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Polk, Jason Samuel. "Proxy records of climate change in subtropical and tropical karst environments." [Tampa, Fla] : University of South Florida, 2009. http://purl.fcla.edu/usf/dc/et/SFE0003058.
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Sundqvist, Hanna S. "Speleothems as environmental recorders : A study of Holocene speleothems and their growth environments in Sweden." Doctoral thesis, Stockholm : Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-1408.
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Justice, Brad L. "Modelling of Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in Natural Karst Environments Under Hydrodynamic and Chemical Kinetic Control." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1145310619.
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Tyrie, Elizabeth Katharyn. "Combining Quantitative Eye-Tracking and GIS Techniques with Qualitative Research Methods to Evaluate the Effectiveness of 2D and Static, 3D Karst Visualizations: Seeing Through the Complexities of Karst Environments." TopSCHOLAR®, 2014. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1351.
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Karst environments are interconnected landscapes vulnerable to degradation. Many instances of anthropogenic karst disturbance are unintentional, and occur because of the public's lack of understanding or exposure to karst knowledge. When attempts are made to educate the general public about these landscapes, the concepts taught are often too abstract to be fully understood. Thus, karst educational pursuits must use only the most efficient and effective learning materials. A technique useful for assessing educational effectiveness of learning materials is eye-tracking, which allows scientists to quantitatively measure an individual's points of interest and eye movements when viewing a 2D or 3D visualization. Visualization developers use eye-tracking data to create graphics that hold the observer's attention and, thereby, enhance learning about a particular concept. This study aimed to assess and improve the educational effectiveness of 2D karst visualizations by combining eye-tracking techniques with Geographic Information Systems, knowledge assessments, and semi-structured interviews. The first phase of this study consisted of groups of 10 participants viewing 2D karst visualizations with one category of manipulated visual stimuli. The second phase consisted of groups of 10-15 participants viewing 2D karst visualizations that were created based on the results from the first phase. The results of this study highlighted both effective stimuli in karst visualizations and stimuli that hinder the educational effectiveness of visualizations.
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Jebreen, Hassan [Verfasser], Stefan [Gutachter] Wohnlich, and Frank [Gutachter] Wisotzky. "Karst water management in semi-arid environments: Central West Bank, Palestine / Hassan Jebreen ; Gutachter: Stefan Wohnlich, Frank Wisotzky ; Fakultät für Geowissenschaften." Bochum : Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 2019. http://d-nb.info/1182682316/34.
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Carlson, Justin Nels. "MIDDLE TO LATE HOLOCENE (7200-2900 CAL. BP) ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE FORMATION PROCESSES AT CRUMPS SINK AND THE ORIGINS OF ANTHROPOGENIC ENVIRONMENTS IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY, USA." UKnowledge, 2019. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/anthro_etds/40.
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Though some researchers have argued that the Big Barrens grasslands of Kentucky were the product of anthropogenic land clearing practices by Native Americans, heretofore, this hypothesis had not been tested archaeologically. More work was needed to refine chronologies of fire activity in the region, determine the extent to which humans played a role in the process, and integrate these findings with the paleoenvironmental and archaeological record. With these goals in mind, I conducted archaeological and geoarchaeological investigations at Crumps Sink in the Sinkhole Plain of Kentucky. The archaeological record and site formation history of Crumps Sink were compared with environmental and archaeological data from the Interior Low Plateaus and Southern Appalachian Mountains for an understanding of how the site fits into the larger story of human-environmental interactions in the Eastern Woodlands. Based on the data recovered, I argue that through land burning Archaic hunter-gatherers were active managers of ecosystems to a greater degree than previously acknowledged.
Excavations at Crumps Sink revealed stratified archaeological deposits spanning the late Middle Archaic to Terminal Late Archaic periods. Radiocarbon dates and an analysis of projectile point typologies provided information on the chronological and cultural history of the site. Magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition, plant available phosphorous, and soil micromorphological analyses were conducted to examine landform dynamics in response to environmental change and to trace the anthropogenic signature created by human activities at the site. Masses of lithic debitage, animal bone, and burned sediment nodules per ten-cm-level provide an indication of human occupation intensity and shifting activities over time. Radiocarbon dates were used to reconstruct rates of sediment accumulation in the sink. These varying datasets were considered together for a holistic understanding of localized environmental and anthropogenic impacts on the landform.
Between 7200 and 5600 cal. BP, during the Middle Holocene Thermal Maximum and corresponding with the late Middle Archaic period, sediment accumulation was sustained with one identifiable episode of very weak soil development. Background magnetic and chemical signatures in the soils were greater than they were at pre-occupation levels, demonstrating that human activities left a lasting imprint in soils as early as the late Middle Archaic period. Between 5600 and 3900 cal. BP, periods of diminished sedimentation led to more pronounced episodes of soil formation. However, these soil horizons are interposed by pulses of enhanced sediment accumulation. These soil data may signal shifting environmental regimes during the Middle to Late Holocene transition. Between 5600 and 3900 cal. BP scattered plant ash, elevated masses of burned sediment nodules, and pestle fragments in Late Archaic deposits suggest that hunter-gatherers were intensively processing nut mast, potentially in association with early forest clearance and silviculture. Botanical assemblages from a coincident archaeological sequence at the Carlston Annis site in the nearby middle Green River region has demonstrated woodland disturbance and potential silviculture in central Kentucky during this time.
During the Late Archaic and Terminal Late Archaic periods (3900-3000 cal. BP), substantial plant ash deposition occurred in a stratum that accumulated relatively quickly. Very low burned sediment nodule masses in this deposit indicate that combustion features were not common in the immediate vicinity and that elevated frequencies of plant ash were the result of burning on a broader expanse of the surrounding landform. Chronologically, the zone with enhanced plant ash deposition is coeval with previously demonstrated occurrences of increased forest fires, grassland expansion, and a shift to early horticultural economies throughout the region. Soil development occurred after 3000 cal. BP, and this episode of landform stability may have lasted for over two millennia until being capped by sediment accumulation from historic agriculture.
The late Middle Archaic through Terminal Late Archaic data from Crumps Sink demonstrate that hunter-gatherer activities left lasting signatures in soils in Kentucky. The data from the Late Archaic to Terminal Late Archaic periods (ca. 5600-3000 cal. BP) may indicate intentional land burning by hunter-gatherers to create anthropogenic environments, first for silviculture and then for early plant domestication. This forces a rethinking of labor and subsistence systems within hunter-gatherer societies. Thus, if hunter-gatherers were utilizing long-term forest management methods, they were employing a delayed-return economic system relying on labor investment and negotiated understandings about land tenure. Further characterization of the origin of fire management activities will help us to elucidate the nature of incipient indigenous plant domestication in the Eastern Woodlands.
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Hall, Veronica. "Addressing Water Resource Issues In Barbados Through An Isotopic and Atmospheric Characterization of Precipitation Variability." TopSCHOLAR®, 2014. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1356.
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Numerous studies have analyzed isotopic variation of meteoric and dripwater in karst environments for paleoclimate reconstructions or aquifer recharge capacity. What is poorly understood is how the isotopic signal of δ18O and δ2H is transferred through the hydrologic cycle based upon storm type, frequency, intensity, and teleconnection activity in the tropical karst areas. At Harrison’s Cave, Barbados, a Hobo Onset event data logger was attached to a tipping bucket rain gauge to count the tips and record the total rainfall every 10 minutes. In the cave a Hobo data logger was used to record relative humidity and temperature at 10-minute intervals. Rainwater, dripwater, and stream water samples were collected at a weekly resolution and refrigerated before sample analysis. The study period was from July, 2012 to October, 2013, with data from the data loggers only until June, 2013 due to inability to reach the study site. The samples were analyzed using the Picarro Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy Unit-Water L1102-I through laboratories at the University of Kentucky and the University of Utah. The samples were reported in per mil and calibrated. The teleconnection (NAO, AMO, and ENSO) and other atmospheric data were obtained from the Climate Prediction Center or the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory-Physical Sciences Division. The weekly isotope signatures were linearly regressed against total rainfall for Harrison’s Cave and surface temperature with no statistically significant correlation, indicating the amount effect was not present at a weekly resolution. The amountweighted precipitation δ18O values were calculated on a monthly basis and compared to TRMM monthly rainfall and island-wide monthly rainfall, and a statistically significant negative correlation was found between both datasets. This confirmed that the amount effect dominates the island’s rainfall isotopic signature at a monthly resolution, and that specific atmospheric influences represented in weekly rainfall were less influential on a weekly basis. It is hypothesized that the variation in weekly rainfall is due to quick initiating, rain-out, and dissipation of convective storm systems over the island. In terms of evaporative influences, the samples do not deviate much from the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL), indicating minimal evaporation, which is typical for tropical locations. When the d-excess parameters were calculated, there were distinct variations with minimal evaporation occurring in the 2013 calendar year. This is attributed to coastal storm formation in the tropics.
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Schmidt, Sebastian [Verfasser], Martin [Akademischer Betreuer] Sauter, and Heinz [Akademischer Betreuer] Hötzl. "Hydrogeological characterisation of karst aquifers in semi-arid environments at the catchment scale – Example of the Western Lower Jordan Valley / Sebastian Schmidt. Gutachter: Martin Sauter ; Heinz Hötzl. Betreuer: Martin Sauter." Göttingen : Niedersächsische Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Göttingen, 2014. http://d-nb.info/1059004526/34.
