What is it about?
Our work has shown that a technique used in many studies of the movement of sediment into, along, and out of streams and rivers can also be used to track the movement of sediment from the land surface into cave streams. We found that movement of the sediment can occur quickly (over hours) and over distances of thousands of meters.
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Why is it important?
Many people do not know about the unique animals that live cave streams. As with surface streams, excessive sediment loads can cause changes (detrimental changes) in aquatic habitats. By finding a method that we can use to track sediment movement into and through cave streams, we are better able to understand changes in the habitat of the animals. Hopefully, adding knowledge that is needed to conserve these habitats.
Perspectives
Writing this article was rewarding as the group of co-authors include researchers who are very familiar with the technique and those who are very familiar with cave streams. The article is a nice blend of our expertise.
Carol Wicks
Louisiana State University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Estimating Surface/Subsurface Sediment Mixing in Karst Settings Using 7
Be Isotopes, Water Resources Research, March 2018, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/2017wr022192.
You can read the full text:
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