7 Undergraduate Research Poster Session (Posters)

Sunday, 21 April 2024
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Grand Ballroom, Oasis CC

RELATIONSHIP OF pH AND CO2 TO RAINFALL AMOUNTS AT A DOLOMITE CAVE

Paper number: 7-4
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

The affect of rainfall on CO2 levels of cave air, and the pH of water exiting soda straws was determined at Cherokee Caverns, a Copper Ridge dolomite cave. These values were recorded inside and outside the cave using Vernier portable CO2 and pH meters. Cherokee Caverns is unique because of the abundance and accessibility of soda straws. Data demonstrated that pH during a wetter period was more acidic whereas, during a dryer period, the pH of the water was neutral or slightly basic. CO2 levels gradually increased after a rainfall and decreased after multiple dry days. The result of the experiments and data gathered is a better understanding of the environment that allows the abundant growth of the unique soda straw formations of Cherokee Caverns.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024NC-399033

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