Start Date
15-2-2013 10:45 AM
Description
The current length of the Flint Ridge-Mammoth Cave System (to be called Mammoth Cave System for the rest of this paper) has been attained by a series of connections instigated by cave explorers/mappers of the Cave Research Foundation (CRF) and Central Kentucky Karst Coalition (CKKC). Between 1961 and 2011, connections have expanded the surveyed extent of the cave system to its current “official” length of 390 miles (650 km). Connections do not happen serendipitously; rather, systematic exploration is the key to successful connections. CRF and other groups working in the Mammoth Cave area have adopted a method of systematic exploration that involves mapping cave passages, correlating the surveyed cave passages and their elevations with topographic maps, aerial photographs, and elevation controls such as geographic surface benchmarks (Kambesis 2007). But most important is translating that data into cave maps projected onto topographic overlays. Cave maps and overlays reveal not only the extent of the cave system, but also invoke an understanding of the geological and hydrological conditions that control cave passage development and distribution (Kambesis 2007). Georeferenced cave maps along with geological and hydrological insight are what provide the perspective on cave connection potential and drives exploration objectives and priorities. Incorporating these data into a GIS system is proving to be a valuable exploration tool and one that is currently being used to work toward the next big connection to the Mammoth Cave System – that of Whigpistle Cave System. This paper focuses on the potentials toward making that next big connection and the work necessary to accomplish it.
Recommended Citation
Kambesis, Patricia; Despain, Joel; and Groves, Chris, "The Making of a Connection: Exploration/Survey in Whigpistle Cave System" (2013). Mammoth Cave Research Symposia. 8.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/mc_reserch_symp/10th_Research_Symposium_2013/Day_two/8
Included in
Animal Sciences Commons, Forest Sciences Commons, Geology Commons, Hydrology Commons, Other Earth Sciences Commons, Plant Sciences Commons
The Making of a Connection: Exploration/Survey in Whigpistle Cave System
The current length of the Flint Ridge-Mammoth Cave System (to be called Mammoth Cave System for the rest of this paper) has been attained by a series of connections instigated by cave explorers/mappers of the Cave Research Foundation (CRF) and Central Kentucky Karst Coalition (CKKC). Between 1961 and 2011, connections have expanded the surveyed extent of the cave system to its current “official” length of 390 miles (650 km). Connections do not happen serendipitously; rather, systematic exploration is the key to successful connections. CRF and other groups working in the Mammoth Cave area have adopted a method of systematic exploration that involves mapping cave passages, correlating the surveyed cave passages and their elevations with topographic maps, aerial photographs, and elevation controls such as geographic surface benchmarks (Kambesis 2007). But most important is translating that data into cave maps projected onto topographic overlays. Cave maps and overlays reveal not only the extent of the cave system, but also invoke an understanding of the geological and hydrological conditions that control cave passage development and distribution (Kambesis 2007). Georeferenced cave maps along with geological and hydrological insight are what provide the perspective on cave connection potential and drives exploration objectives and priorities. Incorporating these data into a GIS system is proving to be a valuable exploration tool and one that is currently being used to work toward the next big connection to the Mammoth Cave System – that of Whigpistle Cave System. This paper focuses on the potentials toward making that next big connection and the work necessary to accomplish it.