Environmental change at Kartchner Caverns: trying to separate natural and anthropogenic changes

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  • Authors: Toomey, Rickard S.; Nolan, Ginger
  • Publication Year: 2005
  • Publication Series: Proceedings (P)
  • Source: In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 264-270

Abstract

Cave temperature and moisture levels are important factors in the environmental health of Kartchner Caverns. Monitoring indicates the cave has warmed and moisture levels have fallen over the past 14 years. Timing and patterns of change within the cave suggest that changes are due to development as a show cave. However, changes in other caves, surface temperature and precipitation, and in shallow local aquifers suggest that cave changes relate to regional patterns. Changes at Kartchner Caverns represent a combination of anthropogenic and regional natural causes. Separating these different factors is an important on-going goal in protecting the cave.

  • Citation: Toomey, Rickard S., III; Nolan, Ginger 2005. Environmental change at Kartchner Caverns: trying to separate natural and anthropogenic changes. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 264-270
  • Keywords: caves, moisture, temperature, precipitation, monitoring, Kartchner Caverns State Park (Ariz.)
  • Posted Date: June 9, 2006
  • Modified Date: August 22, 2006

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