tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240723874137581342024-02-19T08:50:25.029-08:00The Adventures of Jut Wynne<a href="http://www.caveexplorer.org/">www.jutwynne.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-82395626210838734382009-06-20T20:11:00.001-07:002009-06-20T20:30:48.690-07:00Field Operations Complete: 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition a Success!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoV7gy3_FAoQXk_CH1VY4EtxbXDkdLfIvWZh4Q9s6PTM2EsihJhwase2_Nxif__TL2y9W8ERk8QtZrsfHhbN_h8-k8o3479K3zjS5KFuLrX6q-rrLm2pyyThLOgVm6Ji8MwOH-thJsgM/s1600-h/IMG_1360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoV7gy3_FAoQXk_CH1VY4EtxbXDkdLfIvWZh4Q9s6PTM2EsihJhwase2_Nxif__TL2y9W8ERk8QtZrsfHhbN_h8-k8o3479K3zjS5KFuLrX6q-rrLm2pyyThLOgVm6Ji8MwOH-thJsgM/s400/IMG_1360.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349613697421339858" /></a>Image: Our victory dance. Dinner at the Adobe Restaurant in San Pedro. This is becoming a ritual for us. We hope the team will make it down here again next year. <br /><br />Today was our mop up day, and the whole team went into the field together. We had some additional questions we wanted to address with these a handful of instruments that we had remaining, so we went to two caves to deploy these instruments. <br /><br />Last night, Tim took our newly drafted maps of Shredder and Luna y Media and the coordinate data from the entrances to create routes for us to walk on the surface. For Shredder Cave, we want to derive elevation data at points along this route. Using the cave map, we will then derive roof thickness data via interpolation along this route. We also deployed instruments at the skylight as well as directly above the dark zone. Additional surface instrumentation will help us better interpret surface and entrance temperature data. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWDU8X4SyNpWzU-jjMU_QRD2NHviKtDXQUHlFOhDOde2eudNUtuOglQn4SHeve-uF-WIBJ80vjyAw1vxw9TKly07dUJ24i6-QqeLcpznZ7FRU3RvShfjg17sb3TpS_WjoFMaYCOCjOfA/s1600-h/IMG_1330.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWDU8X4SyNpWzU-jjMU_QRD2NHviKtDXQUHlFOhDOde2eudNUtuOglQn4SHeve-uF-WIBJ80vjyAw1vxw9TKly07dUJ24i6-QqeLcpznZ7FRU3RvShfjg17sb3TpS_WjoFMaYCOCjOfA/s320/IMG_1330.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349615426032806914" /></a>Image: Like a proud Mom, our safety chief Christina sits next to her creation. She did an excellent job rigging the area above the nuisance climb.<br /><br />First we returned to Shredder Cave. Our approach to this cave takes a bit of time due to a 20 foot nuisance climb which requires rigging. <br /><br />Once we arrived at the cave, we needed to confirm the location of the skylight by sending Lynn, Dan and Denise into the cave to stand beneath the skylight. Tim and I stood over what we believed to be the location of the skylight where we waited for them to arrive. Within 30 minutes, they arrived and we realized we were at the correct spot. This was our first success of the day. We then went to the approximate location of where the dark zone sensor was located and deployed another surface sensor. Thereafter, we then followed the GPS route along the length of the cave collecting altimetry data along the way. Both Tim and I collected this data with our GPS units; we used two units so that we could compare our results.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00pv1aZ23RRmTGSXDLou4q0xpxbQzE5rqn5GVPSin5Jp_u1iqv3MlOblgAp7-7X6KcE9HY5xSoql5VypOh9RZlSYSF8tgXQab8oPX4BtWKd6D7R-mpbb32XnMdiu4ECV3pV1JMrNkZwY/s1600-h/IMG_1329.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00pv1aZ23RRmTGSXDLou4q0xpxbQzE5rqn5GVPSin5Jp_u1iqv3MlOblgAp7-7X6KcE9HY5xSoql5VypOh9RZlSYSF8tgXQab8oPX4BtWKd6D7R-mpbb32XnMdiu4ECV3pV1JMrNkZwY/s320/IMG_1329.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349614793551095298" /></a>Image: On belay at the nuisance climb above the Shredder Cave canyon entrance. Credit: Christina Colpitts.<br /><br />Once we wrapped up Shredder, we deadheaded for Cañon Carí – the location of Caverna Luna y Media. Our objectives were to climb up on the rim of the canyon, locate the two skylights from the surface to deploy microclimate instruments, and then deploy another microclimate sensor above the approximate dark zone sensor within the cave. But first, Lynn, Tim and I had to find a route to the canyon rim. Once done, our plan was essentially the same as for Shredder – half the team would reach the skylights from within the cave, while the surface team would find the skylights from the surface. The cave team (Christina, Denise and Dan) went to the first skylight, and then we met them at what we believe to be the skylight. We were in radio contact with the cave team, and once they reached the skylight, they contacted us via the radio. We then yelled back and forth until we could figure out exactly where they were. Once done, they continued on to the second skylight and we repeated the process. This went quite smoothly, and we confirmed the locations of both skylights. Another success! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-flQ7Zr1Yi8ZOw1ePpCfJXs01NE_cHHt3pW-RHv0oHE7DVRlW3N6uIwWYwjlPrHb3dPCnGngUf4L_9VWr2pV8c-E9bI0R7D6xTRr0J6Lmm9YCIlee_V8UcgMa-OvWrzllVderpAdUsY/s1600-h/P6200005.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-flQ7Zr1Yi8ZOw1ePpCfJXs01NE_cHHt3pW-RHv0oHE7DVRlW3N6uIwWYwjlPrHb3dPCnGngUf4L_9VWr2pV8c-E9bI0R7D6xTRr0J6Lmm9YCIlee_V8UcgMa-OvWrzllVderpAdUsY/s320/P6200005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349616118472763362" /></a>Image: Tim looking on from Cañon Carí. Credit: Dan Ruby.<br /><br />Both of these skylights were situated within steeply sloping terrain leading to the skylights; there was about a 100 foot drop from the lip of the skylight to the bottom of the cave. The route leading to the area containing the skylights was rather precarious and potentially hazardous, so I opted to go down to the area containing the skylights to deploy the sensor while Lynn and Tim remained upslope. <br /><br />From there, we walked to the surface location estimated to be the surface location above where the dark zone cave sensor was located. After some disagreement regarding whether we were at the correct location, we decided to deploy the sensor where Tim’s estimates suggested. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uGXCJnMy9RwPwZJ6cGU_MMf6NjNQLCI6JAxWLKwxOHAuC4AW7MqjAQxKOurhTTiB0imusDb3isE6YZBdx0LoTokoaxMslAxe8ToP17Hht2-aUmCw3cSas2C57htyJsS83Yc8cxmj_tk/s1600-h/P6200011.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uGXCJnMy9RwPwZJ6cGU_MMf6NjNQLCI6JAxWLKwxOHAuC4AW7MqjAQxKOurhTTiB0imusDb3isE6YZBdx0LoTokoaxMslAxe8ToP17Hht2-aUmCw3cSas2C57htyJsS83Yc8cxmj_tk/s320/P6200011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349616414538534514" /></a>Image: Dan and Denise in Cañon Carí. Credit: Christina Colpitts.<br /><br />By this time, the cave team was en route to the surface and we planned to meet them within the canyon at the entrance of the cave. Once we deployed the last surface sensor, Lynn, Tim and I hiked down off the canyon rim, met up with the team, and hiked back to the trucks. <br /><br />All Atacama Desert field operations are now complete! We have another successful expedition under our belts in the driest desert on the planet. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with this team again this year. I have been blessed to have such an incredibly group of dedicated individuals to work with. They have truly made my job easy. We have accomplished a lot in the past three weeks, and I have learned a lot from this experience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVWNCD8t4QgaW5Y0Amdt1shsI_UtI22HjbogxCf0FcjnxXHFbiL7OMvSoGoQQWgYq2yWiMrUFK0-STDIaTtVFgJ5VCpfj4bJztt911zj9wWbil6YK0YxiMfm5ApiirP24nF-dwNZrWco/s1600-h/IMG_1344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVWNCD8t4QgaW5Y0Amdt1shsI_UtI22HjbogxCf0FcjnxXHFbiL7OMvSoGoQQWgYq2yWiMrUFK0-STDIaTtVFgJ5VCpfj4bJztt911zj9wWbil6YK0YxiMfm5ApiirP24nF-dwNZrWco/s400/IMG_1344.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349614267862832386" /></a>Image: View looking south from atop Cañon Carí.<br /><br />We will spend the next few days tying up a few loose administrative ends and packing up the house. On 23 June, we will depart for Calama. On 24 June, Dan, Tim and Denise head back to the states, while Christina, Lynn and I continue on to Rapa Nui for another three week expedition. As always, I will make every attempt to keep my blog current during this expedition as well. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUieleVVNfDgWR-VypEaxNm1voTC00DO_k9hfp8mPHPE29f5p72-F4SmPWC6ZWfQLc2LKvTenv9CwLU-r2wVTHr1lKMgGt2Stf8cGri77-DLB96a-GMs3ZhJyAO0f6DlISq1CU91BjT2o/s1600-h/P6200027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUieleVVNfDgWR-VypEaxNm1voTC00DO_k9hfp8mPHPE29f5p72-F4SmPWC6ZWfQLc2LKvTenv9CwLU-r2wVTHr1lKMgGt2Stf8cGri77-DLB96a-GMs3ZhJyAO0f6DlISq1CU91BjT2o/s400/P6200027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349617192332537250" /></a>Image: I have no idea what is going on here. End of the day and the mission is complete. Credit: Christina Colpitts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-35792868257678748202009-06-19T19:42:00.000-07:002009-06-19T20:06:34.661-07:00End of primary field operations and Inti IllimaniDrafted: 18 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vo5wrh9IZLn_pxQVJFwj0ZjO2oMl2w4LaxOwKHDd0jOciG_pMFuYp7fzP06utVTOBnWri7HncjO0o7c20KueIW2ip-4yWgZ8LAU-BjFY4_K17irVfSgulUUiycBkb95QJPLv_sP_qCY/s1600-h/IMG_1307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vo5wrh9IZLn_pxQVJFwj0ZjO2oMl2w4LaxOwKHDd0jOciG_pMFuYp7fzP06utVTOBnWri7HncjO0o7c20KueIW2ip-4yWgZ8LAU-BjFY4_K17irVfSgulUUiycBkb95QJPLv_sP_qCY/s400/IMG_1307.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349235558410251650" /></a>Image: Inti Illimani performing at the San Pedro de Atacama Indigenous Cultural Center.<br /><br />The entire team at Los Gatos; today, was slated to be a rather short day. The mapping team will map and collect volume data on this cave, while the sensor team will manage the instruments. We also returned to Salon to exchange the malfunctioning sensors with operable ones.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEexoIBYsZoh-uDNOiZtANgrxDUDl1WrHQZcFhii7w95jC_Dydnpx8xL0pK0hjZuX7Q45c91xGEllo_5KYpxJx1MqJwEQXPqmazM7_LPsGhYMVTyKd2ekW2fQIO5YCM9zNk1KOE4Dp3BE/s1600-h/IMG_1268.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEexoIBYsZoh-uDNOiZtANgrxDUDl1WrHQZcFhii7w95jC_Dydnpx8xL0pK0hjZuX7Q45c91xGEllo_5KYpxJx1MqJwEQXPqmazM7_LPsGhYMVTyKd2ekW2fQIO5YCM9zNk1KOE4Dp3BE/s320/IMG_1268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349236733618982754" /></a>Image: Upon our return to Salon we went to the sinkhole entrance where we found this. A recently deposited owl pellet. Owls cannot digest the hair and bones of their prey, and they regurgitate this in the form of a pellet. Notice the wet stain on the cave floor. This pellet was fresh. We know telocotes (or barn owls) are known to frequent these caves. <br /><br />There’s not a lot to report on this day. It was rather uneventful in terms of mishaps. Our work continues to progress smoothly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZZ2pdDHj_6i8-H1Ix3mP0BqUe1C1115nKbdSLIOQI9M7TTs4AI1fSdAFAkf_uGRi78c8E6TOFVW4u-q7YWNqlvIyZHcQCEvAAmMAfbBAPP-jneJLri3c8rO6KiHz3VRlV9E799BgbR0/s1600-h/IMG_1281.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZZ2pdDHj_6i8-H1Ix3mP0BqUe1C1115nKbdSLIOQI9M7TTs4AI1fSdAFAkf_uGRi78c8E6TOFVW4u-q7YWNqlvIyZHcQCEvAAmMAfbBAPP-jneJLri3c8rO6KiHz3VRlV9E799BgbR0/s320/IMG_1281.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349237619057841730" /></a>Image: Lynn and Tim in Salon Cave. We're just about to start mop-up operations in this cave.<br /><br />We did have quite an eventful evening last night. We learned from the lady who owns the almacen (Chilean for “grocery store”) that a traditional altiplano band, <a set="yes" href="http://www.inti-illimani.cl/home_.html">Inti Illimani</a>, was playing at the cultural center near our house. This was an incredible treat for the entire team. While San Pedro is indeed a tourist town, this was no tourist event. We’ve been in this town for the past three weeks and we’ve come to recognize the locals from the tourists. We also saw our CONAF friends, Jose Luis and Roberto at the show. The best we could tell we were likely the only non-South Americans attending the show. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNViT4yWJAI_SVcw3K8IblXugBifmeeO_o64nN_HAd_gIk9Z5-hZWddI3efsvolO2m2T07fl2jsXlSjeWtPbjEkiP3LoxwhYYSow1_dBqt0b6jqNNvIQwpPcSzSqx_tfhWMpWE-jRE88/s1600-h/IMG_1294.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNViT4yWJAI_SVcw3K8IblXugBifmeeO_o64nN_HAd_gIk9Z5-hZWddI3efsvolO2m2T07fl2jsXlSjeWtPbjEkiP3LoxwhYYSow1_dBqt0b6jqNNvIQwpPcSzSqx_tfhWMpWE-jRE88/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349238100257403554" /></a>Image: Self-portrait in Salon Cave. We have dust masks for this work, but bandanas are just much easier.<br /><br />It turns out, Inti Llimani is an internationally acclaimed band. They travel the world playing the music of the high Altiplano. It was an eight person band and all of them were multi-instrumentalists. I was quite impressed with them.<br /><br />As for our instrument woes, we have been unable to change the settings of the sensor collecting data every minute, yet the other sensor now appears to be working properly. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_taoRXXjFcon0YFDNmWpDBJtGpOkJOB2w0CpclDEgzcvw_2viddaqRYwYtMcp7fZnx5yXBZDyFxTYWuv64xk2j7vYUJNRk5q9QHQQv1m8kktaCjZb0np8pZn3fGPasZcxjGfHwamyTkI/s1600-h/IMG_1298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_taoRXXjFcon0YFDNmWpDBJtGpOkJOB2w0CpclDEgzcvw_2viddaqRYwYtMcp7fZnx5yXBZDyFxTYWuv64xk2j7vYUJNRk5q9QHQQv1m8kktaCjZb0np8pZn3fGPasZcxjGfHwamyTkI/s400/IMG_1298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349236253650435026" /></a>Image: Skylights at Los Gatos.<br /><br />However, this is quite small in comparison to our overall accomplishments today. Today, we officially completed our primary mission objectives. All of our field objectives have now been met. Tomorrow, we will take an office day to finish up our data entry and complete some administrative tasks related to the expedition. <br /><br />On Saturday, we will visit two caves to deploy surface sensors next to a few skylights. Once done, our fieldwork is done. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqMn6Tt_hNj7NlW4B1_Kj0Hb4nWdTaV0fN80eo_RzM308W_uXODf5UzT4aL1NSjOuo8uHBLgWMyOdPENKAa8_IfS8yOwkKvoGYiaKTvV-v83hgRXkWCaKnlKYz2nU1RMksaKUDkZ52dQ/s1600-h/IMG_1308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqMn6Tt_hNj7NlW4B1_Kj0Hb4nWdTaV0fN80eo_RzM308W_uXODf5UzT4aL1NSjOuo8uHBLgWMyOdPENKAa8_IfS8yOwkKvoGYiaKTvV-v83hgRXkWCaKnlKYz2nU1RMksaKUDkZ52dQ/s400/IMG_1308.