Other Earth Sciences Commons^™

Recent Investigations At 15ed23: Historic And Cultural Resources In A Disturbed Cave Environment, Joseph C. Douglas, Alan Cressler, George Crothers, Marion O. Smith, Kristen Bobo, Justin Carlson

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Documentation And Conservation Of The 1812-Era Saltpeter Works In Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, George M. Crothers, Christina A. Pappas

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Archeological Excavations In Advance Of The Historic Tour Trail Rehabilitation, Steven Ahler, Rebecca L. Hummel

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Civilian And Soldier Names Of Hundred Dome (Coach) Cave, Kentucky, 1859-1862, Marion O. Smith, Joseph C. Douglas

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Research And Resources In Wku Special Collections, Nancy Richey

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Flint Ridge Cave History And Legends, Norman L. Warnell, Stanley D. Sides

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Where Did They Go? An Analysis Of Out-Migration From Mammoth Cave National Park During Creation, Collins Eke

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Ethnographic Overview And Assessment Of Mammoth Cave National Park: A Progress Report, Michael Ann Williams, Kristen Clark, Eleanor Haskin, Rachel Haberman

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Proceedings For Celebrating The Diversity Of Research In The Mammoth Cave Region: 11th Research Symposium At Mammoth Cave National Park, Shannon R. Trimboli Editor, Luke E. Dodd, Editor, De'etra Young, Editor

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

2016 Symposium Schedule Of Events, Shannon R. Trimboli Education Coordinator

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

This is the Schedule of Events for Mammoth Cave National Park's 11th Research Symposium.

Spatial Analysis Of Forest Crimes In Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri, Karun Pandit, Eddie Bevilacqua, Giorgos Mountrakis, Robert W. Malmsheimer

Journal of Geospatial Applications in Natural Resources

Forest crime mitigation has been identified as a challenging issue in forest management in the United States. Knowledge of the spatial pattern of forest crimes would help in wisely allocating limited enforcement resources to curb forest crimes. This study explores the spatial pattern of three different types of forest crimes: fire crime, illegal timber logging crime, and occupancy use crime in the Salem-Patosi Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest. Univariate and bivariate Ripley’s K-functions were applied to explore the spatial patterns in crime events, like clustering and attraction among forest crime types. Results reveal significant clustering for each forest …

Comparison Of Terrain Indices And Landform Classification Procedures In Low-Relief Agricultural Fields, Derek A. Evans, Karl W. J. Williard, Jon E. Schoonover

Journal of Geospatial Applications in Natural Resources

Landforms control the spatial distribution of numerous factors associated with agronomy and water quality. Although curvature and slope are the fundamental surface derivatives used in landform classification procedures, methodologies for landform classifications have been performed with other terrain indices including the topographic position index (TPI) and the convergence index (CI). The objectives of this study are to compare plan curvature, the convergence index, profile curvature, and the topographic position index at various scales to determine which better identifies the spatial variability of soil phosphorus (P) within three low relief agricultural fields in central Illinois and to compare how two methods …

Discordant Data And Interpretation Of Results From Wildlife Habitat Models, Anita T. Morzillo, Michael G. Wing, Justin Long

Journal of Geospatial Applications in Natural Resources

Wildlife habitat management is an important part of natural resource management. As a result, there are a large number of models and tools for wildlife habitat assessment. A consequence of the many assessment tools is inconsistency when comparing results between tools, which may lead to potential confusion management decisions. Our objective was to compare results from two wildlife habitat models – one being relatively coarse (HUC5) scale and not spatially dynamic and the other being finer scale spatial data based on a 30 m spatial resolution –for habitat assessment of three species across the West Cascades of Oregon: Northern spotted …

The Changes In Woodlot Land Cover From 1988 To 2006 Within Private/Farmland In Hancock County, Ohio, Louis C. Birchall

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The amount of woodlots in Ohio have dramatically decreased since the introduction of settlers into the State. The removal of forest for open space, urban areas, fuel and resources was key to this change. Since the development of the economy to a more service based industry in recent years, woodlots have begun to return in certain areas. This research shows the change in woodlot patterns in Hancock County, Ohio from 1988 to 2006.

The analysis was done by classifying the data into 'woodlot' and 'other land use' by using image segmentation and manual editing processes. Accuracy checks were conducted on …

Sump Diving “River Caves”, Mark Wenner

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Note: “Sump” is a term used in caving to describe a passage in a cave that is submerged under water.

