USING A 12-YEAR RECORD TO EXAMINE HYDROLOGIC CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PRECIPITATION, DRIPWATER AND STREAM DISCHARGE IN JAMES CAVE (VIRGINIA)

In 2007, we instrumented James Cave (Pulaski Co., Virginia) to study the hydrologic connections between precipitation, cave drips and the cave stream with the larger goal of delineating mechanisms and quantifying rates of recharge to the underlying karst aquifer. Currently, we have collected almost 12 years of high-frequency measurements in the cave. We are using the datasets of precipitation, dripwater rates and stream discharge rates to evaluate hydraulic connections and patterns of recharge. From 2007 to 2018, recharge to the underlying aquifer occurred during a 3 to 5 month period from winter (Dec-March) to mid-spring (May). However, in 2018-19, which had a wet summer, recharge began much earlier (September) and occurred over a longer period (8 months). In addition to using the data to address specific scientific questions, another goal of this project is to create and maintain a long-term cave hydrology dataset that can be accessed by other researchers and the public.