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349238919877062066" /></a>Image: Even the dogs had a good time at the Inti Illimani show. These two played nonstop for almost two hours.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-66239099845559675042009-06-19T19:17:00.000-07:002009-06-19T19:41:25.180-07:00Winding down in the Atacama17 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcHSVXxCMlokBI-BQi9NUe9kwbFLG9d8pl4D3mrT4YVA3a3wzfPkKzSFvkpFM7vkGlwgekQv_RQOmEcsOk-w8p7kuDXkW-b6lM9YsAVQifZToxOEhl1g_h1p2ILzG9bfIwk2Zl1vJgss/s1600-h/DSCF2023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcHSVXxCMlokBI-BQi9NUe9kwbFLG9d8pl4D3mrT4YVA3a3wzfPkKzSFvkpFM7vkGlwgekQv_RQOmEcsOk-w8p7kuDXkW-b6lM9YsAVQifZToxOEhl1g_h1p2ILzG9bfIwk2Zl1vJgss/s400/DSCF2023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349231898973992786" /></a>Image: The upper skylight entrance of Salon Cave.<br /><br />Today, the entire team went to Salon Cave once again. The mapping team was wrapping up their work, and the sensor team was there to pull data off sensors and maintain the instruments.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZFQESgP0kazwtQ8dWdlTDzXLhG7XN4ay3zlGOpc3BQus2ZKOeM3DJeML2s_zOmZU_y-EUCd3VJaIrrRFMD1wZKGNzm-8HeiUVZK2D2agQ605TbkXSJ4xUV8DBSI_2qLn7q3f9OqVBMQ/s1600-h/DSCF1983.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZFQESgP0kazwtQ8dWdlTDzXLhG7XN4ay3zlGOpc3BQus2ZKOeM3DJeML2s_zOmZU_y-EUCd3VJaIrrRFMD1wZKGNzm-8HeiUVZK2D2agQ605TbkXSJ4xUV8DBSI_2qLn7q3f9OqVBMQ/s320/DSCF1983.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349232243401332402" /></a>Image: Preparing to enter oneof the lower canyon entrances to Salon Cave. One of the reasons this is such a leaky sieve is because it has three entrances at the lower canyon entrance, and contains a passage that opens up into a series of skylights and open canyon. Credit: Tim Titus.<br /><br />In discussing the results of the thermal analysis with Tim, I’m getting pretty good at predicting the thermal behavior of each of our study sites. In July 2008, I actually equivocated on Salon Cave. The mapping team had mapped about one-third of this cave as I was deploying sensors, and then I realized it was essentially a big leaky sieve cave, and that it wouldn’t make a good study site. As we later learned, we had around only six true caves, so we had to use some additional sites (i.e., leaky sieve caves) as another study feature -- presumably, a non-cave anomaly or perhaps a new end member entirely. Long story short, prior to Tim running the analysis, I indicated it would be a leaky sieve cave, and it was. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzGwlsBVogsx-BQ3jep8OeXusu4SB-iVuf-PlpSEW0edgXg_ictkq_solp8M0kaNT6bdkKaYtxP09g2tb2R_MNJaUE4D_ZBEPYntxOqftOaxzBzcgHrFM2lPkYdONTZuCM5BHiRdGrYU/s1600-h/IMG_1250.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzGwlsBVogsx-BQ3jep8OeXusu4SB-iVuf-PlpSEW0edgXg_ictkq_solp8M0kaNT6bdkKaYtxP09g2tb2R_MNJaUE4D_ZBEPYntxOqftOaxzBzcgHrFM2lPkYdONTZuCM5BHiRdGrYU/s200/IMG_1250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349233724189831922" /></a>Image: Upper canyon entrance for Salon. <br /><br />The mapping team finished Salon today. They now have one very small cave segment to map tomorrow and then they are done.<br /><br />Once we got back to the house, we learned we had two sensor failures from this cave. The sensor team will return to this cave tomorrow and exchange the malfunctioning sensors for working ones. We will then see if we can correct the issues with these instruments so we can use them at some of our other study sites.<br /><br />When we were looking, we learned one of the sensors was programmed to collect data every minute; as a result, it collected data for only 100 days. The other collected barometric pressure data correctly, but was logging temperature data as -888º F. While this is somewhat of a disappointment, we have been incredibly fortunate, out of 90 Hobo loggers, we have had issues with only two instruments. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc6ZPPqAHVYQEDt0Q76T4EhJOPjMQESzkiN8oBtVBGCn13RI-_s03vSC2L48DxfeeVShPokXDbN5pyLZP5wBwEtL-nioY4Jciv1AasWVBXQU08qycaR9xEdq6K44-tVF7vJHG2gpF3ds/s1600-h/DSCF1991.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc6ZPPqAHVYQEDt0Q76T4EhJOPjMQESzkiN8oBtVBGCn13RI-_s03vSC2L48DxfeeVShPokXDbN5pyLZP5wBwEtL-nioY4Jciv1AasWVBXQU08qycaR9xEdq6K44-tVF7vJHG2gpF3ds/s400/DSCF1991.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349234097750788594" /></a>Image: One of the skylights within the swiss cheese passage of Salon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-35796961561213054942009-06-17T18:11:00.000-07:002009-06-17T19:01:45.925-07:00Sussing out a New Cave with CONAF16 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n5Giy-atI8HswQ7khAzvO-qmLckQlviosJD05D6UzS2E6h8uZWJ3fSFLCrToQrkKOaq8IZr2nH4baN4Pm2TVlnDAvONQj5AQwWmZR6Zoqf9fGTKtRtBxhU9t-wCZCdGAn1QXe6M90qE/s1600-h/CONAF_jut_ECBandera.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n5Giy-atI8HswQ7khAzvO-qmLckQlviosJD05D6UzS2E6h8uZWJ3fSFLCrToQrkKOaq8IZr2nH4baN4Pm2TVlnDAvONQj5AQwWmZR6Zoqf9fGTKtRtBxhU9t-wCZCdGAn1QXe6M90qE/s400/CONAF_jut_ECBandera.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348475969271282274" /></a>Image: From left to right, Magda, me, Fernando and Jose Luis posing for a Explorers Club flag photo near the location of a newly discovered cave. <br /><br />Today, the sensor team had a conops day. In particular, Tim was using the day to run additional analysis on the data collected. The mapping team returned to Salon Cave to begin the mapping efforts, and I headed to CONAF to meet up with Madga, Fernando and Jose Luis. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgXDhZjJguD4j2TdlllqnCNz3ldWoM3c5xgcIW7nLuj1YmUFoXyCW32rohHYQo8_f97J4vPSZp9kveeCuyQt_kwxeymP4NE6IwXq9_9XKvAdTHXfnSCnLf7mWJW74w1UVlBmSfieneTY/s1600-h/IMG_1225.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgXDhZjJguD4j2TdlllqnCNz3ldWoM3c5xgcIW7nLuj1YmUFoXyCW32rohHYQo8_f97J4vPSZp9kveeCuyQt_kwxeymP4NE6IwXq9_9XKvAdTHXfnSCnLf7mWJW74w1UVlBmSfieneTY/s320/IMG_1225.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348478815516382802" /></a>Image: Madga negociating a 20 foot upclimb. Fernando looking on as she makes the ascent.<br /><br />Fernando and Jose Luis had found a new cave. So, exploring this cave with Madga, Fernando and Jose Luis was the only fieldwork on my agenda today. We were in the field for only a few hours. This cave was about 30m in length and was a classic piping cave. It was characterized with a sinkhole upslope from a lower elevation lateral entrance. This was a neat little cave. For such a little cave, it was highly decorated with salt formations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOoOVFvVvGxhAFWk2u-JIql-UB4tWdD0zvzzdj41njNYMCnNWqt1KPk7lozidDj0_R7hM4vPiDyRWK33XXaV2C9vf5Nce65q4EMWOacsxa_VJ6coIgFsarEbYHf_3eLuZ0iT7vbxe-us/s1600-h/IMG_1232.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOoOVFvVvGxhAFWk2u-JIql-UB4tWdD0zvzzdj41njNYMCnNWqt1KPk7lozidDj0_R7hM4vPiDyRWK33XXaV2C9vf5Nce65q4EMWOacsxa_VJ6coIgFsarEbYHf_3eLuZ0iT7vbxe-us/s400/IMG_1232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348477516843313282" /></a>Image: Some dunal formations (o dunas) of the Atacama Desert.<br /><br />I took coordinates of this cave and it is quite likely that we will also collect thermal imagery of this feature as well when we conduct the overflights next year. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KejR3Ik4bqqGPRULg7WhXYm0iEtr1YIhn81MQZtk-Y3F25CMEf_4vsFvs-H1ha1rTQJEF-FNQS3MbDPRW6mv_ggRvMgIwkFVKuYKSLodfAQl5OsxtH7jkH5yGnIZUaBl2X7q-hMwqqw/s1600-h/IMG_1230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KejR3Ik4bqqGPRULg7WhXYm0iEtr1YIhn81MQZtk-Y3F25CMEf_4vsFvs-H1ha1rTQJEF-FNQS3MbDPRW6mv_ggRvMgIwkFVKuYKSLodfAQl5OsxtH7jkH5yGnIZUaBl2X7q-hMwqqw/s400/IMG_1230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348476988542746818" /></a>Image: The west end of the park with an excellent view of Licancabur in the background. At over 19,000 ft, Licancabur is the highest volcano in the Andean front range.<br /><br />Since we arrived in San Pedro, the team has expressed an interest in having llama for dinner. So, the mapping team went by the butcher (el carnicero) today to pick up some llama. We had llama steaks marinated in wine, olive oil, garlic and onions. However, llama is a tough meat and is usually eaten fried or in stews. Despite this, dinner was excellent. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1SDp9-NINDVMJvYABJ-oDIErSjHcshs39TrWMixM7485jrJvTkuoCkwa3WeYT7ZXmRNX8uMJZ8YdMfA9AhfOPIjytEndIfvtlT4Gv8UCUVzZF7p14B1HHXLEpOyrQLMcPLrWwkRf3CU/s1600-h/DSCF1960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1SDp9-NINDVMJvYABJ-oDIErSjHcshs39TrWMixM7485jrJvTkuoCkwa3WeYT7ZXmRNX8uMJZ8YdMfA9AhfOPIjytEndIfvtlT4Gv8UCUVzZF7p14B1HHXLEpOyrQLMcPLrWwkRf3CU/s400/DSCF1960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348481534687336162" /></a>Image: The llama meal...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-23436712138676755162009-06-15T18:16:00.000-07:002009-06-15T19:26:07.241-07:00A Bump in the Road14-15 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HfyiXvBcujoeKWZOOcGGQhxZGwOesU3iwgOeZPB_bHZxPUQFcyUm1hjCWmiwHqbZkftGB6qCHCP6lwfeUFeBjH6H1DBAPNunfLOhMvc7scH-FPdNhtI7siqIH1x8VF-dVgEJKLFc7KQ/s1600-h/DSCF1868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HfyiXvBcujoeKWZOOcGGQhxZGwOesU3iwgOeZPB_bHZxPUQFcyUm1hjCWmiwHqbZkftGB6qCHCP6lwfeUFeBjH6H1DBAPNunfLOhMvc7scH-FPdNhtI7siqIH1x8VF-dVgEJKLFc7KQ/s400/DSCF1868.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347739912947288194" /></a>Image: Lynn and I working in one of the entrances of Traga Luz Grande. I'm the monkey on the right. Credit: Tim Titus.<br /><br />Yesterday, the mapping team finished up Shreader Cave. The mapping team is doing incredibly well, and tomorrow they will be a day ahead of schedule. <br /><br />The past two days the sensor team has been working at Traga Luz Grande. This cave is the largest in the Cordillera, and it took us quite a while to retrieve all the data. With the small exception of having difficulties in relocating one of our surface sensors, all work has been proceeding without incident -- without incident until today. One of our shuttles, which is used for uploading sensor data in the field crashed today. These shuttles essentially "shuttle" the data from the field instruments to the computer. We upload the data from the data loggers in the field and then we transfer the data from the shuttles to our computers thereafter. The shuttle that crashed contained all the data from Traga Luz Grande; it had a corrupt header file. As a result, we were unable to transfer the data to our computers. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd-JzlcrC_L9jtsI1vx17eUCly0FwnWD94Ta7wLQaozTvIMZsrNfduJ2Aichx0IrVXbxyiDpptko8ZmZ3UKSmHTRA67rcvVtgVHYZwwB9rRVbRxEZU2aZVBjRwq2fXfTjNFMtxIxbSAE/s1600-h/DSCF1836.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd-JzlcrC_L9jtsI1vx17eUCly0FwnWD94Ta7wLQaozTvIMZsrNfduJ2Aichx0IrVXbxyiDpptko8ZmZ3UKSmHTRA67rcvVtgVHYZwwB9rRVbRxEZU2aZVBjRwq2fXfTjNFMtxIxbSAE/s320/DSCF1836.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347737867779052658" /></a>Image: Pulling data from one of our surface sensors. Credit: Tim Titus.<br /><br />This is compounded by the fact that we really need Tim to analyze these data while in the field so we can determine if our sensor placement and coverage is adequate. Without this essential step, we are at a slight disadvantage. However, we will simply have to adjust fire and move forward with our study of this cave. Rather than having the data from this cave, we will use the map and all the other field data to provide us with the ability to make some "educated guesses" regarding where our sensors are placed and how study of this cave should continue. Because this cave is so vast and also critically important to this study, we plan to err on the side of caution and deploy additional instruments in this cave. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbOZpn7qTrOcr3xP0KBiBY2OyaLcxdqMKBt20SwGJ4AUqu8B-XokfSYFa_9zkWVAPj7cvTwHq-YLrZaj_GuXaCWLJnvHAKQHFWXLU3slTRYzM1V6lE2bOlGdragM0ysptYYwIdc9Qlgs/s1600-h/IMG_1209.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbOZpn7qTrOcr3xP0KBiBY2OyaLcxdqMKBt20SwGJ4AUqu8B-XokfSYFa_9zkWVAPj7cvTwHq-YLrZaj_GuXaCWLJnvHAKQHFWXLU3slTRYzM1V6lE2bOlGdragM0ysptYYwIdc9Qlgs/s200/IMG_1209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347738507160196306" /></a>Image: Tim and I encountered this hammer stone in one of the smaller caves within the Traga Luz Grande cave complex. This smaller cave was a salt mine and the hammer stone were used for removing the raw material from the walls and ceilings of this cave. We are uncertain as to whether it was the Quechuan or perhaps even the Inca working this mine or whether this activity was the result of more contemporary use. This area was also contained a copper mine --so the history can be rather challenging to interpret.<br /><br />We remain hopeful the good folks at Onset Computers (who make our data loggers) will be able to retrieve the data for us. I reckon the silver lining here is that it was the header file, which suggests the data is still on the shuttle. Tim's current theory is that it was a cosmic ray hit, which can result in a flipped bit. This can cause a header file to become corrupted. Given our elevation, the intensity of a cosmic ray hit can be more severe. He'll be taking the shuttle back to the states, and will send it directly to Onset. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyH6arFLU-DCaiCwdhlTj5X_ouK7-OAvxyeEEHZdhmt5LZXFm_hD4vD8kkFg0EsVsDKGBtSdJwa9u2MGvLrPfA5i80CYl01uxtic_iZYXFwlMZM0fh_XDjYFf0S0i9f719UhPlcDkROU/s1600-h/IMG_1195.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyH6arFLU-DCaiCwdhlTj5X_ouK7-OAvxyeEEHZdhmt5LZXFm_hD4vD8kkFg0EsVsDKGBtSdJwa9u2MGvLrPfA5i80CYl01uxtic_iZYXFwlMZM0fh_XDjYFf0S0i9f719UhPlcDkROU/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347740762925223218" /></a>Image: While I can't promise this will be my only "brave explorer" shot, Tim did take a good photo and I decided to post it. Image: The man some call "Tim."<br /><br />This sort of thing happens in the field. So, we just have to roll with the punches. I tend to view this as it was only a shuttle and the data. We continue to remain quite fortunate in the Atacama. Today, we completed our 15th day in Chile and the entire team has high morale and we have not had any safety issues yet. With six days of field operations remaining, I am hopeful this little hiccup will be the extent of our problems on this expedition. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyfknB91fMpmThM_vqN5Bh5S9xvrX-v-o5tsDVi2fkTAaABTRsJoNxBrdhvEWQ73MunCtb9IdkTIDVHHRfcRg3_WJPgv4h2uDJuHabqJZRJXPa4DuIvBJaChrHT7CS5w1BQwerqMSyhk/s1600-h/DSCF1783.