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Fleury, Spencer. "Land Use Policy and Practices in Karst Terrains." Scholar Commons, 2007. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/708.
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Karst topography is the result of a specific combination of geological conditions, precipitation, biota, and temperature, and is characterized by the gradual solution of the underlying bedrock and the development of underground drainage routes for surficial runoff. Many of these karst landscapes are found in urbanized areas, where the potential for anthropogenic impact is quite high. In many instances, municipalities on karst terrains choose to mitigate these impacts by implementing ordinances that place restrictions on permissible land uses near karst landforms. This dissertation asks the question: are the impacts of karst-related land use regulation on human / social systems significant enough to merit consideration during the regulation writing and implementation process? In the process of answering this question, it is hoped that a broader understanding will be developed of how land use regulations are used to control and regulate human activity on karst lands, particularly (but not exclusively) in the United States; and that the conclusions drawn from that overview might serve as the beginnings of a generally applicable framework for the development of karst regulation.
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Semler, Keith R. "Development of a Karst Tourism Management Index to Assess Tourism-Driven Degradation of Protected Karst Sites." TopSCHOLAR®, 2019. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3143.
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The intent of this research was to create and evaluate a karst tourism management index (KTMI). This index is intended to be a new management tool designed to quantify environmental disturbances caused specifically by tourism activities in karst regions, particularly show caves and springs. In an effort to assess the effectiveness of the index as a management tool in karst terrains, after development, the index was applied to six case study sites. A review of the management policies at each study site was conducted with the use of standard policy critique methods and semistructured interviews with managers at the study sites. After interviews were completed, the newly created index was applied to the study areas with the aid of park land managers. Including land managers in the application process allowed for active land managers to provide more meaningful feedback on potential improvements to the KTMI to ensure the most universally applicable and thoroughly field-tested index tool was created. Upon application and continual refinement of the index to the six study sites, a new data-driven management tool to measure disturbances to karst terrains by tourism was developed. The KTMI consist of an Overall Score category that is broken down into the two main categories of Management and Tourism. The KTMI contains 168 indicators that all need to be scored individually to obtain results, with Management containing 100 of the indicators and Tourism containing the other 68 indicators.
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Richards, Danette Trudy Ward. "Geomorphological and environmental studies of karst, Northwest Nelson, New Zealand." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Geology, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5560.
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This study describes the characteristics of the karst terrains and evaluates the surface and subsurface processes operating on the karst systems located between the Takaka and Riwaka Valleys, northwest Nelson, New Zealand. The purpose of this study is to differentiate between natural environmental and human induced changes in the karst system, and where possible, quantify human impacts.
Detailed geomorphological mapping at 1:7500 scale was used to compile an inventory of the karst geomorphology. Geomorphological classification of the surface karst features and an assessment of the lithological and geological variations resulted in the identification of eight karst land systems or zones, in which a similar pattern of topography, hydrology, surface features and soils are recognised. Based on the predominant landforming processes, the karst zones: Kairuru, Takaka Plateau, Canaan South, Canaan North, Pikikiruna, Takaka Walkway, East Takaka and Pohara, are categorised into three groups.
Solution is the dominant process in the first group (Takaka Plateau and Takaka Walkway) which is characterised by internal drainage and a lack of surface streams, rolling topography, numerous, well-formed dolines and karren, and exposed rock surfaces. In the second group (Canaan South, Canaan North, and Pikikiruna), wide karst valleys, numerous alluvial dolines, covered rock surfaces and focused allogenic recharge occur in response to combined fluvial and solutional processes operating on low slope angles. Fluvio-karst processes are also active in the third group, comprising the Kairuru, East Takaka and Pohara zones. This group is characterised by incised karst valleys, mixed drainage systems, steep slopes, and limited doline development. It varies from the low slope - fluviokarst group in that overland flow and lateral solution are common because of the steeper slope gradients.
The eight karst zones are useful management units and the vulnerabilities of the karst to human activities has been evaluated using these zones. The primary impact in the zones of the first group is soil erosion. The presently exposed marble surfaces in these karst zones reflect the loss of 10 - 30cm of soil following land clearance c.100 years ago. The impacts of stream and subsurface sedimentation and water quality degradation dominate in the other zones because of focused runoff, allochthonous soils and higher intensity of land use.
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North, Leslie A. "Informal Karst Education in the United States and Internationally." Scholar Commons, 2011. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/3265.
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Despite the abundance of karst terrains and the important role they play in a wide variety of roles including supplying freshwater drinking supplies, no single, comprehensive study investigates the role of informal education for the improved understanding and protection of the terrains. Commonly overlooked anthropogenic karst disturbances partially occur because of the poor dissemination of scientific information to the general populace and policymakers and budgetary and time constraints of municipalities, thus generating a need to use informal education to fill these shortcomings. The purpose of this study was to: 1) establish the status of and quantify the amount of karst-related informal education efforts pursued in the United States and abroad, 2) reveal if any differences in the nature of educational material exist with ownership (i.e. private vs. governmental) at karst attractions, and 3) evaluate the outcomes of increasing the educational karst material presented to show cave visitors through guided tours. The results of this study reveal that karst education is overall lacking in the United States and internationally, the focus of most recent educational endeavors is bats, and educational programs for children far outnumber the quantity of programs available to adult learners. This research also reveals that disconnects between the actuality of current show cave program characteristics and tour guide and manager opinions about informal karst education are abundant. Furthermore, although differences exist in the nature of the educational material presented to visitors during guided tours, the quality and quantity of material at both privately- and publicly-owned facilities is often significantly lacking. Yet, through field-based research this research proves minimal changes to tour content and guide re-training, can result in successfully increasing visitor karst knowledge while simultaneously maintaining the entertainment value of show cave operations.
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Dinsmore, Michael A. "Origin and Evolution of Sinkholes on the Bellevue-Castalia Karst Plain, North-Central Ohio." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1320933862.
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Kambesis, Patricia. "Agricultural Contaminant Source and Transport in a Karst Groundwater Basin." TopSCHOLAR®, 2007. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/426.
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Agricultural land use in areas that are located in karst groundwater basins negatively impact groundwater quality because karst terrains provide multiple, direct hydrologic connections from the surface into karst aquifers. The connections and rapid velocities associated with surface and subsurface flow in karst aquifers allow for contaminants to move quickly into and through a groundwater basin. When groundwater returns to the surface via a spring or springs, any contaminants within the water become part of surface streams and rivers. These in turn, impact water quality in areas located downstream of the spring or springs. The purpose of this study was to identify the source and movement of agricultural contaminants in a karst groundwater basin within the context of local climate, hydrogeology and land use. The study area is a fluvio-karst groundwater basin located in the Corn Belt of northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Land use is predominantly agricultural in nature. Dye tracing, both qualitative and quantitative, resulted in the delineation of the Coldwater Cave Groundwater basin and illustrated that the boundaries of the basin could change as a result of precipitation events. Investigation of basin and aquifer characteristics, stream water temperature monitoring, and evaluation of cave map data and karst feature inventories determined that the surface and subsurface hydrogeology in the study area was very well integrated. Water sampling and analysis documented that agricultural contaminants, specifically nitrates, bacteria, and atrazine impact the quality of the surface water and groundwater within the basin. A ribotyping project that was done in conjunction with the thesis work showed the source of bacteria to be from cattle and humans. Nitrogen isotope analyses indicated that the source of nitrates was from ammonium fertilizers and from septic system wastes. Atrazine, at levels well below the MCL standards established by EPA, and its metabolite deethylatrzine (DEA) were detected in the groundwater year round. Contaminant load was calculated for nitrates, bacteria, and atrazine. Lowest contaminant loads occurred during the winter months of November, December, and January, when freezing temperatures minimized groundwater recharge. Contaminant load varied between high and low concentrations during the months of February and March reflecting the diurnal change between above and below freezing surface temperatures. Contaminant loads were highest during May through October when storm events are common. Contaminant load and transport are a function of the interaction of local hydrogeology and climate.
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Barren, Gregory John. "Epiphytic Diatom Community Structure in a Karst Riverine System." TopSCHOLAR®, 2015. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1474.
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The goal of this study was to assess the epiphytic diatom community structure of two host species along a karst gradient in the upper Green River, Kentucky to a gain a better understanding of the role of diatoms in the food web. The host species studied were Podostemum ceratophyllum and Cladophora. Percent cover of P. ceratophyllum and Cladophora were quantified in the four study reaches. The host species were sampled near-shore and mid-channel in each reach in September and October of 2013. After diatoms were extracted from the host and enumerated the density and diversity were quantified. Twelve genera were identified with > 91% of the community in each reach being Cocconeis. The second most abundant genus was Achnanthes or Navicula depending on the reach. The density and diversity of diatoms increased longitudinally going downstream. Exceptions to this trend occurred when high flow events disturbed the community. Within reaches there were no differences in diatom diversity in near-shore and mid-channel habitats. Diatom density in near-shore and mid-channel habitats was only different in the most downstream reach. Cladophora had a community twice as dense as P. ceratophyllum, but less diverse. The results of this study indicate that there are longitudinal differences in diatom communities in the upper Green River and host species are an important factor in determining the community composition. The importance of epiphytic diatoms in the food web, however, remains unclear.
