The NSS Bulletin - ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 51 Number 2: 129-131 - December 1989

A publication of the National Speleological Society

Use of Electronic Data-Logging Equipment to Monitor Hydrologic Parameters in a Humid Cave Environment in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Earl A. Greene

The US Geological Survey has installed electronic data-logging equipment at Windy City Lake in Wind Cave to monitor changes in water level, water temperature, air temperature, and barometic pressure. These parameters are being monitored in response to the concern of park managers that water levels in this area of the cave are progressively declining. Description of equipment and the methodology used to collect data in this remote area of the cave are presented. Preliminary results for the first 6 months of the study indiate that the lightweight, durable data-logging equiipment works successfully in the humid cave environment. Water levels at Windy City Lake appear to slightly fluctuate in response to barometric pressure changes, andhave declined 0.176 m from January 21, 1988, to July 18, 1988. Water temperature in Windy City Lake and temperature of the air in the cave are constant at 13.8 and 15.0°C, respectively.

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