Acquisition & Utilization of Cave Data Todd R. Kincaid, Ph.D. Hazlett-Kincaid, Inc. www.hazlett-kincaid.com Global Underwater Explorers www.gue.com
Issues: Diver vs. Scientist Acquisition What’s Feasible? Logistical Limitations Technical Guidance Utilization Access Reliability
Data Acquisition: What’s Feasible? Cave survey data Geochemical samples Tracer Injections Semi-permanent instrumentation Video ???
Data Acquisition: Cave Survey Data Data: Moving Polar Coordinates Azimuth Distance Depth Width Height Limitations Time Precision Emerging Technologies Sonar mapping Integrated digital devices Data loggers Maximize Diver Utility Minimize Diver Interface
Cave Survey: Uncertainty Azimuth Error Profile Error
Cave Survey: 3-D Modeling 3-D Cave Model Data Interpolation Gridding Gridded Data Wakulla
Survey Data: Groundwater Modeling Modeling with Conduits Conduits Wakulla Spring Flow Paths Without Conduits
Data Acquisition: Geochemical Data Grab samples Data sonde profiles Instrumentation Example 100+ samples 222Rn, d18O, SF6 pen. > 4000 ft multiple events 79 4 River Ground water flow direction River water flow direction 20 - 50% River water 0 - 20% River water 50 - 70% River water > 70% River water Explanation Devil’s Ear spring Devil’s Eye July Geochemical Sampling Devil’s Ear Cave System Limitations: Time Carrying capacity Training Simplify sample collection and storage methods Minimize sample/apparatus size Provide thorough training on collection procedures
Data Acquisition: Groundwater Tracing In-cave injection and sampling increases probability of success! Tracer Recovered Velocity Sullivan- Cheryl 5,953 ft/day > 20% Cheryl- Emerald 9,638 ft/day > 99%
Data Utilization: Issues Access Reliability Cave Database Lines 2-D projection of cave passages Average passage characteristics Land use (if known) Ownership (if known) Points 3-D information at survey stations or bends MetaData History of data evolution Projection / elevation datum
Cave Database