THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATA MANAGEMENT IN KARST SYSTEMS

In recent years, the demand for environmental data has forced technological innovation in environmental monitoring equipment. Now, it is cheaper and easier than ever to collect accurate, high-resolution data for myriad environmental parameters. This advancement has created unique insights into environmental processes, as well as generating problematic data management issues. Data analysts continue to persist in producing novel scientific, and mathematically sound, methodologies for processing and interpreting large, complex datasets. The evolution of data management methodologies employed by the Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES) in their water quality/quantity monitoring network and karst aquifer geochemistry research sites will be presented. CHNGES has collected high-resolution data since 2011 and amassed millions of karst water quality/quantity data points, with several parameters, such as pH, specific conductivity, water level, and meteorological data being collected at different timescales and needing correction and quality control for processing and interpretation. A brief historical overview of karst system data management progression will be given, in addition to a summary of techniques used to reconcile, correct, and synthesize the collected data. Topics discussed will include correcting high-resolution water quality data for calibration drift, biofouling, and user error. Examples of faulty conclusions stemming from different monitoring resolutions affecting data interpretations will be discussed. Finally, to assist government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research scientists and students, a guide to free and practical data management resources developed by the Center will be presented, along with potential evolution pathways for data management in the future.