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyfknB91fMpmThM_vqN5Bh5S9xvrX-v-o5tsDVi2fkTAaABTRsJoNxBrdhvEWQ73MunCtb9IdkTIDVHHRfcRg3_WJPgv4h2uDJuHabqJZRJXPa4DuIvBJaChrHT7CS5w1BQwerqMSyhk/s400/DSCF1783.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347735555526286434" /></a>Image: The second in command at Rancho Tonka. Obviously, Tonka the patron of our expedition, runs this ranch, but this ram thinks "he's the man." Whenever you walk by the sheep you get the "eyeball" from this guy. Credit: Tim Titus.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-48679163936392172762009-06-14T17:30:00.000-07:002009-06-14T18:55:51.841-07:00Return to Shreader Cave and mi amigos con CONAF13 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi_HEz-s57Hc0MpF6SOjPAMsBBNrRYjqG-SKW3U7HFUpTc6efKeH0hS6cpceTSMuqUc41Zvnyz9jXuLQF2Ek57az_tHdUt98SUBmgCuiYSZcdLgXjSzdiqCkZLjGPa4dhTCaxQj1XxkM/s1600-h/IMG_1119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi_HEz-s57Hc0MpF6SOjPAMsBBNrRYjqG-SKW3U7HFUpTc6efKeH0hS6cpceTSMuqUc41Zvnyz9jXuLQF2Ek57az_tHdUt98SUBmgCuiYSZcdLgXjSzdiqCkZLjGPa4dhTCaxQj1XxkM/s400/IMG_1119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347356109737697394" /></a>Image: The Cordillera in the foreground and the Altiplano in the background. The mountain peaks of the Altiplano range from 15000 to 19000 feet in elevation.<br /><br />Today, we worked at Shreader Cave and Cascada Pequeña. Shreader is a two entrance cave with a skylight at center; Cascada Pequeña is a small piping feature which is one of our non-cave anomalies.<br /><br />Both teams worked in the same area today. This has many benefits, but perhaps most importantly, we have all medical personnel at the same site in case there is an accident. We have structured our schedule so both teams working at the same cave as much as possible. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs5_zaEQTSv0dGAoDGsBOrEQhfDL3yg3hkIR7Rfsy1LyPBf7u1HIAjZ7iq7q7a-xlW1ugy3KypgnAIzZ-Xm7K0cMFW9jryqfx_WyVW6OPyxIeZwWzeBV-VfLYc3TsH6t-4cRBzuNYtVA/s1600-h/IMG_1099.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs5_zaEQTSv0dGAoDGsBOrEQhfDL3yg3hkIR7Rfsy1LyPBf7u1HIAjZ7iq7q7a-xlW1ugy3KypgnAIzZ-Xm7K0cMFW9jryqfx_WyVW6OPyxIeZwWzeBV-VfLYc3TsH6t-4cRBzuNYtVA/s320/IMG_1099.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347364800299363906" /></a>Image: Jose Luis and my leg. This image provides an idea of the tight passage of Shreader Cave. Most of this cave is characterized as a belly crawl. <br /><br />We also had the fortune of working with CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal). CONAF is the Chilean national park service equivalent. Also, I got to work with a good friend of mine, Jose Luis Jara. He and I worked together in 2006, as part of NASA Spaceward Bound!, Atacama Expedition. It has been three years since we saw each other, so it was great to hang out with him again. We worked with two other CONAF officials -- Fernando and Magda. <br /><br />Today, we have a really large team, and there is one one section of our approach that requires a nuisance belay. I free-climbed up a 25 foot rock face and then belayed the rest of the team up this traverse. Christina stayed below and made sure the diaper sling that we were using for each team member was properly secured. This did take us a while. It took us around 1.5 hrs to get everyone past this one tricky spot on our approach. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgftr3q59_rgcImh8Ms7UOjmtDwjnCUnNGd7ggtSTN8tht5AmqAlntp832NIGZMAQ9CuxKPYCrW9rDu-QsutoC12mFxc6wpiKxo_3Off7UyDI9ejLtnqEh-PadkADMt1tMpyzwTTiuw8/s1600-h/IMG_1126.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgftr3q59_rgcImh8Ms7UOjmtDwjnCUnNGd7ggtSTN8tht5AmqAlntp832NIGZMAQ9CuxKPYCrW9rDu-QsutoC12mFxc6wpiKxo_3Off7UyDI9ejLtnqEh-PadkADMt1tMpyzwTTiuw8/s320/IMG_1126.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347365381509827250" /></a>Image: Jose Luis, Magda and Lynn after we completed our work at Shreader Cave. Lynn was braiding the webbing so I could pack it out. <br /><br />Once we finally arrived at our two study sites, Fernando and Magda went with the mapping team, and Jose Luis went with the sensor team. The mapping team first mapped Cascada Pequeña; we planned it this way because Shreader cave is "muy angusto" or very tight, so it was quite difficult to move nine people through the cave. Actually, it is quite difficult and rather slow with just two people. The cave is characterized by tiht low passage, and snakes back and forth considerably. Once going through this cave, one knows what it must be like to move like a snake. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuWSAbHOCIWbgIOD8azhilryyZVZMMK4BbVvIe-rL8TX18JaWDQIua2K-t2sAqOcDZiu7ERuwAksewggBrymzGwWiitPPzjhxocZGkEO18Nl_kLXOs1R72d5UtgwfH-DahnuGRF9JA-Y/s1600-h/P6130003.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuWSAbHOCIWbgIOD8azhilryyZVZMMK4BbVvIe-rL8TX18JaWDQIua2K-t2sAqOcDZiu7ERuwAksewggBrymzGwWiitPPzjhxocZGkEO18Nl_kLXOs1R72d5UtgwfH-DahnuGRF9JA-Y/s200/P6130003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347366193682933074" /></a>Image: Dan and Denise hiking back to the truck after a long day in the field. Credit: Christina Colpitts.<br /><br />While the mapping team tackled Cascada Pequeña, the sensor team went and pulled data and relaunched instruments from Shreader. Once finished, we returned to the surface, pulled data from the instruments in Cascada Pequeña, and the mapping team moved into Shreader. <br /><br />We're really operating like clockwork on this expedition. To date, at least, the work proceeds smoothly. However, expedition work, and fieldwork in general is riddled with hurdles and curve balls, so we have to be ready to adjust fire as need be. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3lYDqmZk-PQyO88hRDrV0jrz_qTTV1ZrWJ4KxvQYIRDtBtwmNPpzTdZqgjnFKM25lNJtqCOxbyVhwLHry_wNLPkTvN7elLzkBC2eRxBOPiP-XGEBv28mUWP8-vHCFDN0Fx6BInUbuJc/s1600-h/IMG_1120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3lYDqmZk-PQyO88hRDrV0jrz_qTTV1ZrWJ4KxvQYIRDtBtwmNPpzTdZqgjnFKM25lNJtqCOxbyVhwLHry_wNLPkTvN7elLzkBC2eRxBOPiP-XGEBv28mUWP8-vHCFDN0Fx6BInUbuJc/s400/IMG_1120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347366835622912402" /></a>Image: Jose Luis, Madga and I. Credit: Lynn Hicks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-9872682831524235862009-06-12T19:09:00.000-07:002009-06-12T19:32:22.430-07:00Cueva Tecolote Una Vez!11 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCqLdAeCe6AHOsD8MNy6rdSrHZrhC4eL8hgJtBLMRDZ7dQAFf0q4uGDWSnUrqstXYX61VrpRVRb47Wh7fgJBr2WfGA0o6nrQJxTNnBtE45guVL8fR4rXkdJckoYxSznEHxjltVG9OXsI/s1600-h/IMG_1039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCqLdAeCe6AHOsD8MNy6rdSrHZrhC4eL8hgJtBLMRDZ7dQAFf0q4uGDWSnUrqstXYX61VrpRVRb47Wh7fgJBr2WfGA0o6nrQJxTNnBtE45guVL8fR4rXkdJckoYxSznEHxjltVG9OXsI/s400/IMG_1039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346631982775350306" /></a>Image: Tim and I pulling data off one of our instruments located on the surface. Credit: Lynn Hicks.<br /><br />We will have to do a bit more hiking during this expedition, which is great; however, the longer hikes cut into our time in the field. The park recently closed most of the roads leading to the foothills containing our study caves. So, we have to park in one of two locations and then hike to the caves.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iZwyBqvHDniHy57e6pmetzD1TYiuyiWq76Bwc3ijOS__G4bIGG9vlv__j835zfaVpVxty1iI8RL2x1wrKnKi7s5ngALFByqmER5v4VHdhVn8y1EChPOTH1JZRD8-YsavcG6gppFKm80/s1600-h/IMG_0982.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iZwyBqvHDniHy57e6pmetzD1TYiuyiWq76Bwc3ijOS__G4bIGG9vlv__j835zfaVpVxty1iI8RL2x1wrKnKi7s5ngALFByqmER5v4VHdhVn8y1EChPOTH1JZRD8-YsavcG6gppFKm80/s320/IMG_0982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346630225803306146" /></a>Image: Gearing up at the trailhead. We're just about to hike into the caves.<br /><br />The sensor team moved to another cave today. We pulled data off the sensors in Barn Owl cave. We finished this by midday, which gave us a little time to explore this cave.<br /><br />The mapping team required two days to collect volume data and map of Luna y Media. One of our team members became mildly ill while mapping this cave. We suspect it could be related to the dust. We are taking every effort to wear dust masks while working underground; however, there are times when the masks become cumbersome and folks simply go without them. We will continue to remain vigilant on this issue, and take steps to insure the team is reducing their daily dust intake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdCoLGilNWUgI09X71tGF0YON0nmmhW5GWUnT1Izlqtk5v4ExErOnrQYdqYPDlJYlJ6YEIz-8jZYSr4yfvjwOVMlWEvz5w_Dy6LLhOwkaRQBjH-GF6Zval0LKc6DXDXOXHBMRDJi4Ct4/s1600-h/IMG_0990.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdCoLGilNWUgI09X71tGF0YON0nmmhW5GWUnT1Izlqtk5v4ExErOnrQYdqYPDlJYlJ6YEIz-8jZYSr4yfvjwOVMlWEvz5w_Dy6LLhOwkaRQBjH-GF6Zval0LKc6DXDXOXHBMRDJi4Ct4/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346631431444664226" /></a>Image: Tim and Lynn working to pull data off the instruments. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqIeebN2VaJ-w1EE7C2Lq44PwMQ1fAVwic3-d2MBGVp4MyUY_ihzjEOch9nLpsg1e3OslcDUz6K1ca8Fw6SCjZk5vqeddfBxHCyo2AbXIOFPp2s7EUNkFf02xaPoCeriEAukd2nOfndM/s1600-h/IMG_1081.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqIeebN2VaJ-w1EE7C2Lq44PwMQ1fAVwic3-d2MBGVp4MyUY_ihzjEOch9nLpsg1e3OslcDUz6K1ca8Fw6SCjZk5vqeddfBxHCyo2AbXIOFPp2s7EUNkFf02xaPoCeriEAukd2nOfndM/s320/IMG_1081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346633155481081442" /></a>Image: Evidence of salt mining. Notice the angularity on the exposed salt. This is evidence of the salt being flaked off this exposure. The cave floor was also littered with salt flakes. There were also fire hearths, wood and charcoal littering the ground. It seems they were using the fire to provide light to extract salt from this cave.<br /><br />This cave was extensively used by prehistoric peoples, presumably the Atacameños or perhaps the Incas. We found numerous locations where fires were built, and we were also able to tentatively correlate this to a salt mining operation. The Incas were masters at exploiting commodities and developing trade routes throughout this area. With the major Incan administrative center of Cartarpe just a few miles away, I suspect the Incas were coordinating the removal of salt in pristine extraction locations. We also found ceramics in the back of this cave, and stomach remains of a ruminant, presumably one of the four llama species. It is quite likely there were multiple uses of this cave over the past several thousand years. The exact uses of this cave will probably continue to elude us, and the timeline for this usage will likely remain a mystery.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3Hj70eaEsRdfEJQLHabnsRvaa-5_XCgV0MQ6av2MuXYH7IooSd7UICGN8v1QWNzhLigmKq_9rS-fKukGwY5jl0kH3KpW4FAngatSIjqdJdBZ1cAi9bPxCkaiEcVumVMfY1UGvK4sVdY/s1600-h/IMG_1061.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3Hj70eaEsRdfEJQLHabnsRvaa-5_XCgV0MQ6av2MuXYH7IooSd7UICGN8v1QWNzhLigmKq_9rS-fKukGwY5jl0kH3KpW4FAngatSIjqdJdBZ1cAi9bPxCkaiEcVumVMfY1UGvK4sVdY/s320/IMG_1061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346632528456463538" /></a>Image: A mandible, presumably from a Llama species, found in a rocky mud conglomerate mid-cave.<br /><br />These shots were taken as we were driving through San Pedro en route to the field. Unfortunately, I think the woman who was herding these animals was not pleased with me taking photos.<br /><br />Tomorrow we will have the day off. Everyone but Tim and I are going to Bolivia for the day. They will be visiting two lagunas on the Chile-Bolivia border that I visited back in November. <br /><br />Tim will continue with the analysis on our day off. I will go to CONAF to give a presentation on our work in the Atacama.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoENUJFK8khyFZHDHFSWw-wu8rlwjcPEpnqQpD-CCRfVUdaG7pZd7HtTvg-ZCFwhYZnlB6Ozp4nQR5Vlup2LUn5kxtidx9yjLiWNuVNLAKepcGtbIrqS95vLat5kfrvrqOJwC2cmi_UOA/s1600-h/IMG_0978.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoENUJFK8khyFZHDHFSWw-wu8rlwjcPEpnqQpD-CCRfVUdaG7pZd7HtTvg-ZCFwhYZnlB6Ozp4nQR5Vlup2LUn5kxtidx9yjLiWNuVNLAKepcGtbIrqS95vLat5kfrvrqOJwC2cmi_UOA/s400/IMG_0978.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346629111166044610" /></a><br />Image: A small heard of llamas and cows being herded through town by a Quechuan woman and her dogs. She wasn't overly keen on me taking photos of her animals. I didn't realize this until I said "buenas dias." After saying it twice, she looked tersely at me and said "buenas." The use of "buenas" instead of "buenas dias" or "buenas noches" is common here in Chile.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE4U83KnezhIuO-A3Kl1bml9TIyy_mRYKN5Oj12mAV_IshU5MJF90bp_IcpLR2oKPwKhmHnAGAj9PeB7plZKc1YXx4tSbH4WJlfmWVMtq8uoG7m8s-nQ_RwKmDMcQmp_U9G2s0omVojI/s1600-h/IMG_0979.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE4U83KnezhIuO-A3Kl1bml9TIyy_mRYKN5Oj12mAV_IshU5MJF90bp_IcpLR2oKPwKhmHnAGAj9PeB7plZKc1YXx4tSbH4WJlfmWVMtq8uoG7m8s-nQ_RwKmDMcQmp_U9G2s0omVojI/s400/IMG_0979.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346629664772262178" /></a>Image: Another image of the herd of livestock and the Quechuan woman.<strong></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-8586672461784900902009-06-12T18:50:00.000-07:002009-06-12T19:07:42.590-07:00More water in Atacama Desert Caves!09-10 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fWLi-DHGHcgdPZMdLYYwRhhPhPavVaswxbS3AyXtjzRmDRFTozVxwUCJNP99RLho5-7fV-NmcXXeaRK1xSlCEDF4RpSIuLtuBwo5OFp4AWR_sos4nH4_K-HLFY-4aon3wq4W2zlh_Fc/s1600-h/IMG_0935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fWLi-DHGHcgdPZMdLYYwRhhPhPavVaswxbS3AyXtjzRmDRFTozVxwUCJNP99RLho5-7fV-NmcXXeaRK1xSlCEDF4RpSIuLtuBwo5OFp4AWR_sos4nH4_K-HLFY-4aon3wq4W2zlh_Fc/s400/IMG_0935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346625342670927186" /></a>Image: Canyon Cari. <br /><br />Today, we worked in the second most picturesque canyon in this region – Cañon Carí. As with the rest of this region, Cañon Carí is completely otherworldly. I as well as others on this expedition have said numerous times, this are would be the perfect set for a SciFi movie. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSHuDfkj-EYitobX_oi_8BmTR6g_TxFDSzZvMcgPbq-DkV0t5BT5Bi6NsUEhltRAbtfv7pll69ayDZJAnwA8voOhdFC9n8FnBgh7V5GsEsR9Xqz06z4YGXeMnx3tno5TAFgjCpD4eat4/s1600-h/P6090008.