Taking CO2 reading. Credits: ESA-R. DeLuca

Taking CO2 reading. Credits: ESA-R. DeLuca

Monitoring CO2 in caves

CO2 is the most infamous greenhouse gas. The air that we breathe on Earth has concentrations of around 390 parts per million (0,039 %). In caves CO2 is found in higher concentrations because it degasses from infiltrating waters or is produced by decomposing organic compounds. Its slow diffusion makes concentrations in caves reach 10,000 parts per million (1 %) easily.

CO2 is an important gas for caves as it is involved in the chemical reactions that govern carbonate rock dissolution and speleothem formation, and it is used as a natural-gas tracer in cave ventilation processes.

CO2 levels in the cave’s atmosphere is measured with a handheld detector (ENV-CO2 CO2 sensor) at different locations to understand speleothem formation and ventilation in the Sa Grutta cave system.

Operational scenario

2013-09-18_sos jocos-ESA_V.Crobu-5390CO2 measurements are performed at pre-defined locations, several times a day. The handheld CO2 measurement unit able to measure concentrations up to 10,000 ppm.

Once the instrument is turned on it should be left measuring for 1 minute (it will beep after 30 seconds, but it is advisable to wait for another 30 seconds in order for the instrument to stabilise). Readings update every second.

Pressing the ‘hold’ button freezes measurements. This allows recording a measurement in the ENV-CO2 table. Temperature and relative humidity are also measured and must be recorded in the same table.

 

 

Things to keep in mind

CO2 monitoring instrument. Credits: ESA-S. Sechi

CO2 monitoring instrument. Credits: ESA-S. Sechi

Handling the CO2 measurement unit.

The sensor on the CO2 measurement unit (it looks like an antenna on top) is very delicate and, although protected by a metal frame must be handled with care.

Please note that measurements are influenced by human breathing, so the instrument must be placed on the ground at least 2 meters away from any person.

CO2 behaviour.

CO2 concentrations in caves are mainly influenced by degassing from incoming water (dripwater), and thus change with the seasons. High concentrations are also related to decomposing organic material.

The campsite and, in general, the highest points of a cave, show the highest concentrations in CO2, while the lake gallery, with lower organic material and farther away from where dripwater enters the cave (i.e. the roof), typically shows lower values.

 

Prof. Jo De Waele, University of Bologna, CAVES science coordinator

Dr. Laura Sanna, Institute for Biometeorology, Sassari, scientist responsible for the CAVES environmental science experiments

Recording data. Credits: ESA-S. Sechi

Recording data. Credits: ESA-S. Sechi