Scientometric analysis of scientific production on karst in Brazil over the last 30 years (1990–2020)

Brazilian karstology has been strengthened since the 1990s, resulting in scientific production gradually expanding into new areas studied and deepening the knowledge of regions already studied. Thus, this study aims to carry out a scientometric analysis of the scientific output on karst in Brazil between 1990 and 2020, enabling the evaluation of the development and trends of studies in a given scientific field, in this case, Brazilian karstology. The methodological procedures adopted involve quantitative analysis of scientific production in the Web of Science databases, Capes Periodicals Portal and the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. The studies' analysis shows an exponential increase in karst studies in Brazil, especially in the last decade. There is also a predominance of articles published in English. Geology and zoology were the most studied sub-areas of knowledge; however, studies produced in several other areas stand out. The Southeast region contributed the most to karst research in Brazil, mainly through the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Minas Gerais. The analyzed works presented a tendency of studies related to the taxonomy of underground species and research related to the conservation of karst environments. Finally, Brazilian karstology presents itself as an interdisciplinary science. •Exponential increase in the study of karst in Brazil.•Geology and Zoology are the most studied areas in karst in Brazil.•Studies on karst in Brazil are concentrated in the Southeast.