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Brown, Leslie. "Inception and subsequent development of conduits in the Cuilcagh karst, Ireland." Thesis, University of Huddersfield, 2005. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/4658/.
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This thesis explores speleogenesis within the Dartry Limestone Formation of Cuilcagh Mountain by considering the hydrogeology of the aquifer in the modern setting but also by considering its evolution since it was deposited during Asbian (Dinantian) times. Due to the synclinal structure of the region, which gently plunges northwestwards, the aquifer remains buried beneath the upland and is not exposed to the south. However, the formation outcrops along its northern and eastern upland margins where resurgences drain the aquifer via an extensive network of cave systems, which include Marble Arch Cave. In the west, the aquifer lies near surface but a significant artesian resurgence, Shannon Pot Rising, emerges from the aquifer via c. 20m of overlying sandstones and shales. Water tracing experiments undertaken during this research project have added significant clarity to the hydrological regime that operates within this karst aquifer. These tests have shown that whilst extensive conduit systems are present at the eastern and northern margins of the uplands, Shannon Pot Rising in the west is the outlet for a regional conduit system that operates beneath Cuilcagh Mountain where the aquifer remains buried and in places confined. Water tracing has also identified that the boundary between the regional and marginal systems correlates to an igneous intrusion, the Cuilcagh Dyke. Hydrochemical data from Shannon Pot Rising indicates that the regional system has both shallow and deep flow components. This and hydrogeological evidence indicates that Shannon Pot developed as an overflow and that it's conduits formed at depth and unrelated to surface processes. Study of the cave systems at the eastern and northern margins have identified a number of lithological discontinuities within the sequence that have guided conduit inception within the aquifer. These early systems were later modified when the aquifer became unconfined and surface karst landforms developed.
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Antle, Stacy Wayne. "Indirect Greenhouse Gas Dynamics in Karst Groundwater Systems under Agricultural Land Use." TopSCHOLAR®, 2018. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3082.
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Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a major global environmental concern, because their concentrations have continuously increased over the past few centuries, due to global population growth, fossil fuel dependency, and the Industrial Revolution. Since these gases are naturally occurring phenomena, they will never be completely eliminated. Efforts to reduce them span numerous scientific attempts, with minimal improvements in reducing their atmospheric concentrations. In agricultural land practices, greenhouse gases are common byproducts that affect the atmosphere and, potentially, the groundwater where livestock and fertilizers are key contributors. Little is known about the fate of such greenhouse gases in dissolved form, known as indirect greenhouse gases, especially (CH4 and N2O) in karst landscapes. At Crumps Cave, indirect greenhouse gases were analyzed for seasonal changes along with other geochemistry parameters to identify if anthropogenic land use effected greenhouse gases production in the epikarst and bedrock. This study revealed that CO2 flux is mainly controlled by natural vegetation and seasonal influences. In contrast, CH4 is produced and consumed continuously in the epikarst and bedrock, where decay of organic matter is the primary driver for seasonal change and temperature has little effect on methanogens and methanotrophs survival, because of their ability of adaptation to the environment. N2O, via the nitrogen cycle in which nitrification/denitrification occurs, is directly affected by land use during fertilizer
application and crop rotation. Nitrates from the surface provide a nitrogen source for denitrification to occur and produce elevated N2O in the groundwater system, because residence time is decreased and dissolved oxygen is elevated. Indirect greenhouse gases are linked to karst groundwater systems, where they may be transported and stored in karst aquifers under agricultural land use practices through complex interactions of groundwater recharge, microbial activity, and seasonal land use variability.
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Kaiser, Rachel Anne. "An Urban Karst Aquifer Resource Evaluation and Monitoring Toolbox." TopSCHOLAR®, 2019. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3142.
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In urban karst areas, such as the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky and the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Area, groundwater quality faces a variety of threats. The development of residential, commercial, and industrial landuse types allows for a wide variety of groundwater pollutants to enter the karst groundwater systems. Various different models and indices have attempted evaluative approaches to identify issues in urban karst areas, but the methods vary by location and lack a focus on urban karst groundwater quality. There also exists a lack of a data-driven approach that is able to capture short- and long-term changes in threats to groundwater quality as a result of urbanization. The overall purpose of this study was to develop a holistic, data-driven evaluation toolbox with threat, vulnerability, and monitoring assessment tools for urban karst groundwater systems to better determine the possible threats, data collection needs, monitoring parameters, and analytical approaches needed to ensure groundwater quality is maintained in urban karst regions. This study focused on: 1) determining what indicators, parameters, resolution, and data quality need to be prioritized to create an effective, holistic monitoring framework for urban karst groundwater, and 2) developing an effective assessment and evaluative tools for urban karst groundwater quality sites using historic and modern data in an urban karst setting. The outcomes include an Urban Karst Aquifer Resource Evaluation (UKARE) Toolbox with a Threat, Vulnerability, and Monitoring evaluation tools that were applied and validated through application of the Toolbox using case studies in the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky and the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Area in Florida. The results demonstrate the universal applicability of the UKARE Toolbox to different urban karst sites and its effectiveness at scoring for threats and vulnerabilities, as well as identifying potential monitoring sites through primary data collection of water quality parameters and emerging pathogens at over 150 sites between both study areas. The final results of this study are useful to develop monitoring and management plans through a standardized scoring and evaluation tool in order to influence urban karst groundwater monitoring and management.
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Broome, John D. "Simulation Modeling of Karst Aquifer Conduit Evolution and Relations to Climate." TopSCHOLAR®, 2008. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/36.
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ABSTRACT Karst regions of the world that receive relatively similar amounts of precipitation display a wide variety of landscapes. It has been suggested (Groves and Meiman, 2005) that climates exhibiting larger discrete storm events have more dissolving power and consequently higher rates of conduit growth than climates with more uniform precipitation distributions. To study this concept, a computer program “Cave Growth” was developed that modeled the growth of a cross-section of a cave passage under dynamic flow and chemical conditions. A series of 46 simulation datasets were created to represent different climatic conditions. These simulations had the same total annual discharge, but demonstrated a range of flow distributions quantified by use of a gamma distribution index, along with two special theoretical cases.
After simulating a year of conduit growth for each of the various flow distributions in a series of model runs, and repeating these sets of simulations for three different passage cross-section geometries, it was evident that the annual temporal distribution of flow did indeed impact the amount of cave growth. However, an increase in the “storminess” of the climate did not simply equate to more dissolution and thus conduit growth. Rather, the quantity and duration of surface contact between water and the conduit walls combined with dissolution rates to affect the total growth. The amount of wetted perimeter (contact between fluid and passage floor/walls) generated by specific conduit to capacity were shown to be very effective at growing the cave. Above this level, the dissolving power of additional water was essentially wasted. This investigation suggests that the maximum amount of passage flow levels depended upon the shape of the passage. Flow conditions that filled the growth occurs under flow conditions that result in the most wetted perimeter for the longest period of time at the highest dissolution rate.
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Arpin, Sarah Marie. "Karst Hydrogeology of the Haney Limestone, South-Central Kentucky." TopSCHOLAR®, 2013. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1253.
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South-central Kentucky has one of the world’s most intensively studied karstareas, with most work focusing on the Mammoth Cave System and related caves and aquifers. However, slightly higher in the stratigraphic section than Mammoth Cave, the Haney Limestone is a locally important but less well studied carbonate aquifer. This research provides the most comprehensive synthesis to date of the karst hydrogeology of the Haney Limestone of south-central Kentucky, focusing on the distribution and controls on cave and karst features developed within. In contrast to drainage systems within the major limestones below, joints are the most dominant control on passage development in the Haney Limestone within the study area and the orientation of these joints is consistent with that of regional joint sets. Bedding planes and the presence of insoluble rock at the base of the Haney also exert control on conduit development in the Haney Limestone. Most of the caves of the study area developed in the Haney Limestone are singleconduit caves that receive water through direct, allogenic sources. Cave entrances are frequently perennial spring resurgences and the presence of active streams suggests that the caves function within the contemporary landscape, acting as drains for localized recharge areas. The hydrology of the Haney Limestone plays an important, if localized, role in the regional hydrology of south-central Kentucky, integrated into the current system of surface and subsurface drainage of the regional karst landscape. Evidence supports the idea that caves of the Haney Limestone are, geologically, relatively recent phenomena. A majority of the cave passages in the study area are hydrologically active, the water resurging from the sampled springs is typically undersaturated with respect to limestone, and the caves in some case appear to be developed along potential stress release fractures associated with small, apparently young valleys. This suggests that caves in the Haney Limestone were not directly influenced by the incision of the Green River over vast periods, like Mammoth Cave, but that cave development is a largely contemporary process.
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Pauliukevičiūtė, Grybauskienė Vilda. "Irrigation Scheduling for Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) Seedlings." Doctoral thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2011. http://vddb.laba.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2010~D_20110908_114726-07715.