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSHuDfkj-EYitobX_oi_8BmTR6g_TxFDSzZvMcgPbq-DkV0t5BT5Bi6NsUEhltRAbtfv7pll69ayDZJAnwA8voOhdFC9n8FnBgh7V5GsEsR9Xqz06z4YGXeMnx3tno5TAFgjCpD4eat4/s320/P6090008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346625744937325042" /></a>Image: Explorers Club Flag photo. We'll probably take a few during this expeidtion; however, the backdrop was excellent. We were beneath an arch in Canyon Cari. Credit: Dan Ruby.<br /><br />Our cave for the next two days is perhaps the most mazy and long of all our study sites. It’s rather tight in places and requires skills becoming of a Yogi. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4xxTDo3I39UcPPFd8Ht38z8AKAgp2zGsKq3-fx2uDIM3tO7VYpWD5xwGNuM_vluevaLZx-23kSEzQ4AXHcITXGhgO8Mq50ZsJb_JzIr-IqH6sAiYwMRVdOBwYp4yYo99IhAzaE5S_w0/s1600-h/IMG_0928.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4xxTDo3I39UcPPFd8Ht38z8AKAgp2zGsKq3-fx2uDIM3tO7VYpWD5xwGNuM_vluevaLZx-23kSEzQ4AXHcITXGhgO8Mq50ZsJb_JzIr-IqH6sAiYwMRVdOBwYp4yYo99IhAzaE5S_w0/s200/IMG_0928.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346626098801544818" /></a>Image: "Dan the lollipop man" and the rest of the mapping temam. The lollipop is a protractor wheel used for collecting volumetric data of our study caves.<br /><br />The sensor team spent considerably more time in this cave than we probably needed to. We could not relocate one of the instruments that was deployed in one of the last days of our expedition last year. We scoured the cave and could not relocate this instrument. It was quite unfortunate to lose another instrument; however, we are doing quite well thus far in relocating our sensors. We’ve been unable to relocate only two thus far. <br /><br />Losing instruments during a project is not foreign to me. Despite thorough documentation of the location and multiple pictures taken at each site, these things still happen. Kyle Voyles and I have lost more than one sensor working up on Grand Canyon north rim. It’s always frustrating when it happens, but it happens. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBfPV3ufLnEV_bANbT1Ka4idCcUyjC4OfbOYXn-d14WIS5Vs5gjk0o4wsGNVmzEml5eFrpBtl5MVLWQ1IPGyqiOPyOI3_Wmikf5vo2wXjn07gXkH0kX0bRexfWJYxvEjRuoS7wXXTbF4/s1600-h/P6110006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBfPV3ufLnEV_bANbT1Ka4idCcUyjC4OfbOYXn-d14WIS5Vs5gjk0o4wsGNVmzEml5eFrpBtl5MVLWQ1IPGyqiOPyOI3_Wmikf5vo2wXjn07gXkH0kX0bRexfWJYxvEjRuoS7wXXTbF4/s320/P6110006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346627490037337074" /></a>Image: Christina inspecting some small salt pillars in Luna y Media cave. Credit: Dan Ruby.<br /><br />We did make another cool discovery. We found water in another Atacama cave. Luna y Media contains pockets of mud in a passage which is at a much higher elevation than the lower entrance, and the floor is solid halite. We are still curious as to the mechanism(s) resulting in the deposition of water in this cave.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQBIPHU2wQ8NaRlhXYmSyBZIVpRpuoGxGcQdaesUiJFIiBoe8KPM3ZAuz7GPQtE6MAjydLAYet05Wn97_OfI8bugmFYp3GmjmyOcU9pq-mhw27noUeVnFb6gIacNE-DTAXTkM4G3J0Y8/s1600-h/P6100005.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQBIPHU2wQ8NaRlhXYmSyBZIVpRpuoGxGcQdaesUiJFIiBoe8KPM3ZAuz7GPQtE6MAjydLAYet05Wn97_OfI8bugmFYp3GmjmyOcU9pq-mhw27noUeVnFb6gIacNE-DTAXTkM4G3J0Y8/s320/P6100005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346626718493007314" /></a>Image: "Barro" or mud in yet another Atacama Desert cave. It is getting interesting in northern Chile!<br /><br />We were able to pull data off of all our instruments on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the sensor team had a contingency operations day, where we caught up on our data analysis. <br /><br />All is continuing to proceed smoothly on this project. We are still on schedule and we are making good progress. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3tmqehy63UfZcTG8a7z4FUHQIRIo9a_QN-6wqfya4B1Gw7tFEu_I6SaKH5IYoHwCdOdzROXOB9IQJYpqYDoGG3vcp5ErZa9ZqfMpnJ-j9buFXEi5gVmUefAUdBnRN3XeZsDZkX9qAmc/s1600-h/IMG_0974.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3tmqehy63UfZcTG8a7z4FUHQIRIo9a_QN-6wqfya4B1Gw7tFEu_I6SaKH5IYoHwCdOdzROXOB9IQJYpqYDoGG3vcp5ErZa9ZqfMpnJ-j9buFXEi5gVmUefAUdBnRN3XeZsDZkX9qAmc/s400/IMG_0974.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346625048515455442" /></a>Image: A rare view of the property with water. There's an ancient irrigation system in San Pedro that brings water for crops and plants to the interior of the village. I've noted the irrigation system across our property, but this is the first time I've seen the land irrigated. All we have to do is move a few stones and you have water in the desert!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-29386033649606511452009-06-08T19:24:00.000-07:002009-06-08T19:54:29.853-07:00Them bones, them bones!08 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ag-NNWyhd84njhPJ0lS4ZgA29J_In9ry4LhnY2ADDhfkQOEZZNpMtlMM-TExJ9TrSVK-6AteNcMTigHXkvKUVpa04m6UBqqUKKnngE1G4yV8Wg2l96SeCiHQBspanXHXX75tbBk6160/s1600-h/teeth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ag-NNWyhd84njhPJ0lS4ZgA29J_In9ry4LhnY2ADDhfkQOEZZNpMtlMM-TExJ9TrSVK-6AteNcMTigHXkvKUVpa04m6UBqqUKKnngE1G4yV8Wg2l96SeCiHQBspanXHXX75tbBk6160/s400/teeth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345151036450718210" /></a>Image: Bones from Cuevita de Huesos. Credit: Gerhard Huedepohl 2008.<br /><br />We are revisiting all the caves we worked last year. As mentioned in the first blog of this expedition, the purpose is to complete the mapping effort, service the sensors, and conduct near real-time analysis of the temperature and barometric pressure data collected over the past year. So, we return to Cuevita de Huesos once again. This incredibly small, yet incredibly cool cuevita contains one of the discoveries that attracted so much attention by the media last year. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiua4nGUX8SGgGEOwv6z91K_kpHtfLz9N8jQEOKGjzR-TFybagSFRYTgBvYOy_jTTzq-b5bJm2evxEBhNyG1de6W8refe39O8aOUvpwMoQ7RJeAFiixfo_jyualjC8XS483vb39CCYcrE/s1600-h/IMG_0925.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiua4nGUX8SGgGEOwv6z91K_kpHtfLz9N8jQEOKGjzR-TFybagSFRYTgBvYOy_jTTzq-b5bJm2evxEBhNyG1de6W8refe39O8aOUvpwMoQ7RJeAFiixfo_jyualjC8XS483vb39CCYcrE/s320/IMG_0925.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345152403472482914" /></a>Image: Mapping team posing for a photo. <br /><br />It contains thousands of bones and bone fragments within and along the cave walls. These bones likely belong to one of the four new world camelids that call the altiplano home – vacuñas, guanacos, llamas, and alpacas. However, the jury is still out as to how these bones were deposited. Did these animals die in a flood, and their remains washed into a hole that ultimately filled by soil and then eroded out when the cave formed exposing the bones? Were these bones deposited much earlier, perhaps tens to hundreds of thousands of years, and then the cave formed resulting in their exposure? Or, perhaps a more interesting possibility, is does this area represent a midden where ancient people (e.g., the Atacameños) and these bones were then exposed by alluvial activities? To read about this, go to <a href="http://www.livescience.com/environment/080731-cave-water.html">LiveScience.com, Incredible Discoveries Made in Remote Caves (31 July 2008)</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboyu6ndLF49vlMKsA1fXpjU5Ex2mwTaTRnBU8TAAwkO8ZD2LvN0OaxgvUfVLd0j3hS37Fkfa-n5jlzKG2fcu6yKvh2kGAsKmbrwAFMgkiif67EH2MzhpAOrTXE2RTPnLiFXNSsseWpk8/s1600-h/DSCF1661.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboyu6ndLF49vlMKsA1fXpjU5Ex2mwTaTRnBU8TAAwkO8ZD2LvN0OaxgvUfVLd0j3hS37Fkfa-n5jlzKG2fcu6yKvh2kGAsKmbrwAFMgkiif67EH2MzhpAOrTXE2RTPnLiFXNSsseWpk8/s320/DSCF1661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345154461636095202" /></a>Image: Dan and I entering data. Certainly, the most glamorous part of expedition! Image: Tim Titus.<br /><br />Once again, our expedition team garnered much success today. The sensor team pulled data from the sensors and redeployed the instruments, while the mapping team mapped the entire feature. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWh2fD7BOlX8SapYyZPhsINnF-vylnXxVYeWDKPKgXS0PUrTTgRXWTKz5AduORnqzwt7IfpIbXQyCjMCko5yC461e_O8dJGyUWZzi7Pr9LbHCegumNkbxHh8YS8vr277Gu9YOk_uIthE/s1600-h/P6080003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWh2fD7BOlX8SapYyZPhsINnF-vylnXxVYeWDKPKgXS0PUrTTgRXWTKz5AduORnqzwt7IfpIbXQyCjMCko5yC461e_O8dJGyUWZzi7Pr9LbHCegumNkbxHh8YS8vr277Gu9YOk_uIthE/s400/P6080003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345153372492471426" /></a>Image: Group dinner after a day in the field. Credit: Dan Ruby.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-69911834177761593272009-06-08T19:01:00.000-07:002009-06-08T19:24:42.942-07:00Mapping and Maintaining Sensors at Cuevita de Cartarpe07 June 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrbmgQJdQey26zSqG_JwKt9eNagi7Y9m0LRB5DfeKOA10VA2aOo_yT2b-JyxAZT_WLnd3tb0cgIITUu6iCoKrPdrrbI66sl694TxOv0n6CN4iMR_BPT4zTQzaKay9TRn5OooDjSVKT5E/s1600-h/IMG_0890.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrbmgQJdQey26zSqG_JwKt9eNagi7Y9m0LRB5DfeKOA10VA2aOo_yT2b-JyxAZT_WLnd3tb0cgIITUu6iCoKrPdrrbI66sl694TxOv0n6CN4iMR_BPT4zTQzaKay9TRn5OooDjSVKT5E/s400/IMG_0890.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345143941593413170" /></a>Image: A southerly view of Cañon Cartarpe.<br /><br />We had another productive day in the Atacama. This non-cave feature is likely the only one that will require rope during this expedition. As a safety precaution, both trucks contain rescue gear which includes rope. So, while this is the only time rope will be required as part of this work, I am also hopeful that it will be the last time we need to use rope. We had to rig a 25 ft upclimb to reach the upper level of this cave. Accessing this upper level requires nuisance climb; we had to use our ascenders to get to the upper level.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIb_kDgdeX_kqihVbmJPzDJ2MXsq46Vmnec_g8apn6k-H2UnixUxpmz1W6ieVJDTNqmbYmsCr0P8sduUtBfe1dW40P9hi_-hJQNjP7NERSYNbpWKqNDbf5hmCO9owglvdMzgMPP7b5Lc/s1600-h/DSCF1628.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIb_kDgdeX_kqihVbmJPzDJ2MXsq46Vmnec_g8apn6k-H2UnixUxpmz1W6ieVJDTNqmbYmsCr0P8sduUtBfe1dW40P9hi_-hJQNjP7NERSYNbpWKqNDbf5hmCO9owglvdMzgMPP7b5Lc/s320/DSCF1628.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345146970347657874" /></a>Image: Christina, our safety chief and rope master, rigging the cave for our ascent. While I am look like I'm contributing, I'm really just in the way.<br /><br />I got to try out my new Petzl Verso on the rap down. I totally dig it! Thanks again to Charly and Petzl for their support! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx1OgIfe248zg6S5uaEu_GETYBI-2_K1shsPAy3z0RzwjjRlHRYFN4MCX8QmejuMokt6zOrcQaSrESEw5z7vwGY4OyEjFflFWMlBnaFq1LQs_bBx5icFNRRLiDv-cbXbDRwHt3dmy4bU/s1600-h/P6070036.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx1OgIfe248zg6S5uaEu_GETYBI-2_K1shsPAy3z0RzwjjRlHRYFN4MCX8QmejuMokt6zOrcQaSrESEw5z7vwGY4OyEjFflFWMlBnaFq1LQs_bBx5icFNRRLiDv-cbXbDRwHt3dmy4bU/s200/P6070036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345145696734862642" /></a>Image: The doc observing the operations undertaken in the pit. Fortunately, his expertise were not required again today. Image: Dan Ruby.<br /><br />We had three instruments in this cave, and we’ve learned uploading data and re-launching our instruments takes very little time. Our mapping team will be spending far more time in the field than the sensor maintenance team. However, the sensor team will still have a lot of work to do by way of analysis and determining whether we need to return to some of our caves to deploy additional instruments. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQDDD12T1Jn2jRhQyZaiOieqnHWplUfE9BY4kZwgOzwYEKQImWEcSIgNXV5gY0Yv3BMYhOvOrCxr4TshJaGRfsI_YOUzdcDq55ceJGe428H6UX2b69UlU613TaxtcRzzh2MeLGlvEZHY/s1600-h/DSCF1620.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQDDD12T1Jn2jRhQyZaiOieqnHWplUfE9BY4kZwgOzwYEKQImWEcSIgNXV5gY0Yv3BMYhOvOrCxr4TshJaGRfsI_YOUzdcDq55ceJGe428H6UX2b69UlU613TaxtcRzzh2MeLGlvEZHY/s320/DSCF1620.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345146541715534818" /></a>Image: Entrance of Cuevita de Cartarpe. Credit: Tim Titus.<br /><br />Cañon Cartarpe is perhaps one of the more picturesque areas where we will be working during this expedition. The Rio San Pedro cuts this canyon, and thus it is the only area in this part of the Atacama that contains vegetation. The town of San Pedro exists because of this river and has been an important oasis to both humans and animals for thousands of years. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaJpuLdN42yGFLbt_wE2O6-D0Jf6c2zxVwU6sgmDT_JtZB3gragCtxpN9gdKRyfgbAJiMhLj7EtTepRxzo9TgZ4kfhInZXqOQnwDABVku4SLi1bsDXZR2rZ_q8E0qk_rpkBQ_yt29zLQ/s1600-h/P6070029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaJpuLdN42yGFLbt_wE2O6-D0Jf6c2zxVwU6sgmDT_JtZB3gragCtxpN9gdKRyfgbAJiMhLj7EtTepRxzo9TgZ4kfhInZXqOQnwDABVku4SLi1bsDXZR2rZ_q8E0qk_rpkBQ_yt29zLQ/s400/P6070029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345144529416886050" /></a>Image: Likely the only time I will be on rope during this expedition. It was a short upclimb and as short of a rappel. However, any day on rope is a good day, indeed! Credit: Dan Ruby.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-25299343391269603622009-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:002009-06-07T17:51:43.021-07:00Return to Salt Landscape CaveDay 2 of Field Operations (06 June 2009)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw2g3OI4cG-9tVKFbagaVfPtSG43UaZLCkaAdwSX3lUV9IAHKAP3PnHUTb5sH3Qto5M5XgaONE_4tyeykVwBKUUhyphenhyphenFF14yVkSnaqAUC0r5W5sAmNo6YGnh2kBECjp9qFBy6kHJcupFfM/s1600-h/IMG_0827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw2g3OI4cG-9tVKFbagaVfPtSG43UaZLCkaAdwSX3lUV9IAHKAP3PnHUTb5sH3Qto5M5XgaONE_4tyeykVwBKUUhyphenhyphenFF14yVkSnaqAUC0r5W5sAmNo6YGnh2kBECjp9qFBy6kHJcupFfM/s400/IMG_0827.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344751361981719266" /></a>Image: Some of the salt speleothemic formations within Salt Landscape Cave. <br /><br />The mapping team remained in town today. They had two days slotted for mapping Quitor, and were able to map this cave in one day. They had some issues with the instrumentation, and wanted to resolve these issues. There were some magnetic anomalies in Quitor that were causing some of the instruments to produce erroneous results; so, Dan and the others wanted to determine why this was happening. They ultimately found a work around to this.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWZoYtipOhL4mRlysK_Zk5YO4JOFcY2YrS0akFSti1-iEcE0lDWt2e1qSdOgIrcVKgWvUxMWH-SWdAjBNlz98J0GZUcyb00J7-DuXzvaCPI1inxRpi43V31rEXbsbj5avKpkXewVK_mk/s1600-h/IMG_0833.