Sump diving, and “lure of the sump” originated in the UK in the early 1920’s, as did the use of “rebreather’s, and the “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus”, S.C.U.B.A. The techniques developed by cavers, and “sump divers” in Europe, and then used in British cave systems like Wookey Hole set a cave diving precedence; the development of a unique style, and system for diving caves. These diving practices and techniques influenced the exploration of resurgences, springs, siphons, and river caves throughout …

Multiple Storm Event Impacts On Epikarst Storage And Transport Of Organic Soil Amendments In South-Central Kentucky, Jason Polk, Sean Vanderhoff, Chris Groves, Benjamin Miller, Carl Bolster

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

The groundwater in agricultural karst areas, such as Kentucky’s Pennyroyal Plateau, is susceptible to contamination from organic soil amendments and pesticides. During 2011, water samples and geochemical data were collected every four hours before, during, and between storm events from a waterfall in Crumps Cave from January to September to track the transport and residence time of epikarst water and organic soil amendments during variable fl ow conditions. Geochemical data consisting of pH, specific conductivity, temperature, and discharge were collected continuously at 10-minute intervals, along with rainfall amounts. The changes in geochemistry indicate simultaneous storage and transport of meteoric water …

Sable Melodists, Janet Bass Smith

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Inside Mammoth Cave on Broadway Avenue, between the last TB hut and Star Chamber, the name Sable Melodists is inscribed on the wall, using what appears to be charcoal. Next to Sable Melodists are the names of two men: R. H. Condon, and J. M. Foans. (See Figures 1, 2, and 3) When the name Sable Melodists was researched several years ago, the only information available was that it was a minstrel group. A recent search revealed more information, and provoked a more complete investigation of minstrel groups and minstrel shows, and their evolution.

Pre-Service Teachers Learn About Karst Geology At Mammoth Cave National Park, Jeanine Huss, Cheryl Messenger

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

All Preservice elementary science methods students at Western Kentucky University participate in a one-day or two-day experience at Mammoth Cave National Park. This trip has occurred over the past seven semesters. Through this experience, students gain knowledge about their local unique karst environment.

Using Interactive Simulation To Extend Access To Learning Along The Historic Tour Route Of Mammoth Cave National Park, Christopher L. Atchison, Don Stredney, Karen E. Irving, Rick Toomey, Alan Price, Thomas Kerwin, Bradley Hittle, Phillip J. Reed

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

This poster presentation displays work of a current project to address the problem of limited inclusion to field-based learning experiences for students with physical disabilities. Led by researchers at Georgia State University, Ohio State University and Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning, the overall objective of the project is through integration of emerging simulation technologies and techniques, to provide a rich virtual environment of a geological field site for students with mobility impairments. Through the development of a synthetic field-based module that employs a virtual environment that interchangeably uses two and three-dimensional representation for presenting an alternative to …

Mammoth Cave National Park Backcountry Trail And Stream Monitoring, 2009-2012, Larry Johnson, Student Conservation Association Conservation

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

This project conducted an assessment of backcountry trail conditions on the north side of the Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park during summers of 2009-2012. The project included assessing physical parameters of trails, (width, depth, etc.) and conducting an assessment of water quality of streams in proximity of backcountry trails. The project was conducted by Student Conservation Association resource assistants (12 weeks each) supervised by a natural resource specialist from the Mammoth Cave Division of Science and Resources Management. Trail assessment procedures were based on techniques developed by Jeff ery L. Marion, Ph.D, USGS, Virginia Tech (et al.) and …

Improvements To The Rv Waste-Transfer Station Design To Reduce Contaminated Storm Runoff, David Solomon, Sean Mcmillian, Ashley West, Lonnie Sharpe

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Mammoth Cave in Central Kentucky is the world’s longest cave system and has been designated an international biosphere. It has unique organisms that live in the cave system and they are dependant upon high quality water supplied through rain recharge. We have documented quaternary ammonia compounds (QAC) levels ranging from 0.2 to 22 mg/L in storm fl ow, as well as, other chemicals coming from the RV waste-transfer station. The objective of this project was to re-design the drain system around the dump station to prevent spillage from washing down into the cave. The first design feature is a v-trench …

Use Of Sorption Isotherms To Improve The Efficacy Of The Storm-Water Filters, Hung-Wai Ho, Rick Toomey

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Sorption has been widely used as an inexpensive and environmental friendly water treatment technology. A large variety of adsorbents with different adsorption mechanisms have drawn interests, and combinations of adsorbents will enhance sorption of mixed solutions. However, current sorption research tends to focus on single material. The objective of this study was to develop sorption isotherms for ZPG®, (Zeolite, Perlite, Granular Activated Carbon), used in a stormwater filter cartridge. Contaminants of concern include Cu2+ and quaternary ammonia compounds (QAC). Adsorption isotherms were established for Cu2+ and QAC, and the best fit for the isotherm data was a Langmuir isotherm for …

Water Quality Monitoring At Mammoth Cave National Park, Brenda Wells, Joe Meiman

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Since the main objective of the monitoring program for Cumberland Piedmont Network (CUPN) is to detect, and understand changes in major ecosystem resources, the poster information will show results of what has occurred with water quality in the park since 2004. The data cover 13 sites, sampled once a month for 2 years on and 5 years off . The main parameters monitored for MACA include: air and water temperature, pH, fl ow, dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity, E. Coli, nitrates and turbidity. The data are compiled and analyzed at the end of every sampling cycle ultimately for addressing park management …

