Micro-displacement monitoring in caves and Understading of cave micro-climate
In five caves (Pološka, Postojnska, Jama Svetih Treh Kraljev, Županova, Kostanjeviška) we are performing more years long monitoring micro-displacements with eight extensometers TM 71 (Figure 1). We are detecting tectonic deformations and slope instability in the case of Pološka Jama.
Monitoring of cave air temperature, air pressure and CO2 concentrations in show caves is going on in hourly intervals at more locations in Postojnska Jama, Predjama and Škocjan Caves. More years long monitoring shows high impact of outside climate conditions on cave meteorology (Figure 2). Short-term anthropogenic impacts are registered as well, especially in heavily visited caves. Beside Slovene caves hourly air temperature monitoring was performed in USA at Lehman Caves in Nevada (2015 – 2016).
Results
- Šebela S. Baker GM. Luke B. 2019. Cave temperature and management implications in Lehman Caves, Great Basin National Park, USA. Geoheritage, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12371-019-00367-0, doi: 10.1007/s12371-019-00367-0. [COBISS.SI-ID 44575533]
- Šebela S. Turk J. 2018. Črna Jama as a cold air trap cave within Postojna Cave, Slovenia. Theoretical and applied climatology, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00704-017-2304-5, doi: 10.1007/s00704-017-2304-5. [COBISS.SI-ID 42090285]
- Šebela S. Zupančič N. Miler M. Grčman H. Jarc S. 2017. Evidence of Holocene surface and near-surface palaeofires in karst caves and soils. doi: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2017.06.015. [COBISS.SI-ID 1345886]
Figure 1: Four locations of TM 71 extensometer monitoring installations in Postojnska Jama. Postojna 1 – Velika Gora; Postojna 2 – Lepe Jame; Postojna 3 – Koncertna Dvorana; Postojna 4 – chimney.
Figure 2: Cross correlation diagrams for spring period 17 March – 23 April 2015: a (Črna Jama 2 – outside), b (Črna Jama 2 – Črna Jama 1), c (Črna Jama 1 – outside), source: ŠEBELA S. TURK J. (2018) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00704-017-2304-5.