Impact of visits on the microclimates of caves, Experimental evidence from Škocjan Caves

Visits to caves, particularly in closed smaller ones, can disrupt their natural microclimates if disturbances do not quickly revert. Research at Škocjan Caves reveals that while temperature recovers within 3-6 hours post-visit due to efficient exchanges with cave walls, CO2 concentration disturbances persist longer, influenced more by draughts than direct emissions. In contrast, the impact of visits is negligible in wide-open caves like Murmuring Cave, where external changes dominate. The study used continuous monitoring data from 2013-2016 to assess temperature and CO2 dynamics, providing experimental evidence for theoretical models on microclimate recovery.

Debevec, V., & Rakovec, J. (2021). Impact of visits on the microclimates of caves, Experimental evidence from Škocjan Caves. Acta Carsologica, 50(2-3). https://doi.org/10.3986/ac.v50i2-3.7397