T135 Sedimentary Environment and Process Studies: The Emerging Generation of Scientists (Posters)

Monday, 2 November 2015
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Exhibit Hall

EXPLORING THE HIDDEN STORIES LOCKED WITHIN SEDIMENT AND WATER IN HIDDEN RIVER CAVE, HORSE CAVE, KENTUCKY

Paper number: T135-26
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

This poster will explore sedimentology and water quality from the geologically understudied Hidden River Cave system located within the town of Horse Cave, Kentucky, south-east of Mammoth Cave National Park. This research was done in an effort to further understand the concentration of selected water contaminants in Hidden River Cave system, and to provide evidence into the larger, more general study of sediment pathways in caves. The cave itself has approximately 25 km of mapped passageways branching in multiple directions from the main entrance. The lower levels within the cave contain continuous flowing water, such as Wheet River, while the upper levels are prone to periodic flooding.

The cave, which is now operated by the American Cave Conservation Association, was once the source of drinking water and hydroelectricity for Horse Cave City in the early 20th century. A poor understanding of the local hydrogeology reportedly led to pollution from both domestic and industrial sewage which, along with other factors, led to the closing of the cave to the public in 1943. For almost 50 years Hidden River Cave was unofficially used as an open sewer. In 1989, a new regional sewage treatment system developed by the Caveland Sanitation Authority improved local sanitation greatly (http://hiddenrivercave.com/). In 1990, the sewage systems were also diverted from the Hidden River Cave system, beginning the recovery process of the cave.

The unique history of the cave is used in conjunction with results collected during a summer 2015 field season where water and sediment samples were collected throughout the cave system to further the understanding of the current level of contamination in the cave water and sediment pathways. Water samples were tested for concentrations of one or all of chromium (Cr(VI) and Cr(III)), aluminum, nickel and lead. The variables of pH, temperature, total dissolved solids and conductivity were measured in situ. Sediment samples were collected, logged and analysed to document heavy metal content and explore sedimentological features. The collected data used in conjunction with historical information and local geomorphology provides an understanding of the concentrations of select contaminants in the cave as well as a fuller understanding of sediment pathways.