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The objectives of the thesis: • to analyse evapotranspiration of Norway spruce seedlings in irrigated and non-irrigated fields by applying lysimetric method; • to determine crop coefficient of spruce seedlings; • to measure dynamics of soil humidity during vegetation period; • to determine influence of irrigation regime on qualitative indices of spruce seedlings; • to determine optimal irrigation regime; • to set economic advantage of irrigation of Norway spruce seedlings.Darbo uždaviniai: • ištirti paprastosios eglės sodinukų suminį išgaravimą drėkinamuose ir nedrėkinamuose plotuose lizimetriniu metodu; • nustatyti eglės sodinukų biologinius koeficientus; • įvertinti dirvožemio drėgmės dinamiką vegetacijos laikotarpiu; • nustatyti drėkinimo režimo įtaką eglės sodinukų kokybiniams rodikliams; • nustatyti optimalų drėkinimo režimą; • nustatyti paprastosios eglės sodinukų drėkinimo ekonominį efektyvumą.
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Shelley, James Adam. "Monitoring and Evaluating the Influences of Class V Injection Wells on Urban Karst Hydrology." TopSCHOLAR®, 2018. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3086.
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The response of a karst aquifer to storm events is often faster and more severe than that of a non-karst aquifer. This distinction is often problematic for planners and municipalities, because karst flooding does not typically occur along perennial water courses; thus, traditional flood management strategies are usually ineffective. The City of Bowling Green (CoBG), Kentucky is a representative example of an area plagued by karst flooding. The CoBG, is an urban karst area (UKA), that uses Class V Injection Wells to lessen the severity of flooding. The overall effectiveness, siting, and flooding impact of Injection Wells in UKA’s is lacking; their influence on groundwater is evident from decades of recurring problems in the form of flooding and groundwater contamination. This research examined Class V Injection Wells in the CoBG to determine how Injection Well siting, design, and performance influence urban karst hydrology. The study used high-resolution monitoring, as well as hydrologic modeling, to evaluate Injection Well and spring responses during storm and baseflow conditions. In evaluating the properties of the karst aquifer and the influences from the surrounding environment, a relationship was established between precipitation events, the drainage capacity of the Injection Wells, and the underlying karst system. Ultimately, the results from this research could be used to make sound data-driven policy recommendations and to inform stormwater management in UKAs.
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Williams, Richard James. "Karst-associated bauxite deposits of Parnassos-Ghiona, Central Greece : ore genesis and structural evolution." Thesis, University of Brighton, 2014. https://research.brighton.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/2b04d019-0696-4544-a13d-b2de8971a69b.
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The karst-associated bauxites of the Parnassos-Ghiona zone in Central Greece are part of the large Mesozoic age Mediterranean Karst Bauxite belt. Greece is responsible for around 50% of European bauxite production, and has an estimated 600 million tonnes of bauxite reserves. This investigation focuses on the bauxites of Mount Iti and Mount Ghiona, two mountains in the west of the Parnassos-Ghiona zone that are currently being explored and mined by Greek bauxite producer, Elmin S.A. The aim was to develop a better geological understanding of the ore genetic history and regional structural evolution to aid ore deposit science and bauxite exploration. Within the Parnassos-Ghiona zone the bauxites were deposited as three separate ore horizons intercalated with thick limestone layers during the early Jurassic, late Jurassic and late Cretaceous. Only the upper two bauxite horizons are economic and therefore formed the focus of this investigation.
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Bandy, Ashley M. "Mobility of Escherichia coli within Karst Terrains, Kentucky, USA." UKnowledge, 2016. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/ees_etds/38.
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Bacterial contamination of karst aquifers is a concern as water quality across the globe deteriorates in the face of decreasing water security. This study examined the transport and attenuation of two non-virulent isolates of Escherichia coli in relation to traditional groundwater tracers such as rhodamine WT dye and latex microspheres in two karst regions in Kentucky. Differential movement between the four tracers was observed in both epikarst and karst aquifer traces, with differences in behavior dependent on flow conditions. Attenuation was greater for the bacterial isolate containing the iha gene, compared to the isolate containing the kps gene. Microspheres of comparable size (1 µm diameter) were more easily remobilized during increases in discharge during the observed periods for both study sites. Bacteria were remobilized during storm events over 1 month after injection. Recoveries of tracers that were < 100% combined with observed remobilization during storm events illustrate the storage capacity of epikarst and karst aquifers with regard to potential contaminants.
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Ross, Allison H. "Modeling Stormwater Pollutant Transport in a Karst Region--Bowling Green, Kentucky." TopSCHOLAR®, 2009. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/105.
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The management of stormwater runoff is a particular challenge for communities in karst regions. Most guidelines for compliance with regulations for stormwater monitoring and mapping pertain to non-karst environments. It can be argued that effective stormwater management is even more essential to karst regions because stormwater receives little or no natural filtration as it is transferred through conduits in the subsurface and the buildup of pollutants underneath can be detrimental to community and environmental health if not effectively mitigated. Because of the limited resources available to determine how stormwater runoff carries potential pollutants across the surface before being transferred to the karst subsurface and then reentering back on the surface across the landscape, this study aims to use geographic information systems (GIS) to investigate this problem. The objectives of this study are twofold. The first objective is to understand the transport mechanisms for stormwater runoff and how the movement through karst systems differs from non-karst systems, especially in regards to the surface and subsurface interactions. The second objective is to develop a general procedure for predicting stormwater runoff pathways in karst regions using GIS technologies and spatial analysis techniques – including identifying which data and techniques are essential to analyze surface and subsurface processes - to improve stormwater monitoring effectiveness.
The premise of this study is broken down into a conceptual model with three significant components: Surface Input (stormwater runoff on surface), Subsurface Transport (stormwater transport through subsurface), and Output to Surface (output of stormwater to the surface via springs). The first component utilizes Hydrological Analysis and Network Analysis techniques to determine stormwater runoff pathways from potential point-source pollutant sites across surface to injection points where runoff enters subsurface. The second component uses Spatial Interpolation Techniques and Hydrological Analysis to predict subsurface accumulation areas that collect runoff from injection points and subsurface conduit pathways to output locations. The third and final component examines the output of the runoff back to the surface and identifies the locations where stormwater runoff can be sampled.
The analyses of the Surface Input component proved to be effective in predicting the behavior of stormwater runoff between pollutant sites and their corresponding injection points. The analyses of the Subsurface Transport captured the overall patterns in the inferred dye tracing pathways that were used as the control dataset. The Output to Surface established the linkages among RCRA sites, their corresponding injection points and ultimately their output springs. These findings are very useful in developing informed stormwater sampling strategies and plans. In future investigations, these results could be verified with stormwater sampling and additional dye tracings and can be improved in two ways: more complete datasets of all stormwater features in the area – especially springs and drywells, and a more extensive and equally distributed dataset for groundwater depths across the study area to create a more accurate interpolated potentiometric surface.
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Husic, Admin. "NUMERICAL MODELING AND ISOTOPE TRACERS TO INVESTIGATE KARST BIOGEOCHEMISTRY AND TRANSPORT PROCESSES." UKnowledge, 2018. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ce_etds/70.
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This dissertation investigated the physical and biogeochemical processes affecting the source, fate, and transport of sediment, carbon, and nitrogen within a highly-coupled fluviokarst system. Elemental and isotopic datasets were collected at surface and subsurface locations for both dissolved and particulate contaminant phases, new methodology regarding data collection was presented to the karst research community, an in-cave sediment transport model coupling physical transport with elemental and isotopic mass balances of carbon and nitrogen was formulated, pathway and process control on nitrate leaching from agricultural karst watersheds was assessed, and nitrate mobilization and fractionation were modeled using high frequency storm sampling and long-term low-flow sampling. Data and modeling results indicate that phreatic karst conduits are transport-limited during hydrologic events and experience subsurface deposition of labile, storm-injected sediment which is subsequently decomposed by heterotrophic bacteria. An estimated 30% of the organic carbon associated with sediment is decomposed during transport in the subsurface karst. Concentrations of nitrate in subsurface waters are consistently 50% greater than surface inputs suggesting an additional source of subsurface nitrate. Further modeling of nitrate leaching indicates that quick-flow water sources dilute nitrate concentrations and slow-flow (epikarst and phreatic) sources account for approximately 90% of downstream nitrate delivery. Field sampling of extreme events highlights the physical transport and delayed release of high nitrate concentrations by intermediate karst pathways, which is likely associated with a transition from epikarst to soil drainage during storm recession. Modeling of sediment carbon and nitrogen within the karst SFGL supports the idea that the cave sediment bed experiences hot spots and hot moments of biogeochemical activity. Sediment nitrogen tracing data show a significant increase in δ15NSed at the spring outlet relative to karst inputs indicating the potential for isotope fractionation effects during dissolved N uptake by cave biota. Dissolved nitrogen stable isotopic composition shows a significant downstream decrease in δ15NNO3 within the conduit, likely associated with nitrification. Data and modeling results of sediment, carbon, and nitrogen emphasize the role of multiple pathways, turbulent transport, and in-conduit transformations in controlling contaminant flux from karst watersheds.
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Webster, James William. "Radon Contamination of Residences in a City Built Upon a Karst Landscape Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky." TopSCHOLAR®, 1990. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1682.