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWZoYtipOhL4mRlysK_Zk5YO4JOFcY2YrS0akFSti1-iEcE0lDWt2e1qSdOgIrcVKgWvUxMWH-SWdAjBNlz98J0GZUcyb00J7-DuXzvaCPI1inxRpi43V31rEXbsbj5avKpkXewVK_mk/s320/IMG_0833.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344751572380351346" /></a>Image: Cool salt stalactite within lower entrance, Salt Landscape Cave.<br /><br />Lynn, Tim and I went to Salt Landscape Cave to pull sensors. It was great to return to the field Cordillera de los Andes. The vistas were just as are otherworldly as ever. Lazcar (the only active volcano in the region) was slowly piping smoke into the sky, and the clouds hugged the mountains and volcanoes of the Altiplano throughout the day.<br /><br />Salt Landscape Cave was rather difficult to manage last year. We spent three days at this cave searching for the other two of the entrances. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful. As a result, we were able to deploy sensors in two of four entrances. Also, we were unable to get through the entire cave given that it was incredibly tight in several areas. So, we decided to pull sensors and use these additional sensors to supplement coverage at our study caves. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcqmvCr8xWJDrG4sMz5cREKDY8tsXVB0Ql6ANfxpgS3T6UtbTihWwu7avuhauvpIb_tRz8elfd43HzKBQtgML-M37ZO3tC1FT8FfBQZTIVrizeLPkChRvlv19jyjmwTrdg08P2CLpKjY/s1600-h/IMG_0865.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcqmvCr8xWJDrG4sMz5cREKDY8tsXVB0Ql6ANfxpgS3T6UtbTihWwu7avuhauvpIb_tRz8elfd43HzKBQtgML-M37ZO3tC1FT8FfBQZTIVrizeLPkChRvlv19jyjmwTrdg08P2CLpKjY/s320/IMG_0865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344752402990441602" /></a>Image: Tim collecting coordinate data for one of our surface sensors outside Salt Landscape Cave.<br /><br />We returned to San Pedro early today, and began entering data. This project will involve both field work and a major data entry component. We’ll be spending most nights entering and analyzing data. Although this is only day to of field operations, we are proving to be far more productive than we were last year, and we are right on schedule.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg064gx0RRu7pKuaSLlw7uhcUwP3yLs1YmS4fTDyxHU5EiplInqGtfcLtzJrkA_jkzhyXnaRLTyUtOueU_SzPUmGdTj9fjU_fsGJKd9zSm9Vug6s_-2Vn-jSwgExUbk4heILdXI8zqEWzk/s1600-h/IMG_0859.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg064gx0RRu7pKuaSLlw7uhcUwP3yLs1YmS4fTDyxHU5EiplInqGtfcLtzJrkA_jkzhyXnaRLTyUtOueU_SzPUmGdTj9fjU_fsGJKd9zSm9Vug6s_-2Vn-jSwgExUbk4heILdXI8zqEWzk/s400/IMG_0859.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344751866741018034" /></a>Image: Lynn with the Salt Landscape in the background. It was another beautiful day in the driest desert in the world!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-38455216293180948572009-06-05T19:22:00.000-07:002009-06-05T19:35:03.630-07:00Field Operations, Day 1: Return to Quitor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7mIO1HcNb4U7Ozj6g5-9UULMm4tdZCgJwsqeYEE1XbBC__3rGsAAjPwSssYBkAQ1DVpbosRLuovxfFZtsOy0lCK9aUJ2q8t7-H3cj_ckWKI5kQlDI7r11P9tn-sHuI9yqvNcsF6PNP0/s1600-h/lincan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7mIO1HcNb4U7Ozj6g5-9UULMm4tdZCgJwsqeYEE1XbBC__3rGsAAjPwSssYBkAQ1DVpbosRLuovxfFZtsOy0lCK9aUJ2q8t7-H3cj_ckWKI5kQlDI7r11P9tn-sHuI9yqvNcsF6PNP0/s400/lincan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344034568747432018" /></a><br /><br />Today, we had our first day in the field. Despite a steep learning curb on low tech anti-theft devices on one of our trucks, we had an incredibly productive day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCQ7NbgTO6uWlvTu_SdvbfncUQ41Y1XEJh0HPBWom9ibzrAsveh3fkoq_n8g68dPajF9Orp9Py8qUTyjdPtutudbm1NCVwmYEnBijc13repYz3ydPv0HWXUVIC8o89FmaV71vCXOFZ2A/s1600-h/P6050011.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCQ7NbgTO6uWlvTu_SdvbfncUQ41Y1XEJh0HPBWom9ibzrAsveh3fkoq_n8g68dPajF9Orp9Py8qUTyjdPtutudbm1NCVwmYEnBijc13repYz3ydPv0HWXUVIC8o89FmaV71vCXOFZ2A/s200/P6050011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344034787723550370" /></a>Image: Tim and I preparing to depart for the day. Standing within the sinkhole entrance of Quitor. Credit: Dan Ruby.<br /><br />The sensor and data management team successfully pulled data off all remaining sensors in Caverna de Quitor. Unfortunately, one of our sensors was stolen. The sensor location was a concern to me last year, but we felt it was the best location at the time. <br /><br />On the side, we also learned our data loggers are incredibly power efficient. We’ve been collecting data for the past 11 months and still had 95% battery power remaining on several of our data loggers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OEjR2lKzPeauC4uS6XnwjbYLvlOJ0ssZQKREMibU8pHCqd5iVCn0CTYXg5d2U_kmU3GttZ00wyW1gvINdMD5moThl0F5fwHXIxrA2oe8upGEdbpfZgk5FxDFg7p8dtvFpgxVF7b7KSY/s1600-h/P6050008.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OEjR2lKzPeauC4uS6XnwjbYLvlOJ0ssZQKREMibU8pHCqd5iVCn0CTYXg5d2U_kmU3GttZ00wyW1gvINdMD5moThl0F5fwHXIxrA2oe8upGEdbpfZgk5FxDFg7p8dtvFpgxVF7b7KSY/s320/P6050008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344037017473627138" /></a>Image: Christina and Denise taking a break from mapping Quitor. Credit: Dan Ruby.<br /><br />The cartography team was also successful today. For the most part, they completely mapped Quitor; however, they do have some concerns regarding magnetic anomalies within the cave that may be affecting their measurements. Tomorrow, they will be conducting some tests at the house to see if they can resolve these problems. They may ultimately learn they have to return to Quitor for a half day to mop up some of these problems. However, this shouldn’t be a problem. Although this is our first day of field operations, we are maintaining our schedule.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaani_GJ6e8QG8BjaSCM8AB8nUgFI1vmLyTiNBEYHFBXE3im5P5jTeszQIMkC59RoV_NWk5ApVea7_RfVUpVgjL79pFQSTjma8IsFSADSki7J9caEAmCwkLUAADCM-3unsocXb-NCrfU/s1600-h/IMG_0800.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaani_GJ6e8QG8BjaSCM8AB8nUgFI1vmLyTiNBEYHFBXE3im5P5jTeszQIMkC59RoV_NWk5ApVea7_RfVUpVgjL79pFQSTjma8IsFSADSki7J9caEAmCwkLUAADCM-3unsocXb-NCrfU/s320/IMG_0800.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344035727185980914" /></a>Image: Dan, Lynn, Christina and a stray dog at the entrance of Quitor. Dogs are pervasive in San Pedro. At any given time, there are likely more dogs than tourists in this town!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-54733435707813956292009-06-05T18:56:00.000-07:002009-06-05T19:20:25.332-07:002009 Atacama Desert Expedition, Earth-Mars Cave Detection Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLurfSauQoLFXiwV4-_8wn8XOlESfcpA_tdkF0CDw9yAllCk1oQvCsn7nZS3pjX65R5-99o6RE-3gO5OG4oIURvqKH9Zdi9-Ed4MbBz1ei0SFmRjQJIQJm3qudLv2iVc7htMLZF5URJe4/s1600-h/atacama_09.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLurfSauQoLFXiwV4-_8wn8XOlESfcpA_tdkF0CDw9yAllCk1oQvCsn7nZS3pjX65R5-99o6RE-3gO5OG4oIURvqKH9Zdi9-Ed4MbBz1ei0SFmRjQJIQJm3qudLv2iVc7htMLZF5URJe4/s400/atacama_09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344027983240265218" /></a><br /><br />We arrived in country on 01 June. The advance party consisted of Tim, Dan, Christina and myself. Our objective was to arrive Calama, go to the hardware and grocery story, and set up the house prior to the arrival of the rest of the team. We effortlessly picked up the vehicles from the Calama Airport and we went directly to Hotel Agua Desierto. We were all completely spent after well over two days on planes and in airports. <br /><br />We arrived to San Pedro de Atacama on 02 June, and began to set up the house. Last year it took us well over a week to set up the house. This year, we did it in less than a day. Dialing in the house goes much quicker when you know where all the stores are and exactly what you need.<br /><br />Our objectives for this year’s expedition are to: (a) complete the mapping effort for all our study caves; (b) upload data from our instruments, replace batteries and relaunch all instruments currently deployed within our study caves; and, (c) conduct near real-time analysis of cave and non-cave feature data. This third objective is imperative to ensure proper deployment of sensors for the second year of data collection. Because the temperature and barometric pressure data are only extracted once per year, the analysis of these data while still in the field allows for modifications of the placement of sensors and the number of sensors used prior to departing the Atacama Desert. Without the capability of near real time analysis, modifications emplacement strategy on a per cave basis would not occur until year 3, thus potentially diminishing the value of data collected. <br /><br />This expedition is part of a three-year project to develop techniques to systematically predict and detect caves on the Earth and Mars. For this project, we will be working at two premiere Mars-analogue sites, the Atacama Desert, northern Chile and Mojave Desert, southern California. This project is funded through the NASA-Exobiology Program. <br /><br />If life ever evolved on Mars, evidence will be located in subsurface cavities protected from the hostile surface environment. Overall project objectives are to (1) better characterize thermal behavior of both terrestrial and Martian caves; (2) identify optimal detection times (i.e., appropriate day and season) for detection via a thermal infrared remote sensing platform; (3) ultimately differentiate caves from non-cave features (e.g., alcoves, sheltered dry falls or small tunnel features that may be confused with cave entrances); and, (4) potentially infer cave volume from the thermal signal strength of cave entrances. For the Atacama Desert Expedition, our mission objectives are to (a) deploy temperature and barometric pressure sensors at caves and non-cave features, (b) estimate cave volume using newly developed techniques, and (c) map caves and non-cave features using high resolution and high detail maps.<br /><br />The project has once again been honored with the distinction as an <a href="http://www.explorers.org/expeditions/flagexpeditions.php">Explorer's Club Flag Expedition</a>. <br /><br />So, now to meet the 2009 Atacama Desert expedition team…<br /><br />Team 1: Sensor and Data Management<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUJmL0-VfMNDb73_j28WsumVORJuzI845FNL8Y_EgtKKZTnRvmCbdbmsbvueT8QPLJuqh0jQ5C9LMWHudfPAF_c9taV19xQagZ7sySoeLj-yPjPTAwA7EJApvUW-EWbnPRBnlqktQTM0/s1600-h/jut.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUJmL0-VfMNDb73_j28WsumVORJuzI845FNL8Y_EgtKKZTnRvmCbdbmsbvueT8QPLJuqh0jQ5C9LMWHudfPAF_c9taV19xQagZ7sySoeLj-yPjPTAwA7EJApvUW-EWbnPRBnlqktQTM0/s320/jut.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344033383886295586" /></a>Jut Wynne, Expedition Lead -- I am currently working on his PhD in biology from Northern Arizona University. For my dissertation research, I am developing models to characterize cave communities in Arizona and New Mexico. I serve the 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition as the project’s expedition leader and overall project manager.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQz66N4K1AZmoHrUbzfIvaCB9I-m6OxT4rYT57F4sILD23ILu-66e31CUAB7_wTJ-g8Mxy0H_7vR_TgpIqPcjvV4izYr0LZo2qnrEuYenWcXAiEKBK9N-PdYg-AanppzUuO9s8cWm7Bw/s1600-h/tim.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQz66N4K1AZmoHrUbzfIvaCB9I-m6OxT4rYT57F4sILD23ILu-66e31CUAB7_wTJ-g8Mxy0H_7vR_TgpIqPcjvV4izYr0LZo2qnrEuYenWcXAiEKBK9N-PdYg-AanppzUuO9s8cWm7Bw/s320/tim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344029750643997538" /></a>Tim Titus, No. 2, Deputy Expedition Lead -- Tim is a astrophysicist with the USGS-Astrogeology Team, Flagstaff, Arizona. He is a co-investigator on this project and was a co-investigator during Phase 1. This will be Tim's second tour in the Atacama on this project. He has also served as number 2 during the Mojave Desert Expedition. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAoZ-w5CO4JkONEUKyNJ-bh44RTt5o1n7hwzqt-QBVGIPDcVLclzAyG24DVgViz1RGW0AtWZg6cl0Usnw26pNDwga84QXgwU0sFcG7ZUZ2bI2NZIK0fKR-2Ae_GtyH-Kd3-KebClF9sg/s1600-h/lynn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAoZ-w5CO4JkONEUKyNJ-bh44RTt5o1n7hwzqt-QBVGIPDcVLclzAyG24DVgViz1RGW0AtWZg6cl0Usnw26pNDwga84QXgwU0sFcG7ZUZ2bI2NZIK0fKR-2Ae_GtyH-Kd3-KebClF9sg/s320/lynn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344030304609759138" /></a>Lynn Hicks, Senior Medical Officer -- Lynn is a medical doctor and received his M.D. at Auburn University. He is also a member of the Explorers Club. He will be serving the expedition's field medical doctor. Lynn is also a veteran of this project. He served as our medical doctor last year. Fortunately, he only had to "doctor" a smashed finger last year. We are hopeful his expertise will not be required again this year.<br /><br />Team 2: Cartography Team<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvjDkWlP06pr9QOCPN6m_PUGX-h9SeUmJxBc7f6bFHgXi8TbiHYlrcu9Pofhp6lIIXi06WDF3zsW9Ves8-hC35ZnoosHufFoczc4g3UMpRbJQqvZkgWm7NeTKI78bLRew8v04Xep7CIM/s1600-h/dan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvjDkWlP06pr9QOCPN6m_PUGX-h9SeUmJxBc7f6bFHgXi8TbiHYlrcu9Pofhp6lIIXi06WDF3zsW9Ves8-hC35ZnoosHufFoczc4g3UMpRbJQqvZkgWm7NeTKI78bLRew8v04Xep7CIM/s320/dan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344031012580526962" /></a>Dan Ruby, Number 3, Cartography Lead -- Dan Ruby is the associate director of Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center in Reno, Nevada, a member of the Explorers Club and a member of the Northern Nevada Grotto of the National Speleological Society. Dan has served as a cartographer on the 2008 Atacama Expedition, a field technician n the 2008 Rapa Nui Cave Biodiversity Expedition and the lead cartographer on the 2008 Mojave Desert Expedition. He obtained his B.F.A. (Bachelors in Fine Arts, emphasis in Digital Media) from the University of Nevada-Reno. Dan has an interest in space exploration stretching back to his first space LEGO set, a lunar lander, in 1980 at the age of three. He still continues to launch model rockets (albeit instrumented sound-barrier-breaking ones) and plays with LEGO sets (to build robot rovers), alongside his role presenting astronomy talks to the public and 15,000 K-12 students per year. Dan’s current pursuits include sustainable energy projects and spending many hours underground in high altitude regions with extremely dry climates. Dan has been pivotal in developing techniques for estimating cave volume and has been developing a paper on these techniques. We anticipate this paper to be published within the next six months. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO5oo3CNi2-wDXQhgNuvwgwc3XTVvW3b0cMVUpqK53s7ADsSinYvwUX1UpOlnIw1veSPuos60739-Sj5WjukrNRPRZtKOHcnWBYY63A8b3ZEKb4_uqOyBoRurK8qHu3WzTeuk9gWZZ14/s1600-h/christina.