Methodology to assess water presence on speleothems during periods of low precipitation, with implications for recharge sources - Kartchner Caverns, Arizona
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies
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Abstract
Beginning in January 2005, recharge processes and the presence of water on speleothems were monitored in Kartchner Caverns during a 44-month period when annual rainfall rates were 6 to 18 percent below the long-term mean. Electrical-resistance sensors designed to detect the presence of water were used to identify ephemeral streamflow in the channels overlying the cave as well as the movement of water within the cave system. Direct infiltration of precipitation through overhead rocks provided consistent inflow to the cave, but precipitation rates and subsequent infiltration rates were reduced during the comparatively dry years. Ephemeral stream-channel recharge through autogenic and allogenic processes, the predominant recharge mechanism during wetter periods, was limited to two low-volume events. From visual observations, it appeared that recharge from channel infiltration was equal to or less than recharge from overhead infiltration. Electrical-resistance sensors were able to detect thin films of water on speleothems, including stalactites, ribbons, and stalagmites. These films of water were directly attributed to overhead infiltration of precipitation. Periods of low precipitation resulted in decreased speleothem wetness.
Suggested Citation
Blasch, K.W., 2011, Methodology to assess water presence on speleothems during periods of low precipitation, with implications for recharge sources - Kartchner Caverns, Arizona: Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, v. 73, no. 2, p. 63-74, https://doi.org/10.4311/jcks2009es0094.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Methodology to assess water presence on speleothems during periods of low precipitation, with implications for recharge sources - Kartchner Caverns, Arizona |
| Series title | Journal of Cave and Karst Studies |
| DOI | 10.4311/jcks2009es0094 |
| Volume | 73 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | National Speleological Society |
| Contributing office(s) | Arizona Water Science Center |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Cave and Karst Studies |
| First page | 63 |
| Last page | 74 |