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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 8 to 12% of U.S. homes have radon concentrations that equal or exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/l). A statewide screening of Kentucky by EPA resulted in an average residential radon concentration of 2.8 pCi/l with 17% of the homes at or above 4 pCi/l. EPA requires routine monitoring and maintenance or worker health records in mines and caves having radon daughter concentrations at or above 0.30 working levels (WL).
Bowling Green is a city located in a karst region of south central Kentucky. Residents of Bowling Green have been subjected to various environmental hazards that are closely linked with the landscape. Of particular concern has been the recurring problem of chemical fumes rising from contaminated caves and collecting in buildings.
The author has recorded radon daughter concentrations in excess of 5 WLs in caves beneath Bowling Green. A preliminary screening of residential radon concentrations in Bowling Green resulted in an average concentration of 25.8 pCi/l. Two of the test results were above 100 pCi/l and were recorded in homes that were known to have a history of fume problems. These results spurred this thesis which addresses the magnitude of residential radon contamination in Bowling Green and its association with the karst landscape.
The investigation involved radon daughter testing in Bowling Green caves and residential radon testing. A total of 84 measurements were conducted in order to establish a working average residential radon concentration for the city. Twelve other tests were performed in buildings known to have a history of chemical fume problems. The resulting average residential radon concentration was 9.06 pCi/l. First floor measurements averaged 4.73 pCi/l, and basement measurements averaged 22.92 pCi/l. The overall average for buildings with a history of fume problems was 35.15 pCi/l with first floors and basements averaging 29.75 and 57.40 pCi/l respectively. Forty-six percent of the homes comprising the sample population equaled or exceeded 4 pCi/l.
The results of the investigation indicate that: Bowling Green Caves sometime have radon daughter concentrations far in excess of 0.30 WL. The average residential radon concentration for Bowling Green exceeds the average for Kentucky obtained by EPA. The percentage of houses that have radon concentrations at or above 4 pCi/l for the study area exceeds the estimated national average of 8 to 12% and the statewide average.
The author suggests that insufficient data was collected to determine whether radon concentrations in Bowling Green homes with a history of chemical fume problems are higher than for the city as a whole.
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Craun, Elizabeth W. 1976. "Engineering and environmental problems in reservoirs constructed in karst terrain case study : the Three Gorges Dam, China." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/84253.
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Nedvidek, Daniel C. "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Regulatory Stormwater Monitoring Protocols on Groundwater Quality in Urbanized Karst Regions." TopSCHOLAR®, 2014. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1407.
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Non-point pollution from stormwater runoff is one of the greatest threats to water quality in the United States today, particularly in urban karst settings. In these settings, the use of karst features and injection wells for stormwater management results in virtually untreated water being directed into the karst aquifer. Currently, no policies exist specifically to provide water quality protections to karst environments. This study utilized a combination of karst stormwater quality data, along with survey data collected from MS4 Phase II communities, and an analysis of current federal, local, and state water quality regulations, to assess the need for karst-specific water quality regulations. Water quality data indicate that significant levels of contamination are mobilized during storm events, and often are directed into the karst system via Class V injection wells. Survey data collected from MS4 stakeholders in the karst regions of Kentucky indicate stakeholders are generally unable to explain local karst regulations or the steps taken to develop them. This confusion comes in part from insufficient progress on evaluation criteria available for the MS4 Minimum Control Measures (MCMs). Karst waters are often placed into the legal “gray zone” due in part to differences in definitions of key terms in state and federal regulations. This study recommends the development of regulations specific to karst waters at the state and federal levels through either the adaptation of existing or creation of new policies, which place an emphasis on the integration of water quality monitoring and karst education.
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Tarvydas, Arūnas. "Žemaitijos nacionalinio parko paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) medynų būklės analizė." Master's thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2009. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2009~D_20090810_130706-55431.
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Didėjant aplinkos taršai ir miškų nykimui, vis didesnę reikšmę įgyja medžių fiziologinės funkcijos ir biocheminės-biofizinės reakcijos. Iš visų medžių rūšių spygliuočiai yra patys jautriausi teršalų indikatoriai, savo morfologiniais pokyčiais signalizuojantys apie pasikeitusią aplinkos būklę.
Žemaitijos nacionalinis parkas įsteigtas Lietuvos Respublikos Aukščiausios Tarybos 1991 m. balandžio 23 d. įsteigtas tam, kad būtų išsaugoti nacionalinės svarbos kraštovaizdžio kompleksai bei antropoekosistemos, reprezentuojančios Žemaitijos etnokultūrinės srities gamtinius ir kultūrinius savitumus, saugoti, tvarkyti ir naudojimui reguliuoti. Nuo septinto dešimtmečio susirūpinus pavienių gamtos ir kultūros objektų – atodangų, medžių, piliakalnių, pastatų ir pan. – išsaugojimu, kai kurioms šio krašto vertybėms buvo suteiktas gamtos ar kultūros paminklo statusas.
Pagal tarptautinio miškų monitoringo metodiką (Manual on Methods <…>, 1994), buvo ištirta Žemaitijos nacionalinio parko 408 paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) apskaitos medžių pagal svarbiausius I-ojo lygio miškų monitoringo rodiklius: Krafto klasę, perimetrą, viršūnės būklę, sausų šakų kiekį, derėjimą, spyglių išsilaikymo amžių, lajos formą, lajos pažeidimo tipą, lajos defoliaciją, 1/3 lajos defoliaciją, vizualiai pastebimus medžių pažeidimus.
Morfologinių rodiklių reikšmės indikuoja, kad Žemaitijos nacionalinio parko eglynų būklė yra gana gera: eglių sausų šakų vidutinis kiekis – 18,62±0,32 %, spyglių išsilaikymo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]While environment pollution and forest disappearance are constantly increasing physiological functions and biochemical – biophysical reactions of trees are gaining growing significance. Conifers are the most sensitive indicators of pollution of all the kinds of trees; they, using their morphological changes, can signalize about aberrant environmental condition. Žemaitijos National Park was established by Lithuanian Republic Highest Council in 1991 in order to conserve the landscape complexes of national importance and anthropoecosystems, representing the nature and culture distinction of Žemaitija ethnografical district. Besides, one of the main purpose of Žemaitija National Park is to save, arrange and regulate the using of these nature and culture resources. In the 7th decade it was bothered about the conserving the single objects – exposures, trees, mounds, buildings etc., some of them was provided the status of nature or culture monument. According to international methods of forestry monitoring (Manual on Methods <…>, 1994), 408 vulgar firs (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst) have been investigated. The main indices of the 1st level forestry monitoring have been assessed: Kraft rating, perimeter, the condition of treetop, the amount of dead branches, crop, the age of thorn persistence, tree form, the type of lesion, defoliation, 1/3 of defoliation and violation that can be seen visually. The age of thorn persistence, defoliation and 1/3 of defoliation have been chosen as main... [to full text]
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North, Leslie A. "Application and refinement of the karst disturbance index in west-central, Florida." [Tampa, Fla.] : University of South Florida, 2007. http://purl.fcla.edu/usf/dc/et/SFE0002147.
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Adams, Ethan. "PATHWAY CONNECTIVITY IN AN EPIGENETIC FLUVIOKARST SYSTEM: INSIGHT FROM A NUMERICAL MODELLING STUDY IN KENTUCKY USA." UKnowledge, 2019. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ce_etds/88.
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Fluviokarst landscapes are dominated by both fluvial and karst features. Interpreting hydrologic pathways of fluviokarst can be confounded by the unknown connectivity of the various flow regimes. A combined discrete-continuum (CDC) hybrid numeric model for simulating the surface and subsurface hydrology and hydraulics in fluviokarst basins was formulated to investigate fluviokarst pathways. This model was applied to the Cane Run Royal Springs basin in Kentucky USA. A priori constraints on parameterization were avoided via multi-stage optimization utilizing Sobol sequencing and high performance computing. Modelling results provide evidence of hydrologic pathways dominated by fracture flow, epikarst transfer and runoff. Fractures in karst basins with high fracture-matrix permeability ratios may influence both springflow and streamflow. Swallet features can be as important as spring features as they are sink features in streamflow during hydrologic events. Inflections in spring hydrographs represent shifts in the surface-subsurface connectivity via the fractures, as opposed to shifts in dominant storage zones. Existing methods of dual- and triunal hydrograph separation of karst springflow may not be directly transferrable to fluviokarst springs. The numerical model herein has advantages of suggesting dominant pathways in complex terrane and highlighting unforeseen surface-subsurface connectivity. However, disadvantages include computational expense and previous site studies.
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Žemaitis, Povilas. "Paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) būklė ir pažeidžiamumas klimato kaitos sąlygomis." Doctoral thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2014. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2014~D_20141205_101207-48046.
