Cave Climate and Water

Importance / Issues

Toomey (2006) identified climate as the most important attribute to monitor in cave environments. Climate change could affect the large winter population of hibernating bats (Choate and Anderson 1997) and the detritus-based food web of the cave (Moore 1996, Nepstad and Pisarowicz 1989).

Internal changes in humidity and temperature could also degrade delicate cave formations (e.g., gypsum strands) (Nepstad and Pisarowicz 1989).

Monitoring cave water quality may allow for the detection of surface contamination and aquifer pollution that would not be captured by surface water sampling.

Monitoring Parks :

Jewel Cave NM

Wind Cave NP

Preliminary Monitoring Objectives

1. Determine trends in temperature near entrances and interior portions of both caves.
2. Determine changes in entrance airflow characteristics at both caves.
3. Detect changes in water quality parameters and contaminants in the ground water at both caves.
4. Determine temporal changes in the water level of the Madison Aquifer in Wind Cave.

Potential Measures

Cave air temperature, airflow speed and direction, and the physical properties, chemistry, and dynamics of cave water.

Expected Approach

Automated recorders and site visits for physical sampling.

Protocol Development & Status

Generic protocols for cave meteorology and hydrology are currently being addressed on a national level by cave specialists, and these will be modified for use at Jewel and Wind caves.  Meanwhile, both parks are conducting individual monitoring efforts related to cave climate and water.

Status & Trends

Status and Trends will be posted once monitoring has begun.

Contact Information

Mike Bynum
Biological Science Technician
Northern Great Plains Inventory and Monitoring Program
231 East St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-341-2801
michael_bynum@nps.gov