 map and 12 figures. The cave at Szoplak lies in the Pilis Mts. near Pilisszentkereszt (about 3 km) in the valley of Háromforrás. The natural opening of the cave is at the bottom of a cliff, about 500 m above sea level. The "sac-like" opening with 3-4 m vertical length is enlarging and forms a 10 m high cupola — the first gallery. The air temperature in the first gallery differs slightly from the outside temperature (about 2 °C). On the floor of the gallery a large quantity of rubble and forest soil is scattered (Map 1, a) originating from outside on which some hydrophilous plants are growing. The rock wall opposite to the opening (Map. 1, b) is covered with algae and mosses opulently, because the light conditions are favourable and the rock wall is moistened by rain water. There are two smaller hollows at the western side of the first gallery and there is a larger one in north-south direction beside a tectonical breaking. This section of the cave is a 1.5-2 m high and 17 m long steep corridor and it leads into the main gallery. This lower level (about 20 m deeper than the first gallery) is in complete darkness, except a small patch on the corridor wall which is a secondary Map 1. An outline of the Ördöglyuk cave at Szoplak: 1 = Entrance, 2 = First gallery^. 3 = Main gallery, a = forest soil originaling from outside, b = algal coat on rock wall (and sampling places), s = soil sampling places, r = reflectional area. — (The original map of the cave was drawn by PAPPVÁRI).