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Moksliniai tyrimai rodo, kad XXI a. paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) pažeidžiamumo rizika išaugs. Darbo tikslas – nustatyti paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) būklės ir pažeidžiamumo tendencijas Lietuvoje, įvertinti juos lemiančius veiksnius ir galimą klimato kaitos įtaką. Uždaviniai: nustatyti eglės lajų būklės kaitos dėsningumus 1990–2013 metais skirtinguose Lietuvos klimatiniuose rajonuose ir hidrotopuose bei įvertinti klimato veiksnių ir galimą klimato kaitos įtaką lajų defoliacijai; išaiškinti eglės biotinių ir abiotinių pažeidimų gausos pokyčių tendencijas, nustatyti lemiančius veiksnius bei įvertinti pažeidimų poveikį medžių būklei; nustatyti eglės liemens puvinio paplitimą lemiančius veiksnius ir puvinių įtaką lajų būklei; nustatyti savaiminio žėlimo eglių fenologinių formų struktūros pokytį skirtinguose Lietuvos klimatiniuose rajonuose. Darbo mokslinis naujumas. Pirmą kartą Lietuvoje atlikti sistemingi klimato pokyčių poveikio eglės būklei tyrimai. Išaiškinti svarbiausi klimato veiksniai lemiantys eglių lajų būklę bei įvertintas jų reikšmingumas skirtinguose Lietuvos klimatiniuose rajonuose ir augavietėse augančioms eglėms. Išaiškinti pagrindiniai biotiniai ir abiotiniai eglę pažeidžiantys veiksniai ir įvertinta jų įtaka lajų būklei. Įvertintas eglės liemens puvinio intensyvumo poveikis lajų defoliacijai. Nustatytas savaiminio žėlimo eglių fenologinių formų pasiskirstymas brandžiuose eglynuose ir žėliniuose Lietuvos klimato rajonuose.Research studies indicate that during the XXI century the rate of damages and vulnerability of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) will increase. The aim of the study was to assess changes of condition and vulnerability of Norway spruce in Lithuania and evaluate the impact of the main affecting factors, including climate change. To achieve this aim the following objectives were set up: to evaluate dynamics of spruce crown condition during 1990–2013 period in the different climatic regions of Lithuania and hydrotops and assess the impact of climatic factors on defoliation; to identify factors wish have impact on frequency of biotic and abiotic damages, evaluate dynamics of damages and assess relation between damages and crown condition; to identify factors wish have impact on frequency of wood decay in spruce stands and assess the impact of wood decay on crown defoliation; to assess changes of the spruce phonological structure in different climatic regions of Lithuania. Novelty of the study. For the first time in Lithuania a systematic (integrated) research has been done one the Norway spruce condition in a changing climate. The effects of precipitation and temperature on crown condition in different climatic and site humidity gradients were identified. The key biotic and abiotic damaging factors were identified and was assessed they impact on crown defoliation. Relation of incidence of decay and crown defoliation was identified. Structure of spruce phenological forms... [to full text]
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Willenbrink, Elizabeth. "Policy Communication and the Influence of Agricultural Communities on Karst Landscapes: A Case Study In Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam." TopSCHOLAR®, 2018. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/2076.
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Karst landscapes are vulnerable to human influence, especially agricultural practices. The interconnectedness between surface activities and subsurface environments make karst landscapes particularly susceptible to soil erosion and water contamination. The likelihood of these two phenomena happening increases when agricultural intensification, irrigation, or fertilizer application occurs. This situation arises frequently in Vietnam, where 18% of the country is karst terrain and 60% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods (Farming First 2009). In order to mitigate the negative consequences of agriculture on karst landscapes, effective implementation of policy to regulate human activities and increased communication of these policies to appropriate communities is needed. This study occurred in Phong Nha- Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage site dominated by karst landscapes, extensive agricultural communities, and minimal regulation efforts specific to karst terrains. Interviews, observation, and GPS analysis were used to analyze the effectiveness of policy communication and karst protection in PN-KB. The research revealed that karst protection policy in the region is minimally communicated and, when communicated, often delivered in an ineffective manner to the wrong individuals. Despite the known harm agriculture causes to karst landscapes, intensification, irrigation, and the use of fertilizers still occurs frequently and is often supported by government officials in PN-KB. Policy and karst landscape information is concentrated among park officials and rarely presented in an informal setting, leaving those in most frequent contact with the karst landscape—the farmers—without any information about the vulnerability of karst terrain to agricultural activities and the subsequent consequences to human health. Through analyzing the interactions between farmers and management officials in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, general conclusions on communicating policies to protect karst terrain in agricultural regions can be drawn. The communication of karst science and the implementation of policy to protect karst landscapes must be presented both formally to governing officials and local representatives, as well as through informal networks to general citizens. Through these means of communication, protection for karst landscapes and their inherent natural resources can successfully be implemented.
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Warren, Rachel H. Pauline. "Modifying Ohio’s DRASTIC ground water potential pollution model to account for karst limestone voids and sinkholes." The Ohio State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1556987810146683.
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Žemaitis, Povilas. "Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) condition and disturbances in the changing climate." Doctoral thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2014. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2014~D_20141205_101154-94316.
Full textAbstract:
Research studies indicate that during the XXI century the rate of damages and vulnerability of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) will increase.
The aim of the study was to assess changes of condition and vulnerability of Norway spruce in Lithuania and evaluate the impact of the main affecting factors, including climate change.
To achieve this aim the following objectives were set up: to evaluate dynamics of spruce crown condition during 1990–2013 period in the different climatic regions of Lithuania and hydrotops and assess the impact of climatic factors on defoliation; to identify factors wish have impact on frequency of biotic and abiotic damages, evaluate dynamics of damages and assess relation between damages and crown condition; to identify factors wish have impact on frequency of wood decay in spruce stands and assess the impact of wood decay on crown defoliation; to assess changes of the spruce phonological structure in different climatic regions of Lithuania.
Novelty of the study. For the first time in Lithuania a systematic (integrated) research has been done one the Norway spruce condition in a changing climate. The effects of precipitation and temperature on crown condition in different climatic and site humidity gradients were identified. The key biotic and abiotic damaging factors were identified and was assessed they impact on crown defoliation. Relation of incidence of decay and crown defoliation was identified. Structure of spruce phenological forms... [to full text]Moksliniai tyrimai rodo, kad XXI a. paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) pažeidžiamumo rizika išaugs. Darbo tikslas – nustatyti paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) būklės ir pažeidžiamumo tendencijas Lietuvoje, įvertinti juos lemiančius veiksnius ir galimą klimato kaitos įtaką. Uždaviniai: nustatyti eglės lajų būklės kaitos dėsningumus 1990–2013 metais skirtinguose Lietuvos klimatiniuose rajonuose ir hidrotopuose bei įvertinti klimato veiksnių ir galimą klimato kaitos įtaką lajų defoliacijai; išaiškinti eglės biotinių ir abiotinių pažeidimų gausos pokyčių tendencijas, nustatyti lemiančius veiksnius bei įvertinti pažeidimų poveikį medžių būklei; nustatyti eglės liemens puvinio paplitimą lemiančius veiksnius ir puvinių įtaką lajų būklei; nustatyti savaiminio žėlimo eglių fenologinių formų struktūros pokytį skirtinguose Lietuvos klimatiniuose rajonuose. Darbo mokslinis naujumas. Pirmą kartą Lietuvoje atlikti sistemingi klimato pokyčių poveikio eglės būklei tyrimai. Išaiškinti svarbiausi klimato veiksniai lemiantys eglių lajų būklę bei įvertintas jų reikšmingumas skirtinguose Lietuvos klimatiniuose rajonuose ir augavietėse augančioms eglėms. Išaiškinti pagrindiniai biotiniai ir abiotiniai eglę pažeidžiantys veiksniai ir įvertinta jų įtaka lajų būklei. Įvertintas eglės liemens puvinio intensyvumo poveikis lajų defoliacijai. Nustatytas savaiminio žėlimo eglių fenologinių formų pasiskirstymas brandžiuose eglynuose ir žėliniuose Lietuvos klimato rajonuose.
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Mccrackin, Charles W. "Quasi 3-Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Mapping of Air-filled Karst Conduits and Policy Implications." Scholar Commons, 2012. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/4151.
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This study assesses the capability and practical applications of quasi 3-Dimensional (3D) electrical resistivity surveying (ER) for mapping air-filled karst conduits. Vadose zone caves within the Brooksville Ridge of West Central Florida are relatively similar in architecture, with N-S elongation, and do not consist of an interconnected network of conduits. A high resolution quasi-3D ER survey was performed over two mapped cave systems on the Brooksville Ridge. The resultant survey verified the general effectiveness of quasi-3D ER in locating the two known near-surface cave features. Several other locations in the survey show similar or stronger resistivity anomalies trending in a N-S direction; these are interpreted to represent previously unknown voids. The quality of inversion results were tested by comparing results against the known void locations and by computing cross-over errors from surveys conducted at the same point with different orientations. Our results show that 3D inversions of multiple adjacent parallel profiles produces higher quality results (lower cross-over errors, better fit to cave locations) than 2D inversions. The data indicate that no single value of resistivity can be used as a reliable indicator of the presence of a void, presumably due to variable void size and the complexity in resistivities in the host rock. With sinkholes continuing to be of concern to residential and urban development in West Central Florida, the results of this research show the necessity of applying geophysical techniques in order to reduce the potential hazards posed by karst terrain.
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Kast, Denis [Verfasser]. "Dissipative spin systems in non-Ohmic environments: real-time path integral Monte Carlo-simulations / Denis Kast." Ulm : Universität Ulm. Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften, 2014. http://d-nb.info/1050198689/34.
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McCurdy, Porcha. "Storm Sampling to Assess Inclement Weather Impacts on Water Quality in a Karst Watershed: Sinking Creek, Watauga Watershed, East Tennessee." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2020. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3724.