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO5oo3CNi2-wDXQhgNuvwgwc3XTVvW3b0cMVUpqK53s7ADsSinYvwUX1UpOlnIw1veSPuos60739-Sj5WjukrNRPRZtKOHcnWBYY63A8b3ZEKb4_uqOyBoRurK8qHu3WzTeuk9gWZZ14/s320/christina.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344032959066538754" /></a>Christina Colpitts, Number 4, Safety Chief, Cartographic Technician -- Christina is a commercial pilot and wilderness guide. She obtained her B.S. in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Environmental Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Christina is currently based in San Diego and flies tour groups to central Baja and guides eco tourism/ adventure trips. She is involved in adventure and scientific caving for over 10 years in addition to conducting field-based environmental research projects located in the western United States. Some of her interests include long distance hiking, ice hockey, archaeology, machining, alternative fuels, and plant biology. She has worked on two cave expeditions south of the equator. She served as safety chief/ medical specialist during both the 2008 Atacama Expedition and the 2008 Rapa Nui Cave Biodiversity Expedition. She will be serving this expedition as the safety chief/ medical specialist. She will be responsible for evaluating project risks and adapting appropriate strategies to mitigate risks in the field.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmXX9eviiTAiJPQA1tP6JwSI96FAWGoKYPXlCy3gA8Gyxt0-PX4Eo-Gnn6cSYMndpxBNnojtmJ3ZLc3Vcp6h_JEyxOHxXY1tsdVg6unSlvbD5eIeIUvtiNAHRL6CoVgBJsKnxiMwd-T8/s1600-h/denise.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmXX9eviiTAiJPQA1tP6JwSI96FAWGoKYPXlCy3gA8Gyxt0-PX4Eo-Gnn6cSYMndpxBNnojtmJ3ZLc3Vcp6h_JEyxOHxXY1tsdVg6unSlvbD5eIeIUvtiNAHRL6CoVgBJsKnxiMwd-T8/s320/denise.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344032520612751890" /></a>Denise Hill, EMT, Cartographic Technician -- Denise is a veteran to cave mapping; in 2008, she served as Safety Chief and cartographic technician for the 2008 Mojave Desert Expedition. She is an EMT and will round out our three person medical team.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-65734617958846269132009-03-24T14:05:00.001-07:002009-03-29T16:25:50.470-07:00Circus in a Tux, Big Apple, NY -- Explorers Club Annual Dinner Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy1yG1yvZmHdxGP4ny1OgooPenRXALCV7PS9r-tydyuiSh-4I_bqjikHAg-lt4u00aKXtj3dAxT6awPR7qlJ-M8sKjOpop1iqFy2GdjC3Lsp6u_DnUB-PK3BSlc5GGhpfwt0GfXU7Dbg/s1600-h/peter_chewyjpg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy1yG1yvZmHdxGP4ny1OgooPenRXALCV7PS9r-tydyuiSh-4I_bqjikHAg-lt4u00aKXtj3dAxT6awPR7qlJ-M8sKjOpop1iqFy2GdjC3Lsp6u_DnUB-PK3BSlc5GGhpfwt0GfXU7Dbg/s400/peter_chewyjpg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318742740271155042" /></a>Image: These are two of Brian Staples' rescued animals. These guys had been working the crowds all evening at ECAD and all day at the Explorers Club HQ. These two are tuckered out. Peter, the spider monkey (<em>Brachyteles</em> sp.), his quite attached to Chewy, the kinkajou (<em>Potos flavus</em>), and will not let him out of his sight. Both animals are common to the tropical dry and tropical forests from southern Mexico south into South America. In the wild, these two would not be friends; but in captivity they appear to be best of friends. Personally, I believe Chewy just tolerates him. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XNoYGITwcnGxUHVL8ZnjIDMdh2um-xL4qv10X9P7T988R026KiinVXIGH_fF7eBjv06u0D8WBZnz0-MxjMUNnd6SMiX7KsJFI3zTLv2NtqWCy9wiK4EYwRTR76JBZhbfkvFtnvx4Amc/s1600-h/appitizers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XNoYGITwcnGxUHVL8ZnjIDMdh2um-xL4qv10X9P7T988R026KiinVXIGH_fF7eBjv06u0D8WBZnz0-MxjMUNnd6SMiX7KsJFI3zTLv2NtqWCy9wiK4EYwRTR76JBZhbfkvFtnvx4Amc/s200/appitizers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318746171963009186" /></a>Image: It is customary at ECAD to have exotic appetizers. Here is a smattering of what was offered. Among the appetizers that I ate include marinated duck tongue, scorpions, crickets, and beetle larvae. <br /><br />Granted I admit this tenuously fits under the typical content appearing in my blog. However, the Explorers Club Annual Dinner (aka ECAD) is always an adventure. You never know who you are going to meet, what you're going to see or what contacts you're going to make at this very festive event.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBlLRq-iPihjJltrWnn3sHHbnKWWEtt7FYUNaQir93C8zH2ae_buzdyXvWOFOoKk2ZjKC20xDydLmvqU6N5jHnj7amSsjSUTg_8-OlXbIuh-EEb2wIewnKzZ9q4J9erRRubaqMMu1BQw/s1600-h/IMG_0700.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBlLRq-iPihjJltrWnn3sHHbnKWWEtt7FYUNaQir93C8zH2ae_buzdyXvWOFOoKk2ZjKC20xDydLmvqU6N5jHnj7amSsjSUTg_8-OlXbIuh-EEb2wIewnKzZ9q4J9erRRubaqMMu1BQw/s200/IMG_0700.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747994506504610" /></a><br />Image: Roasted American alligator at the Waldorf. I've had this twice now. I got there a bit late this year, and there was virtually nothing left. Does it taste like chicken? Well...almost.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVz7pJ2mrwM0VNEpRniNZbIMs_X9g7Mjn60B06y08o4BUwgNEDlkWk7Gl9KSmrU9LWi9vfjYE7xEP7_Vfigt27KHNhY4tw90MhSXBCcQsVgddhmSFxJGaQkIyO4SObhFGAOp1LDaKrJ1s/s1600-h/IMG_0742.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVz7pJ2mrwM0VNEpRniNZbIMs_X9g7Mjn60B06y08o4BUwgNEDlkWk7Gl9KSmrU9LWi9vfjYE7xEP7_Vfigt27KHNhY4tw90MhSXBCcQsVgddhmSFxJGaQkIyO4SObhFGAOp1LDaKrJ1s/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318743995080541506" /></a>Image: Hanging out with Peter and Chewy on Sunday at Explorers Club HQ. Credit: Brian Staples.<br /><br />For example, when I attended ECAD in 2007 I met both Dan Aykroyd and Buzz Aldrin. It was a rather surreal night. I was speaking with Dan regarding how to attract bats to his farm. Later that night, Dr. Aldrin and I were discussing the potential for caves on Mars. Although this last trip was not quite as star-studded, I did make some new friends, and I had the honor of sharing the stage at the Waldorf=Astoria ballroom with preeminent ecologist Dr. E.O. Wilson, and Apollo VII commander Bill Anders. I was given the very distinct honor of returning an Explorers Club flag at the ECAD. In so doing, I was given the opportunity to speak to over 1000 people regarding the fragility and importance of cave biodiversity and ecosystems. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBKnNUaqJBr_-JX1z88yp-RwWrM-ud3d-qr-VvJHZgbMyochB-aWf2xD6Z15N3noBpH17iV_YOx_aG58E7f6ajT9j5S3_C_Ve9X46yM7jdsGlBmX8Gqv0Lk0iZQ9TDCKOS_eEt_7Lg28/s1600-h/IMG_0737.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBKnNUaqJBr_-JX1z88yp-RwWrM-ud3d-qr-VvJHZgbMyochB-aWf2xD6Z15N3noBpH17iV_YOx_aG58E7f6ajT9j5S3_C_Ve9X46yM7jdsGlBmX8Gqv0Lk0iZQ9TDCKOS_eEt_7Lg28/s320/IMG_0737.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318745593541898546" /></a>Image: Dr. Lynn Hicks and I at ECAD, Waldorf=Astoria, NYC. Lynn has been a part of my family for over 30 years, and has recently joined my family of expedition scientists. He served as our expedition doctor in the Atacama Desert last year, and will be joining us again this June for another expedition in the Atacama.<br /><br />I also met and became good friends with Brian and David Staples. Brian and his son run <a href="http://www.brianstaples.us/"> Staples Safari</a>. Brian is an accomplished wildlife ecologist, and he operates two exotic animal rescue facilities. His work is vitally important to conveying the importance of wildlife and wildlife conservation to the world. He is rather gifted in his ability to do this. Brian (and perhaps David) will likely be joining me on the Rapa Nui cave biodiversity expedition in June and July 2009.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BUe0rHdcKYMaE7_85xvmON9vZja1nJ4B1Vnqad5PV9RvTn89fFOFhFY_zcuvHmv5qlynxkNkHDupGDtnmSVFjdRA8nlNoN1eOpTL6S_aAaOh9A_TLWqLBwPZq0_yBd_4vfCJjyNqUug/s1600-h/IMG_0729.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BUe0rHdcKYMaE7_85xvmON9vZja1nJ4B1Vnqad5PV9RvTn89fFOFhFY_zcuvHmv5qlynxkNkHDupGDtnmSVFjdRA8nlNoN1eOpTL6S_aAaOh9A_TLWqLBwPZq0_yBd_4vfCJjyNqUug/s400/IMG_0729.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747395244490706" /></a>Image: Wildlife conservationist and TV personality, Jim Fowler, discussing the importance of biodiveristy at ECAD. As an example, he is discussing the diversity of owls. Globally, there are 134 known species of this night hunter. <br /><br />Jim has been coordinating the wildlife component of ECAD for decades. He is most effective at communicating the importance of our natural world to the general public. We are most fortunate to have him in the Club; but more importantly, the world is most fortunate for having him as an ambassador for the wild kingdom of animals.<br /><br />I also have the privilege of giving a talk at Headquarters on Sunday. I spoke about the cave biodiversity of North Rim Grand Canyon and Rapa Nui. The talk was well-received. It was quite an honor to speak in that room. The room where I spoke holds over 100 years of history and tales of some of the most famous explorers who have ever lived. It was quite humbling to speak in that room.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOeLdxwIeGPMwguND1KKMrznIXNdMZUYEOAceer5dmQD-nVZ-6ijgLLUlmp1XcMg5MyxlrcLbU6uDvvI9MGlMCanO4LX5TfqmCrpeUa0asZAOLm-iXJh7v18t_7TmFsjBrT-a7e8am1w/s1600-h/bill_jutEC.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOeLdxwIeGPMwguND1KKMrznIXNdMZUYEOAceer5dmQD-nVZ-6ijgLLUlmp1XcMg5MyxlrcLbU6uDvvI9MGlMCanO4LX5TfqmCrpeUa0asZAOLm-iXJh7v18t_7TmFsjBrT-a7e8am1w/s320/bill_jutEC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318748373895770530" /></a>Image: Bill Runyon and I posing with Explorers Club Flag #139. I returned this flag at ECAD. This flag was on expedition with Kyle Voyles and I last week. We were inventorying cave biodiversity on North Rim Grand Canyon. Bill is a good friend. He sponsored my application to be admitted into the Explorers Club.<br /><br />In addition to a weekend of festivities and meeting a lot of great folks, I still found time to work. Gaelin Rosenwaks of <a href="http://www.globaloceanexploration.com/"> Global Ocean Exploration</a> and I are preparing an expedition to study marine animals in sea caves. We met at Explorers Club HQ to push our preparations forward. We will launch this expedition in June of 2010.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXudOfMdys9_0SYwth3fGtRlnKMXR1GyxiT4zmISUI6SdnEkXfZOCqDdPU5PbXQJtiK3FCCSzMFJ7kT8y91ccwNpO0uy7-tI-bgUtUocFXP5aiPr0JkpJNnZfDT51dm4yh8tM8GxvEMw/s1600-h/IMG_0752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXudOfMdys9_0SYwth3fGtRlnKMXR1GyxiT4zmISUI6SdnEkXfZOCqDdPU5PbXQJtiK3FCCSzMFJ7kT8y91ccwNpO0uy7-tI-bgUtUocFXP5aiPr0JkpJNnZfDT51dm4yh8tM8GxvEMw/s400/IMG_0752.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318746826590487250" /></a>Image: Working in the commons, Explorers Club HQ, NYC. Credit: Gaelin Rosenwaks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-48933426514170263852009-03-14T23:13:00.000-07:002009-03-29T14:28:48.490-07:005th Place Overall -- 2nd Annual Kahtoola Agassiz Uphill Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeWwqQKuiSd-msGK-t-2hfNjMmrXvtasztrNkip22tU4yyu5oo7w5iDoYlaGT5aryAJMpcpzEXLHmHl96e7RBJ_ukhfguSwpPG9plHVnmjv7plwX_HqHkatJ1Tw-y9ImIwfwre0nMUSs/s1600-h/IMG_0793.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeWwqQKuiSd-msGK-t-2hfNjMmrXvtasztrNkip22tU4yyu5oo7w5iDoYlaGT5aryAJMpcpzEXLHmHl96e7RBJ_ukhfguSwpPG9plHVnmjv7plwX_HqHkatJ1Tw-y9ImIwfwre0nMUSs/s400/IMG_0793.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313581328493286194" /></a>Image: Less than 10 feet from the finish line below Agassiz Peak! Credit: Neil Weintraub/ NATRA. <br /><br />Today was a really good day. For a fella who has spent the last 10 days on travel and nine days being beaten up by a rugged canyon, I had an excellent race. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdFHYvkQ8Ve6WJ-8XnhPbPmtFcPZBnI5GWiKGgeweYLQA6GyEMeCR943HVXrPFalAIN8CXamSPXqXshWs1rJsP7MTrDiqPsl-mOLbcnyAotxFzWhEeTKFB-LRn2kBTz6SlHYsh1JjvuA/s1600-h/IMG_0763.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdFHYvkQ8Ve6WJ-8XnhPbPmtFcPZBnI5GWiKGgeweYLQA6GyEMeCR943HVXrPFalAIN8CXamSPXqXshWs1rJsP7MTrDiqPsl-mOLbcnyAotxFzWhEeTKFB-LRn2kBTz6SlHYsh1JjvuA/s200/IMG_0763.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313585861238462482" /></a>Image: One of my good buddies, David McKee, and I hanging out before the race. Credit: Neil Weintraub/ NATRA. <br /><br />Kahtoola had extended their uphill course to a 3.2 mile race course starting at Hart Prairie and terminating at the upper chair lift at Agassiz. It was beautiful day. I finished in 50:50, placed fifth place overall, and forth in Men's. I have been racing since 2005 and this was my best race to date! I reckon I can safely say that we do improve with age!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl68UZ7R2k-Iv4i_KcFEf8iIkRJHrklkX9sUXUJ5ohzJDUbY0Pba7IYuxyCB1qjYl9Jicf2p0gl9cbNA_FFEJhpzms1euREZ0f9m_p_RV9nqY1q55uoYDRbEDyieIFSqFtyWR0OrWXfw/s1600-h/IMG_0774.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl68UZ7R2k-Iv4i_KcFEf8iIkRJHrklkX9sUXUJ5ohzJDUbY0Pba7IYuxyCB1qjYl9Jicf2p0gl9cbNA_FFEJhpzms1euREZ0f9m_p_RV9nqY1q55uoYDRbEDyieIFSqFtyWR0OrWXfw/s320/IMG_0774.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313583577540878130" /></a>Image: Warrior One pre-race warm up in Kahtoola Microspikes! Credit: Neil Weintraub/ NATRA. <br /><br />I was strong and I pushed myself the entire race. This uphill climb really stuck it to me a couple of times. I did stop a few times to catch my breath. However, compression breathing, a trick that I learned while climbing volcanoes in the Altiplano, really helped.<br /><br />I augmented compression breathing by treating the race as somewhat of a meditation. I was focusing on each foot placement, counting "one and one," and I was even chanting mantras during the race. This provided me with much clarity, and perhaps even gave me some inner strength. <br /><br />I suspect there were additional variables at play here. I've been taking MAP, an amino acid cocktail avaiable through <a href="http://www.bodyhealth.com/?ac=Ilg"> BodyHealth.com</a>. Now, this isn't a shameless plug for a product. I'm not on their payroll and I'm getting nothing for this endorsement. World-renowned fitness guru and Flagstaff's very own Mountain Yogi, Steve Ilg, has been trying to convince me to take this for years. I finally relented, and I've seen huge changes in my performance. It assists me in quicker recoveries after both workouts and races. Also, Ilg has indicated that my yoga practice has improved considerably. I've been a stout practitioner of <a href="http://wholisticfitness.com"> HP Yoga </a> for over four years now. So, I suspect it is a combination of these two variables that likely led to my excellent performance in this race. <br /><br />I also wonder because I climbed a 19,000 ft volcano in Chile back in November, if the San Francisco Peaks seem a little bit smaller to me now. Unlike my ascent of Volcan Aguas Calientes, I was actually able to climb and breath!