Author
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Lerch, Robert |
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Submitted to: National Speleological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/22/2015 Publication Date: 7/13/2015 Citation: Lerch, R.N. 2015. Survey and hydrogeology of Carroll Cave [abstract]. National Speleological Society Annual Meeting, July 13-17, 2015, Waynesville, Missouri. Presentation. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Carroll Cave, located in Camden County, Missouri, is the largest known cave formed in the Gasconade Dolomite of the Salem Plateau. Despite extensive visitation over the last 50 years and multiple survey efforts, a comprehensive map of the cave has never been produced. In 2002, the Carroll Cave Conservancy began a new survey of the system. To date, 20.17 miles has been surveyed, ranking Carroll as the 2nd longest cave in Missouri and 33rd longest nationally. Progress on the cartography includes completion of 3 (of 11) sheets, with 3 more sheets near completion. This presentation will provide an update on the survey data, loop error statistics, and discuss some of the remaining leads. In addition, a groundwater dye tracing project was initiated to delineate the recharge area of Carroll Cave. The survey was critical to the success of the dye-tracing as it allowed for informed decisions about injection and charcoal monitoring sites and led to the discovery of a third drainage area, Confusion Creek. Results of the dye tracing showed that: Carroll River was recharged by localized epikarst drainage; Thunder River was recharged by flood water; and Confusion Creek was recharged by flood water and internal (sinkhole) drainage. Discharge from Thunder River and Confusion Creek were also positively traced to 10 springs at a distributary spring system known as Toronto Springs. As a result of this work, a preliminary recharge area of ~18.5 sq km has been delineated and a conceptual model for the Carroll Cave-Toronto Springs system was developed. |