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Escherichia coli changes in Sinking Creek, an impaired water body in the Watauga watershed of northeast Tennessee, were assessed during storm events using water samples collected with ISCO automated samplers during eight storms at two locations. Turbidity and electrical conductivity (EC) data loggers were deployed in the creek, and dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured in situ to test the stream’s water quality and reaction to inclement weather. Cotton fabric was deployed at both locations and sent to an external lab to test for the presence of Optical Brighteners (OB), which are indicators of residential wastewater. E. coli and turbidity at the creek generally increased within 2.5 hours of a rain event, remaining above the single sample standard for several hours during the storm. At the spring, E. coli became elevated within 30 minutes of precipitation onset, but generally decreased below the standard during the event.
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Harley, Grant L. "A GIS-based inventory of terrestrial caves in West Central Florida : implications on sensitivity, disturbance, ownership and management priority." [Tampa, Fla.] : University of South Florida, 2007. http://purl.fcla.edu/usf/dc/et/SFE0002234.
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Sorsby, Skyler J. "Mountain-Block Recharge to the Cache Valley Principal Aquifer and Geochemical Controls on Groundwater Movement in Alpine Karst." DigitalCommons@USU, 2019. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/7466.
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Groundwater is documented to flow through solution-widened fractures and bedding planes in limestone and dolostone units in low-relief topography. This enhancement, or karstification, is much harder to study in alpine environments like the Bear River Range of northern Utah. This is problematic, due to the fact that the Bear River Range karst aquifer system supplies the City of Logan with a large quantity of water at Dewitt Spring. Furthermore, the karst aquifer sustains the Logan River for much of the year, and may allow groundwater to flow directly in the subsurface to the Cache Valley principal aquifer system.
Flow measurements along the Logan River constrain a minimum volume of 2.32x106 m3 /y (1.88x103 af/y) that could recharge the Cache Valley principal aquifer. Hydraulic characteristics of alpine karst were estimated by analysis of major ions, stable isotopes, and dissolved gases in spring waters. These data reflect quick groundwater flow through caverns, with no evidence for “diffuse” flow anticipated by some to occupy interstitial space. In fact, the oldest reasonable estimated recharge age for groundwater is 70 years. Young recharge, fast flow, and low storage capability indicate that alpine karst aquifers are very sensitive to droughts and that related water resources are vulnerable to longer-term changes in climate.
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Baize, David. "A “Drastic” Evaluation of the Ground-Water Pollution Potential of Karst Terrain: Lost River Ground-Water Basin, Warren County, Kentucky." TopSCHOLAR®, 1990. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1889.
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Karst terrains, such as the Lost River Karst Ground-Water Basin, are extremely vulnerable to ground-water contamination. Seven physical factors: depth to water, recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity, are evaluated using the DRASTIC system to determine the ground-water pollution potential of the study area. A numerical value is calculated for each of the seven factors, and a map layer for each factor is produced. These layers are then “added” together to produce a DRASTIC ground-water pollution potential map. The effectiveness of each factor in evaluating the pollution potential of karst terrain is discussed. It was determined that small scale hydrogeologic features unique to karst areas provide significant influences on contaminant transport that are not addressed by the DRASTIC methodology. Therefore, it is recommended that modifications to the DRASTIC system be made by the users of the DRASTIC system when evaluating the pollution potential of a karst terrain.
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Sidabraitė, Gaivilė. "Paprastosios eglės (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) ir paprastosios pušies (Pinus sylvestris L.) pažeidžiamumo kaita Lietuvoje." Master's thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2014. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2014~D_20140611_135635-73306.
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Bendrą šalies miškų sanitarinę būklę ženkliai veikia paprastosios pušies ir paprastosios eglės formuojamų grynų arba mišrių medynų sveikatingumas, kadangi šios dvi spygliuočių rūšys užima daugiau nei pusę (56,1 %) šalies medynų ploto. Nors per paskutinį dešimtmetį pušynų plotas
padidėjo 9,7 tūkst. ha, tačiau šalies eglynų plotas per tą patį laikotarpį sumažėjo 16,2 tūkst. ha. Kaip viena iš galimų paprastosios eglės formuojamų medynų mažėjimą sukeliančių priežasčių gali būti įvardytas gamtinių veiksnių sukeliamų pažeidimų eglynuose skaičiaus didėjimas. Šių veiksnių įtaka Lietuvos spygliuočių būklei bei kaitos tendencijos įgyja nemažai svarbos besikeičiančio klimato sąlygomis. Šio baigiamojo magistro darbo tikslas – pagal miškų monitoringo duomenis nustatyti biotinių ir abiotinių medžių pažeidimų kaitos pokyčių tendencijas šalies eglynuose ir pušynuose bei įvertinti galimą klimato kaitos įtaką spygliuočių pažeidžiamumui.
Pagal miškų monitoringo duomenis nustatytas gamtinių veiksnių pažeidimų skaičius paprastosios eglės ir paprastosios pušies formuojamuose medynuose leido įvertinti šių medžių rūšių pažeidžiamumo kaitą 1989-2013 metų laikotarpiu. Pažeidimų gausos kitimo vertinimui naudota koreliacinė analizė, o vizualiai identifikuojamų pažeidimų poveikis medžio būklei įvertintas paskaičiavus skirtumus tarp pažeidimo požymius turinčių ir jų neturinčių medžių vidutinės lajos defoliacijos. Taip pat analizuotas ir medžių pažeidimų pasiskirstymas pagal tam tikras klimato sąlygas... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]The condition of coniferous tree species is the main cause of all country forest health because of high proportion of coniferous stands in a country forests. These species cover more than half (56,1 %) of forest land. The area of Scots pine stands expanded by 9700 ha over the last ten years while the area of Norway spruce reduced by 16200 ha during the same period. Damages of biotic and abiotic factors may be called as the one of main cause of this reduction in spruce stands. Moreover the influence of the state of coniferous tree species by these factors increases under the climate change. The aim of this Master thesis is to establish the extent of biotic and abiotic damages and its changes in coniferous stands in Lithuania according to the forest monitoring data and to evaluate the possible influence of climate change to vulnerability of these tree species. According to forest monitoring data the number of biotic and abiotic damages in Norway spruce and Scots pine stands helped to evaluate the tendency of vulnerability of these tree species during the 1989-2013. Moreover, the correlation analysis revealed the changes in the extent of trees’ damages and the influence of visually identifiable damages on the condition of tree has been determined by subtracting the average overgrowth’s defoliation of undamaged trees from damaged trees. Also the distribution of tree damages in different climatic regions in a country was analysed to evaluate the impact of climate change in... [to full text]
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Nehme, Carole. "Apport de l'endokarst dans la reconstitution des paléogéographies et des environnements passés du Mont Liban : application aux vallées de Nahr Antelias et de Nahr el-Kelb." Phd thesis, Université de Grenoble, 2013. http://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00859395.
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Le Liban se caractérise au sein de la Méditerranée orientale par sa diversité climatique, son organisation orographique (littoral/montagne/bassin) et la prépondérance des terrains carbonatés (60 % de son territoire). Ces caractéristiques font que le Liban connait sur un espace relativement réduit une grande diversité de phénomènes karstiques. Il constitue alors un espace-clé pour développer des référentiels tant pour les événements paléogéographiques qu'environnementaux qui puissent être appliquées sur le Proche-Orient. Plusieurs questionnements relatifs à la genèse des paysages et leur évolution restent encore non résolus face à la rareté des témoins morphogéniques de surface. L'endokarst constitue alors une nouvelle archive naturelle et environnementale pour pallier à ces contraintes. Ces archives se situent à la fois dans les formes des réseaux souterrains et dans les enregistrements sédimentaires (dépôts détritiques et chimiques : spéléothèmes). La recherche doctorale se concentre sur "l'apport des enseignements de l'endokarst dans la reconstitution des environnements passés et de la morphogénèse des vallées karstiques'. Les sites d'études retenues dans cette recherche sont situées dans le Mont-Liban central: i) la vallée du Nahr el-Kelb et le réseau de Jeita et, ii) la vallée d'Antelias et la grotte de Kanaan et le réseau de Kassarat-Nabay. La recherche a deux principaux objectifs: i) poser le cadre paléogéographique des principaux systèmes karstiques dépendant de la Méditerranée (systèmes de Jeita et d'Antelias) à partir de l'approche géomorphologique appliquée dans les grottes de Kanaan, de Kassarat-Nabay et de Jeita. Celle-ci met en œuvre la démarche cartographique des systèmes souterrains étudiés pour replacer les différents objets d'étude dans leur contexte spatial, morphogénique et chronologique ; et ii) appréhender les changements environnementaux de cette région liés aux variations climatiques et aux occupations humaines. L'étude sédimentaire (détritique) repose sur une analyse fine (morphoscopique, morphométrique, minéralogique, colorimétrique et magnétique) des dépôts endokarstiques.
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Woodling, Kristen Marie. "LUSAKA, ZAMBIA: PROVISIONS OF WATER IN PERI-URBAN COMMUNITIES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF QUALITATIVE DYE TRACING FOR INVESTIGATION OF KARST GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1407424508.
