The dynamics, composition and properties of the atmosphere in the karst vadose zone

The research objective is an integral understanding of the cave microclimate and of the dynamics and composition of the atmosphere in the karst vadose zone – also as part of the global carbon cycle and the main factor in the deposition and dissolution of carbonates. Cave microclimate has been recognized as an indicator of environmental changes. Another objective is to assess the impact of tourism on the microclimate of show caves, and to determine the mechanisms and factors influencing the dynamics and properties of the subterranean atmosphere. We will achieve these objectives with continuous monitoring of the relevant parameters (air temperature, carbon dioxide, humidity, direction and velocity of ventilation, methane) in caves with a lower or higher number of visitors. We will draw a very topical comparison between the period prior to, during and after COVID-19 pandemic, when show caves had many visitors or were closed and there was no anthropogenic impact on the cave climate. The objective of the measurements in ice caves and caves with permafrost is a historical and seasonal recording of the condition (e.g. the quantity of ice) and of ice melting trends, and pointing out specific causes of the identified changes.

Measurement of air temperature and humidity as well as CO2 concentration, photo Blaž Kogovšek.

Rezultati:

ŠEBELA, Stanka, NOVAK, Uroš, KOGOVŠEK, Blaž. Air pressure perturbations in karst caves and waters after the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption on 15 January 2022. Atmosphere. 2023, vol. 14, issue 7, [article no.] 1088, str. 1-12, graf. prikazi, tabele, zvd. ISSN 2073-4433. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/14/7/1088, DOI: 10.3390/atmos14071088. [COBISS.SI-ID 158230787]

ŠEBELA, Stanka, TURK, Janez. Comparison of historical and current temperatures in show caves (Slovenia). SN Applied Sciences. 2022, iss. 1, art. no. 1, 12 str., ilustr. ISSN 2523-3971. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs42452-021-04881-1, DOI: 10.1007/s42452-021-04881-1. [COBISS.SI-ID 88061699]

ŠEBELA, Stanka. Natural and anthropogenic impacts on cave climates : Postojna and Predjama show caves of Slovenia. Amsterdam; Oxford; Cambridge (MA): Elsevier, cop. 2022. VII, 275 str., ilustr., zvd. ISBN 978-0-12-822954-5. https://www.elsevier.com/books/natural-and-anthropogenic-impacts-on-cave-climates/sebela/978-0-12-822954-5, DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-822954-5.00001-9. [COBISS.SI-ID 64999683]

ŠEBELA, Stanka, NOVAK, Uroš. Attenuating anthropogenic impact on subterranean micro-climate: insights from the biospeleological station in Postojna Cave. Geosciences. [Online ed.]. March 2024, vol. 14, issue 3, [article no.] 87, str. 1-11, ilustr., zvd. ISSN 2076-3263. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/14/3/87, DOI: 10.3390/geosciences14030087. [COBISS.SI-ID 191000323]

MILER, Miloš, ZUPANČIČ, Nina, ŠEBELA, Stanka, JARC, Simona. Natural and anthropogenic impact on the microclimate and particulate matter in the UNESCO show cave. Environmental science and pollution research. [Print ed.]. 2024, vol. 31, str. 48313–48331. ISSN 0944-1344. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34366-8. [COBISS.SI-ID 202313731]