Microclimatic research of speleological objects of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Summary:

The aim of the research is to establish a network of measuring stations in speleological objects for the purpose of continuous multi-year collection of data on microclimatic parameters and basic physicochemical properties as indicators of habitat and general ecological conditions.

Such a dataset should be an integral part of the environmental and speleological database attributes. Knowledge of microclimatic conditions in the entrance area and deeper parts of speleological objects is important, as they influence geomorphological and physicochemical processes and define habitat conditions of flora of the entrance parts and fauna of the transition zone and underground. Their values can be used as one of the criteria when deciding on sustainable management of speleological objects. Given the peculiarities of the underground microclimate, this is another topic that can be used in the tourist interpretation of the natural features of the Park. Currently, measurements are taking place in several caves. Sites were selected on the basis of geological, geomorphological and hydrological characteristics, surface and subsurface conditions, as well as actual and potential anthropogenic influences. Special attention will be paid to speleological objects in tufa, speleological objects of interest for touristic valorization and interpretation due to microclimatic features, and speleological objects with the potential of snow and ice accumulation, which may represent valuable archives of paleoclimatic data and paleogeomorphological processes in the wider area of the Park. Measurements are made with data loggers for air and water, CO2 and radon loggers for continuous measurements, and manual instruments for instantaneous measurements.