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Reisch, Chad Edward. "Using stormwater hysteresis to characterize variations in quick and diffuse flowpaths within a conduit dominated karst spring." Master's thesis, Temple University Libraries, 2010. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/103106.
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GeologyM.S.
Groundwater quality in karst systems is difficult to monitor because the extreme heterogeneity within the recharge area and complex subsurface flow network makes flowpaths and travel rates difficult to predict. Understanding how flowpaths vary during storm events is important because water transmitted through conduit flowpaths can travel fast, may come from long distances, and has little filtration of contaminants. The hypothesis tested in this project is that ion ratios in spring discharge will show the timing of changes from diffuse to quick flow depending on storm intensity and antecedent conditions and provide more detail than total ion conductivity. Cedar Run Spring is located in the Cumberland Valley of south-central Pennsylvania. The valley is part of the larger Great Valley Section and is composed of Cambro-Ordovician aged carbonate units, collectively known as the Cumberland Valley Sequence. Initial background monitoring with data loggers and monthly samples indicated that Cedar Run Spring had a conduit component within the flow network. An automated stormwater sampler was installed at the spring and collected twenty-four water samples for major-ion analysis. Storm-intensity conditions ranged from high to low for the four storm events collected. In addition, the antecedent conditions varied from wet to dry. The Mg/Ca ratio characterizes the flowpath through which the water moves. A higher ratio indicates more diffuse flow because slower flow paths are needed to dissolve dolomite (which contains Mg), while a lower ratio indicates more conduit flow because calcite (Ca dominant) dissolves more readily. Hysteresis loops of conductivity versus discharge rotated counterclockwise because conductivity decreased on the rising limb of storm response, followed by an increase on the falling limb for all but the winter storm, which was influenced by road salt. In contrast, hysteresis loops for Mg/Ca versus discharge rotated in a clockwise direction for all but one of the storm events because of an increase in Mg/Ca that indicated a flush of older matrix water. The storm event that did not display in initial increase in Mg/Ca was apparently flushed by a recent previous storm event. Mg/Ca hysteresis for the storm events that were diffuse displayed several sharp increases and decrease in addition to several smaller hysteresis loops in response to multiple slugs of recharge water. These variations were not indicated in overall conductivity. High intensity events displayed a quick switch in flowpaths, as indicated by the increase in Mg/Ca early on the rising limb, and a single hysteresis loop. The rapid change in Mg/Ca suggested that during storm events water was able to enter the karst system through sinkholes, then activated flowpaths with older matrix water. Mg/Ca proved to be better at tracking the variability in flowpaths during storm events than the overall conductivity, because Mg/Ca is directly related to water-rock interactions.
Temple University--Theses
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Kovarik, Johanna L. "A Composite Spatial Model Incorporating Groundwater Vulnerability and Environmental Disturbance to Guide Land Management." Scholar Commons, 2015. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/5863.
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Research has long recognized and studied the dynamics of groundwater processes. More recently, groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are being recognized for their diversity and vulnerability to anthropogenic impact. Groundwater in karst landscapes presents a distinctive situation where flow through the subsurface often moves rapidly on the scale of days and weeks as opposed to years or millennia in other systems. This distinctive situation of karst systems and their vulnerability to human impacts necessitate an integrated and multifaceted approach for the management of these important resources. However, development of such an approach is complicated by the difficulty of obtaining detailed data about the ecosystem, especially in remote areas of developing countries. Additionally, management difficulties related to political boundaries, jurisdictions, and land ownership can result in ineffective and inconsistent policies and practices across a single catchment. In order to address these issues, this dissertation creates a new composite model for groundwater dependent ecosystem (GDE) management in areas of karst development. Within this new composite model, the combination of the Karst Disturbance Index (KDI) and groundwater vulnerability mapping recognizes both human disturbance and how the physical nature of the karst will enhance this impact. These studies bridge the gap between science and management by connecting the final model to management strategies for a sub-catchment of the Rio la Venta watershed, the majority of which is within the Reserva de la Biosfera Selva el Ocote in Chiapas, Mexico. This composite model serves as an adaptable spatial tool for management planning and protection for all components of the karst environment.
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Baker, Ted W. "Water Quality Impacts from Agricultural Land-Use in the Karst Groundwater Basin of Qingmuguan, Chongqing, China." TopSCHOLAR®, 2008. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/37.
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Karst regions are composed of soluble rock, often limestone, which leads to the formation of fissures, sinkholes and water flow conduits such as caves. Pollutants in karst waters tend to be quickly directed and concentrated into these subsurface conduits. As a result of this and other factors, water resources are especially sensitive to contamination and pollution in karst areas. Pollutant concentrations going into fluvial systems travelling through the subsurface in karst areas are often very similar to the concentrations arriving at outlets such as springs. Areas connected by karst conduit flows must be distinctly determined and special attention should be given to water quality impacts from land-use practices near conduit inputs. The climate which affects a certain karst area can also have different impacts on water resources considerations. For example, in the temperate climate of Kentucky precipitation is essentially even in distribution throughout the year. In contrast, southwest China is affected by a monsoon climate with high precipitation in the spring to summer and drier conditions in other seasons. In the wet season large storm pulses can effectively transport contaminants to water sources resulting in loads that can be unhealthy for frequent human consumption in drinking water. The dry seasons can be particularly severe in karst areas as water quickly drains to the subsurface, making water access a major hardship. The research for this study focused on the seasonal influences that the climate of southwest China poses for water quality, including differences in pesticide concentrations between agricultural and residential areas hydrologically linked by karst conduits. In late 2007 the fluvial connections in a simple karst system near Chongqing were confirmed using dye tracing techniques. Once these connections were established and the flow of the subterranean stream was assessed, the transport of agricultural runoff in the system was studied. Data loggers were used to record continuous data of the water conditions, including nitrate concentrations. The pesticides in the agricultural runoff entering and exiting the subterranean stream were quantified using ELISA methods. The concentrations were found to be within safe limits for drinking water. The hypothesis that there is a close relationship between concentrations of the pesticides glyphosate, chlorothalonil, and triazines in the input and the output of the system was supported by the results. When considering the hydrology and water chemistry data of the site, along with the water samples tested for pesticides, non-parametric statistical testing showed the correlations between these factors to be significant with p<0.01. The percent difference between the input and the output concentrations of glyphosate, chlorothalonil, and triazines were 31, 43, and 57% respectively. Taking into account the rapid and direct flows in this karst system, the concentrations of the pesticides found in the output were more similar to the input than would be expected in a surface stream. This suggests that there are fewer natural remediation effects reducing contamination in subsurface karst rivers of southwest China than in surface rivers. Therefore, these systems should be handled with extra attention to possible contamination of water resources. The research was conducted in the spring and summer of 2007-2008 and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
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Warden, John G. "FEASIBILITY OF USING 15N-ENRICHED ESCHERICHIA COLI AS A BACTERIAL TRACER IN THE CANE RUN/ROYAL SPRING BASIN, KENTUCKY." UKnowledge, 2010. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/64.
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A novel tracer method has used 15N to label Escherichia coli and track the transport of bacteria, a common contaminant, through karst aquifers. Use of this method could provide valuable insight into the movement of bacteria in aquifers, which would help improve remediation methods and strategies. A wild strain of E. coli was isolated from the Cane Run/Royal Spring basin in the Inner Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The strain was serotyped O-:H- and virulence testing showed the strain did not have virulence factors of E. coli commonly pathogenic to humans. Five karst microcosms were filled with sterilized water collected from Royal Spring in Georgetown, Kentucky. Each microcosm was inoculated with wild-type E. coli, enriched in 15N, and incubated at 14° C for 130 days. The microcosms were periodically sampled for the concentration and nitrogen isotope composition of E. coli over 130 days. The E. coli survived at concentrations within one log of the average initial value of 5.62×1010 for the duration of the study. Statistical modeling showed no significant difference in δ15N values from day 1 and day 130. This strain is therefore recommended for traces in the Cane Run/Royal Spring basin.
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Nolfi, Daniel C. "National Park Service Cave and Karst Resources Management Case Study: Great Smoky Mountains National Park." TopSCHOLAR®, 2011. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1053.
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As discussed in the National Parks Service’s (NPS) Directors Orders/Natural Resources Management Reference Manual #77 and the 2006 NPS Management Policy Handbook, implementing a management plan specifically for cave and karst resources within a national park is paramount to afford these resources appropriate protection. With support from the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act and the National Park Service Organic Act of 1906, management actions protecting caves has begun to place significant importance outside the traditional cave environment onto a broader karst landscape. The need to understand and protect the karst environment and caves as a karst resource has taken a much larger role in the scientific literature and has increased interest in its federal management application. Proactive management through the use of holistic karst wide management plans and programs is shown to provide superior measures for resource protection when compared to the shortcomings associated with reactive cave focused management. The use of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) as a case study supports the need to develop and implement a proactive cave and karst management plan specific to their resources. Management decisions with regards to cave and karst resources currently follow the park's general directives and Superintendent's Compendium. GRSM’s caves and karst areas represent unique resources, such as extensive vertical relief and rare biota, requiring special management in order to effectively protect them and to manage those who study and recreate within them. Characteristics such as these necessitate holistically addressing management of these resources.