<br /><br />For all the race photos from this event, go to <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/natraneil/agassiz#"> NATRA's Picasa site-Kahtoola Agassiz Uphill Challenge</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabY8czplFusv_nTKY55VBLcFyx3vJ3qVJYg6fCn6kwMe0b0UEeXm06MSroc-Y76xj8IYiHCXo617zPrEC8bbDEhq-tdA6uRucy8TAkgPkkIXnGMrqetpOREIzafZ2mRs29DpMGCsd9XY/s1600-h/IMG_0775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabY8czplFusv_nTKY55VBLcFyx3vJ3qVJYg6fCn6kwMe0b0UEeXm06MSroc-Y76xj8IYiHCXo617zPrEC8bbDEhq-tdA6uRucy8TAkgPkkIXnGMrqetpOREIzafZ2mRs29DpMGCsd9XY/s400/IMG_0775.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313586498583305042" /></a><br />Image: Race start! I'm standing right behind the winner of this event, Eric Bohn (aka Greenbean). Credit: Neil Weintraub/ NATRA. <br /><br />Congratulations to today's winners of this event -- Eric Bohn (41:38) and Sara Wagner (49:10)! For complete results of this race, go to <a href="http://www.kahtoola.com/news_current.html"> Kahtoola in the News</a>.<br /> <br /><br />Special thanks to <a href="http://natra.org">NATRA</a>. Not only did they do a great job with doing time for the race, they are a beautiful group of people. I've always cherished my time running with this group. I look forward to more runs and more trails with the group!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-49962700300541482102009-03-12T21:48:00.001-07:002009-03-15T17:48:38.193-07:00The 2009 Cactus Canyon Expedition was a Success!11 March 2009 -- Drafted in the Holiday Inn, St. George and in FLG<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbllmQO0LVzFeno6E0inkP9NXApqG3jbxqAydiQOLZpQ4_uiUMZbidqbj-Hr_tfVj1CVwYGHz5890YJi4wipKYqU7M6xpFfrNmNw5nC1f8bg5u5JFK-LQ57IhZi7-6HHsBC7aGSPM6e1M/s1600-h/Bug+Project+915.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbllmQO0LVzFeno6E0inkP9NXApqG3jbxqAydiQOLZpQ4_uiUMZbidqbj-Hr_tfVj1CVwYGHz5890YJi4wipKYqU7M6xpFfrNmNw5nC1f8bg5u5JFK-LQ57IhZi7-6HHsBC7aGSPM6e1M/s400/Bug+Project+915.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313571973111072514" /></a>Image: Core team flag photo. From left to right, Doc, me, Voyles and Spatta. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Today, we had four objectives, (1) pull traps from Cliff Cave, (2) retrieve AnaBat from Cliff Cave, (3) pull traps in River Styx Cave, and (4) make it back to civilization in safely.<br /><br />Before we wrapped up the biodiversity work, we packed up most of our gear, and policed base camp to be sure we had everything. So, once we returned, we'd be ready to place the packs on our backs and get the heck out of Dodge. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0w764mxVA0u2sjTgsQbqslPsEMihYuk9unStotsrIzEOk-pKQ-nhvCL7Gt4C0Pnb_GA_d97czs7_zY_1A1qAYSOK-wuQKdhP3OgF6L3e_z-IPE_7EgG1GNqYhevw5dysi1-xH1l4ERk/s1600-h/Bug+Project+960.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0w764mxVA0u2sjTgsQbqslPsEMihYuk9unStotsrIzEOk-pKQ-nhvCL7Gt4C0Pnb_GA_d97czs7_zY_1A1qAYSOK-wuQKdhP3OgF6L3e_z-IPE_7EgG1GNqYhevw5dysi1-xH1l4ERk/s400/Bug+Project+960.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313568388822839250" /></a>Image: I'm jugging up to Cliff Cave. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Kyle and I went to Cliff Cave, while Ty went to River Styx by himself. We didn't like sending Ty into a cave by himself. However, we established a plan so we would know exactly where he was and when he would return to base camp. Ty has been in this cave numerous times. We knew exactly where he was going to be within this cave. He planned to be at River Styx for two hours, and would radio base camp once he was out of the cave. So, we knew that if we didn't hear back from him in 2.5hr, we would go find him. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyKbV_qwuThp8LrV7ZyYvnO-c0D9qgwi_FNQb1CLAv_ri4es4lJbCb2j8zGYRHa9dxvZdqWB0RxKLpCN9LGY5EotERTfGH1pBn-uex18x1vjUeXEylED_YxT119Q3sZuBV04h38yozNM/s1600-h/DSC00932.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyKbV_qwuThp8LrV7ZyYvnO-c0D9qgwi_FNQb1CLAv_ri4es4lJbCb2j8zGYRHa9dxvZdqWB0RxKLpCN9LGY5EotERTfGH1pBn-uex18x1vjUeXEylED_YxT119Q3sZuBV04h38yozNM/s320/DSC00932.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313573767988147570" /></a>Image: In the entrance of Cliff Cave. Credit: Kyle Voyles.<br /><br />Kyle and I decided it would be best of Doc remained on stand-by at base camp -- just in case something went wrong at Cliff Cave. While Doc was on stand-by, he filtered enough water to get us through the day and out of the canyon.<br /><br />Kyle and I headed up to Cliff Cave to pull traps and finish up the work up there. I still needed to inventory the ecology of the cave. This is a really neat cave. It has two main rooms, and two crawls that are too tight for normal humans to navigate. The first room is just beyond the entrance. There were quite a few critters in this first room. We encountered numerous springtails and beetle larvae in our traps. In the second room (which is connected to the first room via a tight crawl), we found crickets, tenebrionid beetles and a few beetle larvae. Interestingly, we didn't capture one springtail in this room. Also of interest, is that we did not encounter one predator during our site visit. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohcNw1-NO4kGhbNcY4t-DwiL2t3ZQYaWJ9L5vP5HZjChbYVTrf5gIquqPhP9mHAYCM7q8HQ2i96xBu6hflfWrwBgmB_b-XTIscdrULEOXO8N7mjvXU_ILu254eThyphenhyphen_FK26V9aWSpylHg/s1600-h/Bug+Project+632.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohcNw1-NO4kGhbNcY4t-DwiL2t3ZQYaWJ9L5vP5HZjChbYVTrf5gIquqPhP9mHAYCM7q8HQ2i96xBu6hflfWrwBgmB_b-XTIscdrULEOXO8N7mjvXU_ILu254eThyphenhyphen_FK26V9aWSpylHg/s320/Bug+Project+632.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313576349604578834" /></a>Image: Doc filtering water. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Also, the second room contained a considerable paleontological deposition. We encountered numerous large bones. At first, I thought a few of them may be human. However, we did not have a smoking gun, so to speak. We did not encounter human teeth or a jawbone with clearly distinguishable human tooth sockets. However, we did find some lithic material related to stone-tool making, as well as two small broken quartz rocks. While we cannot definitively state the bones were human, we can at least confidently state that Native Americans used this cave -- perhaps as a kill processing site. Oddly however, it must have been used tens of thousands of years ago, when the canyon was not as incised, or perhaps there was an entrance that no longer exists from above. In any event, it would be difficult, if not downright impossible, for folks to carry their kill up a 60 foot rock face and into a cave.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCZcw9nxANdL1oStg7YifeBprn-tiMt-7lu8ZhTWn7F-P4yfnmn887dm-7wZq3eo9q32GS_TxnSndaldKuZk4eRbOvlGltss4PBkimxlcXYJ3-yDml8nnY6zxk_yz9hx9sSKWvB6cxJo/s1600-h/DSC00976.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCZcw9nxANdL1oStg7YifeBprn-tiMt-7lu8ZhTWn7F-P4yfnmn887dm-7wZq3eo9q32GS_TxnSndaldKuZk4eRbOvlGltss4PBkimxlcXYJ3-yDml8nnY6zxk_yz9hx9sSKWvB6cxJo/s320/DSC00976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313574745421515714" /></a>Image: Entering data from our traps. Credit: Kyle Voyles.<br /><br />We state here that we did not disturb the subsurface. We searched and evaluated the bones and materials on the surface only. So, I'd suggest this cave still holds many secrets. <br /><br />Ty was successful with his objectives as well. He pulled all 16 of our Madonna Cone traps. Interestingly, out of all the traps deployed, we captured only one Rhadine beetle. This perhaps further shores up my hypothesis that the entrance of River Styx cave is likely the only place to support arthropods.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmDZxr7OswihDkuskmI3ETITrKregHS4lmWcXVhT1u4cjKhbhqGBZ3NajQRs8KLQdmnurXcrivBjFG_ubmrYh7Wz3P2wBadzou2I80q19dUWMOhxWJ1K4A9GgPhJCB4ncYKuLocQzRQg/s1600-h/Bug+Project+1014.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmDZxr7OswihDkuskmI3ETITrKregHS4lmWcXVhT1u4cjKhbhqGBZ3NajQRs8KLQdmnurXcrivBjFG_ubmrYh7Wz3P2wBadzou2I80q19dUWMOhxWJ1K4A9GgPhJCB4ncYKuLocQzRQg/s320/Bug+Project+1014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313572983022269458" /></a>Image: Ty collecting arthropods in River Styx Cave. He was by himself...so, is this a staged shot?! Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />This cave is massive and characterized by crystal clear pools and little observable nutrients on the cave floors and along the cave's numerous speleothems. The clarity of the water suggests there are no nutrients in the water, and thus it is unlikely there will be critters in these pools. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRd-kunn4O2BWhT0IqZGkCdJN-MCl4VWbHdyGivxYh3fBB6jajSBLQ5HkiYgxNWDc5fECYibxPzjxfn9ZHPUpPCEBq3EQ_CqbIOBsyFKcFSDuKUTnE8sRoDKkxwkVO_raRZmFEOOOdjY/s1600-h/Bug+Project+237.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRd-kunn4O2BWhT0IqZGkCdJN-MCl4VWbHdyGivxYh3fBB6jajSBLQ5HkiYgxNWDc5fECYibxPzjxfn9ZHPUpPCEBq3EQ_CqbIOBsyFKcFSDuKUTnE8sRoDKkxwkVO_raRZmFEOOOdjY/s320/Bug+Project+237.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313578697957630946" /></a>Image: An example of the low opacity of the pools in River Styx Cave. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />I've sampled cave pools in Belize, the water was dark brown to black. It was loaded with nutrients and contained numerous aquatic organisms including several stygobites. Secondly, the lack of any observable detritus in other regions of the cave further supported my hypothesis.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5E8GPZU3c_Q33Mx7tfH3s_e83dzwsgJr4BniFD7Z7oWPywG9ufX_MxCl-jzI-wazSHs24F9cF64VBBJHa6vJhqzOF47ujBetyFOjhP3xssIX1biOHG94Qyzd_BKknOTA504-mkEfiB2w/s1600-h/DSC00989.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5E8GPZU3c_Q33Mx7tfH3s_e83dzwsgJr4BniFD7Z7oWPywG9ufX_MxCl-jzI-wazSHs24F9cF64VBBJHa6vJhqzOF47ujBetyFOjhP3xssIX1biOHG94Qyzd_BKknOTA504-mkEfiB2w/s200/DSC00989.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313572550875288162" /></a>Image: High cotton! We trapped 14 tenebrionid beetles in one trap within Cliff Cave. Credit: Kyle Voyles.<br /><br />Kyle and I were the first to arrive back at base camp. Upon our arrival, I continued to pack my gear, and then Ty arrived. Kyle and Ty fixed lunch, while Doc and I were getting antsy to get the heck out of the canyon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdLTFHG-z2TkdCAxhGypPVBl8MDbWccfMc93buWn9iv7CVcaT4ILRbmXSFXHb9jdoE0fP3S9NXyFzDXkwQhPIiEmJds81mRjGYHNwZizmXNQWOfrCtzvCO-Jy8hGJm2u1c0OgZJpqcYQ/s1600-h/Bug+Project+1020.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdLTFHG-z2TkdCAxhGypPVBl8MDbWccfMc93buWn9iv7CVcaT4ILRbmXSFXHb9jdoE0fP3S9NXyFzDXkwQhPIiEmJds81mRjGYHNwZizmXNQWOfrCtzvCO-Jy8hGJm2u1c0OgZJpqcYQ/s200/Bug+Project+1020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313574293604427906" /></a>Image: Packing it up! Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />We then hiked out! However, we weren't "out of the cave" just yet. <br /><br />This is the saying that I have on expedition. "We're not out of the cave, until we're out of the cave." I learned this back in 2007 while Kyle and I were working in a cave on the Arizona Strip. This cave is one of the loci for our new millipede genus. Kyle and I were there to collect copepods from sulfur pools at the back of this cave. This was the last task we had to do on our trip. Once done, I was headed back to Flagstaff. So, as I was walking and belly-crawling through this cave I started thinking..."I'm going to see my girlfriend, have a hot shower, sleep in my bed, and have a real meal." I was already out of the cave and in Flagstaff. I came to the end of the crawl, stood up full force and hit my head on the ceiling so hard that I almost knocked myself out. The brim of my helmet actually cut the bridge of my nose. Kyle quickly approached and I could hear him speaking but it was all mumbling...about a minute passed, and then I heard, "Dude! Are you okay?!" Looking back on it, it was rather funny, but it wasn't funny when it happened.<br /><br />So, hence forth, I never consider an expedition to be over until we return to civilization. At which time, we are "out of the cave." For us, this meant once we see the city skyline of Mesquite, Nevada, we are "out of the cave." <br /><br />We still had to hike out, which may take up to two hours, and then we have to drive back to Mesquite. Reaching civilization will take us another three hours. So, we were at least five hours from getting out of the cave.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTJeAucCuUkANHT451vMXRNcuYEPp-WYTvBFUNFesFK56uACEeBRs95rbks7JzxbBF498iaZEa_I9GrcmfsIjZAOJCDvCNhnJdwRO8TSIeaRcRcDoehgPHwS-xzsm57aSjcEOsTRsGfg/s1600-h/IMG_0680.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTJeAucCuUkANHT451vMXRNcuYEPp-WYTvBFUNFesFK56uACEeBRs95rbks7JzxbBF498iaZEa_I9GrcmfsIjZAOJCDvCNhnJdwRO8TSIeaRcRcDoehgPHwS-xzsm57aSjcEOsTRsGfg/s320/IMG_0680.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313579562741364418" /></a>Image: Sorting all arthropod specimens and entering data. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Fortunately, we hiked out of the canyon safely and we arrived back to civilization in one piece. We made it home safe and sound. The mission was a success! All mission critical objectives were met. We sampled cave-dwelling arthropods at five caves, collected AnaBat data at five caves, and mapped two caves. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9PjCSjzkP0Gv6RHnlfj2o5fZZxmcqztDXAnM1pW7OBe4S7_dt-dgJMiXA1lOxnFxM_dmaTahYXYxt8ke4bqapW02bBTIQbBQTM7FuLwvw7Pyl8tvao6ck9M4LJXZGSOA-4ag-CW8RnU/s1600-h/IMG_0678.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9PjCSjzkP0Gv6RHnlfj2o5fZZxmcqztDXAnM1pW7OBe4S7_dt-dgJMiXA1lOxnFxM_dmaTahYXYxt8ke4bqapW02bBTIQbBQTM7FuLwvw7Pyl8tvao6ck9M4LJXZGSOA-4ag-CW8RnU/s200/IMG_0678.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313580085757706482" /></a>Image: Kyle and I processing the specimens collected from this expedition. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />There is another aspect of this project that Kyle and I really liked. Once we arrived back in St. George, I spent two days there with Kyle wrapping up all the loose ends. Ty helped us sort all the arthropods and prepare them for shipment. We also entered all the arthropod data into a spreadsheet. Kyle uploaded and organized all the microclimate data. So, everything was done. On 16 March, the bugs will be sent to our taxonomic specialists for species-level identifications. <br /><br />This was a great project. Kyle and I both learned a lot, and we feel our team did as well. