Relationship between carbon dioxide in Balcarka Cave and adjacent soils in the Moravian Karst region of the Czech Republic

Abstract

Carbon dioxide concentration, air temperature, and humidity were monitored at (1) two cave sites and (2) three adjacent karst soils. The data over a one-year period are supported by dripwater chemistry and cave visiting frequency. The results indicate that the sources of cave CO 2 are anthropogenic and epikarstic ones in addition to ordinary soils. Epikarstic CO 2 produced under almost stationary conditions probably control dripwater chemistry and cave's CO 2 maxima. Based on breathing and door opening, anthropogenic activity affects instantaneous cave CO 2 levels, depending on site volume/position and visitor number. A conceptual model of the CO 2 dynamics of the soil-cave system is proposed. The study indicates that karst processes such as limestone dissolution and speleothem growth need not be entirely/directly controlled by external climatic conditions.