Three Examples Of Chemical Transport In Storm Runoff At Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, Ashley West, David Solomon, Hung-Wai Ho, Victor Roland, Irucka Embry, Rick Toomey, Roger Painter, Lonnie Sharpe, Dafeng Hui

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

The karst landscape at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, was formed by water through the dissolution of soluble rocks forming sinkholes, disappearing streams, emerging springs, closed depressions, and a combination of wet and dry caves. The Park’s cave streams and pools provide a home to unique organisms. Surface waters in the Park tend to rapidly drain into subsurface geologic features and caves. This rapid infiltration makes the subsurface vulnerable to contamination. The objective of this investigation was to characterize chemical transport from the surface into the cave. The preliminary results were achieved by tracer studies and monitoring water chemistry along …

Potential Effects Of Hydrogen Sulfide And Hydrocarbon Seeps On Mammoth Cave Ecosystems, Rick Olson

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Recently, Mammoth Cave Guide Bruce Hatcher reported what appeared to be contaminated water seeping into Marianne’s Pass. I visited the site and concluded that it was not likely due to pollution, and that it was a natural phenomenon. To be sure, I sampled the water for fecal coliform and E. coli analyses since sewer lines are in the area. The results were <1 mpn/100ml in both cases. A sulfur spring is mentioned at this site in Rambles in the Mammoth Cave, which was published in 1845, and this predates any well drilling that could lead to hydrocarbon and sulfide pollution. Another line of evidence that the seeps are natural is that they are all deeply weathered into the bedrock, which takes a long time. The seeps support thousands of springtails, which feed on the microbial mats, and crickets are common as well. A possible effect on biodiversity will be discussed.

Particulate Inorganic Carbon Flux In Karst And Its Signifi Cance To Karst Development And The Carbon Cycle, Randall L. Paylor, Carol M. Wicks

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Chemical removal of carbonate is generally assumed to dominate the inorganic carbon cycle in karst, but mechanical removal of carbonate during storm events may be significant. To determine the significance, particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) flux in bed load and suspended load is being quantified and compared to dissolved inorganic carbon flux in three karst systems: Mammoth Cave, KY; Blowing Cave, KY; and Tumbling Creek Cave, MO

Using S Isotopes To Identify The Source Of Gypsum In Mammoth Cave, J. Garrecht Metzger, David A. Fiske, Bob Osburn, Aaron Addison

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Many of the dry passages of the cave are lined with gypsum (CaSO4�2H2O) crystals, an evaporite mineral. However, the source of the sulfur in these gypsum deposits is poorly constrained with possible sources including pyrite, sedimentary gypsum/anhydrite, and carbonate associated sulfate (“CAS”, SO42- substituted for CO3 2- in the calcite crystal lattice). The two most abundant forms of sulfur in the bedrock above and around Mammoth Cave are pyrite (FeSs) and CAS. These phases commonly have very different isotopic signatures (δ34S)* and the δ34S values of these phases can be compared to the δ34S of the gypsum to aid in …

Mysteries Of The Underground River, Tk Stone Middle School Students, Shannon R. Trimboli, Kim Weber, Susan Ryan, Rick Toomey

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Have you ever heard of a river that that flows backwards? Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world, has an underground river exhibiting reverse fl ow patterns since at least the 1960’s and most likely earlier. Beginning in 2009, 7th graders from T.K. Stone Middle School in Elizabethtown, Kentucky have been teaming with WKU researchers to study and conduct research about this phenomenon.

An Alternative To The Advection Dispersion Model For Interpreting Dye Tracing Studies In Fractured-Rock And Karst Aquifers, Roger Painter, Irucka Embry, Victor Roland, Rick Toomey

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Due to the complexity of groundwater fl ow in fractured-rock and karst aquifers, solute transport models for these aquifers are typically stochastic models based on tracer transport studies. Water and tracers do not fl ow at one single advective velocity but experience a wide range of velocities, from rapid fl ow in conduits to near stagnant conditions in adjacent voids. This variance of velocities is referred to as dispersion and is traditionally described mathematically by the advection-dispersion equation (ADE). Analytical solutions to the ADE are available and are referred to as advection-dispersion models (ADM).The ADM is fitted to the tracer …

Geophysical Logging Of A Park Well, Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, Michael W. Bradley

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Geophysical logs are used to measure various physical properties of the underlying rock formations or the fluids contained in the rocks. Probes that measure different properties are lowered into a well or borehole and the measured data are displayed by depth. The properties displayed in the geophysical log can then be correlated to known geologic formations, changes in rock type, or changes in rock or fl uid properties. The two types of logs run at Mammoth Cave were natural gamma and caliper. Gamma logs record the amount of natural gamma radiation emitted by the rocks surrounding the borehole. Clay and …