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Chris, > Now, The Crack -- that's real interesting. <snip> Another point of interest -- a 5 or 6 inch tidal change > was observed, just like Barry's sink down on 98, but The Crack is between > 98 and Wakulla. Tidal fluctuations in water tables in coastal karst caves such as you describe, pose many questions of scientific interest. > Meanwhile, I have conveyed that any place a WKPP science diver wants to > collect samples is his for the asking. Science divers with more or less formal and exclusive affiliation with WKPP are not likely to study or sample your caves until you and George can resolve your differences. It is probably unproductive to attempt to "work with" WKPP divers unless George Irvine is comfortable with the collaboration. However, most scientists with an interest in underwater caves are not affiliated with any particular cave diving group or team and have no interest in political or personal squabbles. Underwater cave scientists want to do the science, in whatever caves offer research potential. Let's try not to let the science get mixed up in personal and political disputes. >Aphasia's cave is full of big ol' > Wakulla-size crays, plus isos and amphis. The fossils are really beautiful > too, BTW -- in places they're black and standing out in high relief against > the white limestone -- tubeworms, etc. Have you had Tom Morris in there to identify the cave crustaceans? If so, anything unusual? A worthwhile goal might be to identify the primary and any less common species of cave crayfish, amphipods, and isopods in these caves. The black staining on the fossil "tests" in the cave walls may be manganese hydroxides (with iron oxyhydroxy and other impurities), organic coatings, or both. Very little is known about the geochemistry of these dark stains in underwater caves. > <snip> The only caveat is > that the location of Aphasia and its sink be kept absolutely secret, but I > don't know how we can share the info while keeping it under wraps With all due respect to all, I'd like to diplomatically and objectively point out that limitations on the distribution of the locations of some caves, has been a controversial but widely accepted tactic in efforts to conserve and protect sensitive cave environments. The NSS and other speleological organizations are careful not to broadcast exact cave locations to the general public. However, the cave location secrecy approach has sometimes prevented qualified cavers from accessing certain cave systems. This has caused personal hard feelings and political disputes in both the dry caving and cave diving communities. > it would be overrun and trashed > in no time, the property owners would lose their privacy, and their peace > of mind, and I'd be responsible for creating a whole heap of problems for > them. And that wasn't in the deal. Good point. Landowner relations are very important. > <snip> going to the 25th annual > Balloon Fiesta in Albequerque, with stops at Carlsbad and Roswell <snip> Doing any dry caving in New Mexico? Lecheguila is restricted now but there are lots of other good caves out there. The former President of my local NSS grotto (Commander Cody Caving Club, Newark, Delaware), John Lyle, lives in Los Alamos. He can probably get you into lots of excellent caves. You want me to get you in touch with him? I am not "taking sides" in your running debate with Mr. Irvine. Cave scientists may do well to stay out of this "hogarthian vs. moles" debate. Generally, cave scientists do not want to try to tell George and crew how to dive or you and your crew whether to reveal cave locations. If I am out of line here, Pete Gomez will let me know. The above is my opinion only. In this, I do NOT speak for the Underwater Cave Study Group, the NSS, the WKPP, or any caving, diving, or scientific organization. Harris Martin hmartin@ma*.co*, caveslime@ao*.co*
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