Bulletin of the National Speleological Society - ISSN 0146-9517
Volume 32 Number 1: 1-9 - January 1970

A publication of the National Speleological Society

Measuring Cave Air Movements with Condensation Nuclei
F.W. Went

Abstract

Using condensation nuclei (cn), conveniently measured with a cn counter, outside air penetration and internal air movements in Lehman Cave were monitored. Whenever outside air temperatures are well below the cave temperature, outside air enters cave openings, but in summer, the cn concentration inside the cave drops to nearly zero, unless matches or flames are lighted. The cn produced by a single match could be detected for as long as 12 hours in the cave, and at times without outside air penetration, a slow air circulation of about 40 m/hr occurred form the highest part of the cave to the lower regions.

This page last updated: 2 July, 2002 7:33
Web Author: Jim Pisarowicz