1. Acquisition & Utilization of Cave Data
Todd R. Kincaid, Ph.D.
Hazlett-Kincaid, Inc.
Global Underwater Explorers

2. Issues: Diver vs. Scientist
Acquisition
What’s Feasible?
Logistical Limitations
Technical Guidance
Utilization
Access
Reliability

3. Data Acquisition: What’s Feasible?
Cave survey data
Geochemical samples
Tracer Injections
Semi-permanent instrumentation
Video
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4. 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

5. Cave Survey: Uncertainty
Azimuth Error
Profile Error

6. Cave Survey: 3-D Modeling
3-D Cave Model
Data
Interpolation
Gridding
Gridded Data
Wakulla

7. Survey Data: Groundwater Modeling
Modeling with Conduits
Conduits
Wakulla Spring
Flow Paths
Without Conduits

8. 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
% River water
0 - 20% River water
% 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

9. 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%

10. 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

11. Cave Database