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the trip, and we've heard back from several team members indicating they had a lot of fun. So, we are very pleased with these results.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCzbJK8M2cT6kRnUQ31UZKGdj7SeCmdQVp58XztJyGY8b5i1RgIEbUQBtzBvPcahai2s5jCwshCCBZkqU_KDdv0JjnvPAFlrMHg8Im8XQt1DBhhyphenhyphenv_9qwN-qu6xH5MW-XV6dri2SyURc/s1600-h/IMG_1116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCzbJK8M2cT6kRnUQ31UZKGdj7SeCmdQVp58XztJyGY8b5i1RgIEbUQBtzBvPcahai2s5jCwshCCBZkqU_KDdv0JjnvPAFlrMHg8Im8XQt1DBhhyphenhyphenv_9qwN-qu6xH5MW-XV6dri2SyURc/s400/IMG_1116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313571384251733794" /></a>Image: Out of the cave, and feasting on prime rib and NY strip at the Casa Blanca Casino steak house. We were all desperately needing a shower, but none of us cared. The food was awesome. However, we've been "just adding water" to our food for the past nine days -- so a properly cooked shoe may have been a gormet meal to us. Credit: our waiter.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-35640362267977426372009-03-12T21:47:00.002-07:002009-03-16T22:32:38.248-07:00Bat Cave and our Descent to Base Camp10 March 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_l9yEx1rGysclyxjUFEwRVS9uGBYl0bxOUPcjbdzJ8ybbhuW3uB-fJ1NPhFo9fV92wZQASq_DhTNFWnGgvqLVxe0tXOjenWdMZrw-HTGqebYSEvSrQuLF1n0nQrtB_9-CB-LAKpEOP4/s1600-h/pseudoscorpion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_l9yEx1rGysclyxjUFEwRVS9uGBYl0bxOUPcjbdzJ8ybbhuW3uB-fJ1NPhFo9fV92wZQASq_DhTNFWnGgvqLVxe0tXOjenWdMZrw-HTGqebYSEvSrQuLF1n0nQrtB_9-CB-LAKpEOP4/s400/pseudoscorpion.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313554994101797314" /></a>Image: Pseudoscorpion collected in Bat Cave. You could fit four to five of these tiny arachnids on top of your thumb nail. This tiny predators have venom sacks in their pinchers, and they hunt psocopterans, collembolans and other tiny soil-dwelling arthropods.<br /><br />Today, we have four objectives, (1) pull traps from the cave where we slept, (2) retrieve the Anabat from Babylon Cave, (3) canyoneer our way out of the side canyon safely, and (4) jug up a 60 ft rope to a cave to deploy the Anabat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrgrqUJ0myyCjoBs9iy2wb4i4pgrZphWtzZtfI7x1132_VOPsdDAvV6WHANDAhcl-mUAy9tY61ov2asIzEOvjSvQOZ327he90sBUucFITtllto5Td_YaGhuNjWgJIspk0KhzhyphenhyphenjUrOCI/s1600-h/Bug+Project+781.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrgrqUJ0myyCjoBs9iy2wb4i4pgrZphWtzZtfI7x1132_VOPsdDAvV6WHANDAhcl-mUAy9tY61ov2asIzEOvjSvQOZ327he90sBUucFITtllto5Td_YaGhuNjWgJIspk0KhzhyphenhyphenjUrOCI/s200/Bug+Project+781.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313556373026226258" /></a>Image: Kyle and I discussing the plan of attack for the day. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />I didn’t sleep too well last night. This cave also has a long history of bat use, and thus has a rather acrid smell of guano once you get about 30 feet into the cave – this was the only place that contained an unoccupied sleeping platform. While I actually like the smell of bat guano, I didn’t think it would be good for me to breath it all night, so I opted to sleep near the entrance. Consequently, the only place to sleep was on an incline – so, throughout the night, I slept and slipped towards the entrance. I’d wake up, move my bag and bed roll back up slope, fall asleep, wake up and then do it all over again…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUq0ywJ7vEAnCxYo9FpR4bP1ZsDyH2U0pWK0-Rps4glDYX5sw8wpxGLJ0MjI1lt5Iiws5lT2QlbE8NuzLjHia8ST9lZ6Q3uX1QeXVZ5USoPy7Rpu-B8WKb7-C__yPaG7bNrhTTjsgBRs/s1600-h/Bug+Project+846.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUq0ywJ7vEAnCxYo9FpR4bP1ZsDyH2U0pWK0-Rps4glDYX5sw8wpxGLJ0MjI1lt5Iiws5lT2QlbE8NuzLjHia8ST9lZ6Q3uX1QeXVZ5USoPy7Rpu-B8WKb7-C__yPaG7bNrhTTjsgBRs/s320/Bug+Project+846.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313553157666824642" /></a>Image: Some "trick" photography in Bat Cave. Using a slave flash with a timed delay, Kyle was able to trigger the flash held in front of him. As a result, you see more of the passage. This helps to best depict the scale of this large cave. Credit: Ty Spatta and Kyle Voyles.<br /><br />Everything went well today. We woke up around 0730hr, made breakfast, chatted about what needed to be done, and then we started the day. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU00eEDHfL4Kd5it-3_xG3_kKChWHhRqcqrnyiRMnVn-sInZRZotbDf3u0vEpid6N0ejOXOKTeIOI7VRDXWj4VJs0EnZd2ijepbyzq8605ukiwUHthvY-GaKTfrs4b1CrGv5MKgWCCcU/s1600-h/Bug+Project+896.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU00eEDHfL4Kd5it-3_xG3_kKChWHhRqcqrnyiRMnVn-sInZRZotbDf3u0vEpid6N0ejOXOKTeIOI7VRDXWj4VJs0EnZd2ijepbyzq8605ukiwUHthvY-GaKTfrs4b1CrGv5MKgWCCcU/s200/Bug+Project+896.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313553930865483426" /></a>Image: Voyles on his sampling station, and removing arthropods from the trap. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Kyle and I went out onto the bench to discuss where and how to establish a traverse line across a rather exposed section of our route. As I've probably mentioned enumerable times in blog entries about this expedition, this bench has some precarious sections to it. A seemingly rather benign fall in the wrong place could spell a 1130ft free-fall to the canyon floor. Without a parashute, I think I'll pass.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEtJki9GAMp_4DjFYV_H2NM2LGGB_dBc4RNzEvhIvnr7O_8D9_VfHlAq1qAv-CN0gCVL3cy8SUmQm4wfpiFYJLvMhqxhIeOW5LHF7g-EL9vMrk7erFcn5Mg5-jyd7D2vnO23jYCAFeW8/s1600-h/Bug+Project+787.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEtJki9GAMp_4DjFYV_H2NM2LGGB_dBc4RNzEvhIvnr7O_8D9_VfHlAq1qAv-CN0gCVL3cy8SUmQm4wfpiFYJLvMhqxhIeOW5LHF7g-EL9vMrk7erFcn5Mg5-jyd7D2vnO23jYCAFeW8/s320/Bug+Project+787.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313541117530964066" /></a>Image: Trying to sleep on an incline. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />First, we had to knock out Bat Cave. It took us about 2.5 hrs to conduct our searches, and check and pull arthropod traps. We continued our "divide and conquer" approach. Ty and Kyle conducted the work in the side passages, and Doc and I did the work in the main trunk passage. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljTvqQ8Dde5i0TMCmkj9nDS9HkFFjVYQBldQqyvhyphenhyphenTIXxegmZV7y3IDaK-BwADvoYqjfah_Lsa0RV-tWdKMcaFIr8e8878osRjq2NTOcDe4e2sKb3geMbHPWkqRQqgRhTQk4XF1V5Kt4/s1600-h/Bug+Project+717.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljTvqQ8Dde5i0TMCmkj9nDS9HkFFjVYQBldQqyvhyphenhyphenTIXxegmZV7y3IDaK-BwADvoYqjfah_Lsa0RV-tWdKMcaFIr8e8878osRjq2NTOcDe4e2sKb3geMbHPWkqRQqgRhTQk4XF1V5Kt4/s200/Bug+Project+717.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313550614873288274" /></a>Image: Our descent out of the side canyon. This was a 15 foot drop that required a rappel and portage of backpacks down below. Credit: Ty Spatta. <br /><br />Once done, we returned to the entrance. Ty still needed to pack, and we were all ready for lunch. On the way off the bench, we stopped by Babylon Cave to retrieve the AnaBat detector.<br /><br />We headed down the side canyon in record time. Given all of the equipment we were hauling down, we still managed to get back to base camp in under two hours. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3VWCPy7XXLDZY5_T0JJ9stYy1n-fjWUlfWqJQusnvO666jQT49bAaHLxPPFXe0xjVohW1nptl5dVcG7vxHWStYojb8KGOdYKX9-a6IFqzLtJZzeBaXpjrihGsMuVd2yjmeP2mk575i4/s1600-h/Bug+Project+936.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3VWCPy7XXLDZY5_T0JJ9stYy1n-fjWUlfWqJQusnvO666jQT49bAaHLxPPFXe0xjVohW1nptl5dVcG7vxHWStYojb8KGOdYKX9-a6IFqzLtJZzeBaXpjrihGsMuVd2yjmeP2mk575i4/s320/Bug+Project+936.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313557731886649202" /></a>Image: Clipped into webbing and leading the lowering of backpacks. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Ty and I quickly geared up for the jug up to Cliff Cave. I needed to deploy the AnaBat, and Ty wanted to see the cave. It was work for me, but a sight-seeing trip for Ty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaSMmPbYJJ1yvS7evKHpSzk2iGttfM_18__o7Yqbl5m3o_wOgJCR1OpwOGE3ksWGc-CLxrn0jnpn6PJTid6PgWcF0tx_zDgztrsHpXVH6mRD4HoK5rwjznYLY4wVdL_uSvZCE_Dcw1SA/s1600-h/IMG_0635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaSMmPbYJJ1yvS7evKHpSzk2iGttfM_18__o7Yqbl5m3o_wOgJCR1OpwOGE3ksWGc-CLxrn0jnpn6PJTid6PgWcF0tx_zDgztrsHpXVH6mRD4HoK5rwjznYLY4wVdL_uSvZCE_Dcw1SA/s400/IMG_0635.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313552162277530306" /></a>Image: Deploying the AnaBat detector at the entrance of Cliff Cave. I'm clipped in because there is a 60 ft drop less than four feet behind me. Credit: Ty Spatta.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-72675833008886448432009-03-12T21:47:00.001-07:002009-03-16T22:32:14.474-07:00Back up on the Bench09 March 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4TfHsxrX2kdsKYCNMgY5MEU2BSb2KsMCs07OwKPZK_X4JQnK-x64zd3tUOavlvYkz8hKmAUMYnAzgcsBOm5MueA3L8gzdhMDYAzRlSroz0qIKcNPZEn3QDPUpUSbWO_dDDOcV_JCxCg/s1600-h/IMG_1059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4TfHsxrX2kdsKYCNMgY5MEU2BSb2KsMCs07OwKPZK_X4JQnK-x64zd3tUOavlvYkz8hKmAUMYnAzgcsBOm5MueA3L8gzdhMDYAzRlSroz0qIKcNPZEn3QDPUpUSbWO_dDDOcV_JCxCg/s400/IMG_1059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313539505521438978" /></a>Image: Settling in for the night in Bat Cave. Yes, I know. This is quite a romantic setting for Ty and Kyle. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />This morning we hiked back into the canyon, and then up to the bench caves. Our plan was to (1) find the bolts that were set to assist in our ascent through the side canyon, (2) pull traps from two caves, and (3) deploy the Anabat at one cave. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-OHrie73cdjKZ3PFkrK6qDDE_vtrvVK3Eych6I-9aONcltynb8ir7Ib0Qaiqb-w8aXn7fd0PPrWv6RwS8tRIqqriLwBc78sHpfL2V2q15sGnSXZuWMo2gcf7Y8FLVSCaaNt9kPlmOoI/s1600-h/Bug+Project+707.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-OHrie73cdjKZ3PFkrK6qDDE_vtrvVK3Eych6I-9aONcltynb8ir7Ib0Qaiqb-w8aXn7fd0PPrWv6RwS8tRIqqriLwBc78sHpfL2V2q15sGnSXZuWMo2gcf7Y8FLVSCaaNt9kPlmOoI/s200/Bug+Project+707.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313541478132790322" /></a>Image: This is a rather common scenario on this trip. We move gear up canyon, then down canyon, and then we do it again. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />All of our objectives for the day were met, and we were able to get done relatively early. Kyle and Ty banged out Babylon Cave and Doc and I completed Packrat Cave. Thus far, we have found these caves to be rather depauperate of cave-dwelling arthropods. This is not surprising given the low nutrient input these caves receive, as well as the aridity of these features.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrsd7Nru4lz5CeKB2dCf04ruezgziCZXW5cRvTEgsMj4-_d6wacbiSnTv5FOPTQu2W34V7v-hjcK-gRwDeMP4xdnFpef6fvG3FUT1k_lvARsJtYO-1zLACP5JPYQqrH4NxA4VpRevoX8/s1600-h/Bug+Project+664.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrsd7Nru4lz5CeKB2dCf04ruezgziCZXW5cRvTEgsMj4-_d6wacbiSnTv5FOPTQu2W34V7v-hjcK-gRwDeMP4xdnFpef6fvG3FUT1k_lvARsJtYO-1zLACP5JPYQqrH4NxA4VpRevoX8/s320/Bug+Project+664.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313530485650067746" /></a>Image: Collecting arthropods. Credit: Ty Spatta. <br /><br />We were able to make it to our camping cave for the evening. While two days ago, we slept in a cave that Kyle and others slept in prior, tonight we will sleep in Bat Cave. This cave has not been occupied since the Native Americans used it. This cave had cleared sleeping platforms that were supported with dry-laid stone walls, and contained several pieces of yucca cordage and contained remnants of a yucca-fiber sandal. It was rather humbling and even somewhat eerie to sleep in this cave. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3uo7aMoNyQ2XJSHtmi7kXzBrVu6_R8ilFuGBoxO2_PHXezcnrCW98OBNu2upbwX37NeIKdxlxxPS6AyASiMz2vQ3XrVf8aq6zmr5C-atK3ljEKrCTjG-y1K7xLLD_AQAFtybfCJS0NY/s1600-h/Bug+Project+698.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3uo7aMoNyQ2XJSHtmi7kXzBrVu6_R8ilFuGBoxO2_PHXezcnrCW98OBNu2upbwX37NeIKdxlxxPS6AyASiMz2vQ3XrVf8aq6zmr5C-atK3ljEKrCTjG-y1K7xLLD_AQAFtybfCJS0NY/s320/Bug+Project+698.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313538811256434658" /></a>Image: Critter-proofing our bag of food before we make the climb up the side canyon. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BF3myn_5Dz5jwSoAod_5PkDFZK4Pjb7nKF1mHyZiOGmGBlFjG5sqiszi0M9C0lr297MFT4AN2wEBYUIYC3jof8DnHEnVMZzVRrFnNxyMG8Gc0bWy4ISsXywjGE9BChyi6TtFh3QfR6I/s1600-h/Bug+Project+741.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BF3myn_5Dz5jwSoAod_5PkDFZK4Pjb7nKF1mHyZiOGmGBlFjG5sqiszi0M9C0lr297MFT4AN2wEBYUIYC3jof8DnHEnVMZzVRrFnNxyMG8Gc0bWy4ISsXywjGE9BChyi6TtFh3QfR6I/s400/Bug+Project+741.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313528953396726018" /></a>Image: Setting a safety anchor in front of Bat Cave. We were on this safety while using the bathroom at night. From this entrance, there is a steeply sloping bench approximately 25 feet wide -- below this is the canyon floor approximately 1100 feet down. Credit: Ty Spatta.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-90379813733666301782009-03-12T21:46:00.001-07:002009-03-15T14:20:32.240-07:00We say Farewell to Three of our Team Members08 March 2009 -- Composed from the back of my F250 truck<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8npNnKXw6IitGBqJqCQx3qr4SCcDyJK3GYKGysqJQnHWW7joQpHtEdbypiU_r-wAXZdq4jpjA_qbz2_h6RzUzdBQ5yV-dmLKjGlYj6C1GwnD3iU5XeYRRFrNVzDNucLTeMtr2cT2xvg/s1600-h/nov07118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8npNnKXw6IitGBqJqCQx3qr4SCcDyJK3GYKGysqJQnHWW7joQpHtEdbypiU_r-wAXZdq4jpjA_qbz2_h6RzUzdBQ5yV-dmLKjGlYj6C1GwnD3iU5XeYRRFrNVzDNucLTeMtr2cT2xvg/s400/nov07118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313523542142410370" /></a>Image: The jug up to Cliff Cave. Michael is leading and Kyle is the belay. Credit: John Cassidy.<br /><br />Tama, Ty and I went to River Styx Cave for the morning. Ty's objective was to pull microclimate data, opportunistic collecting and deploying traps. Tama and I split up in the cave and searched for arthropods. This is a massive cave (with over 3000 foot of passage). Based upon our baseline work in this cave, I am tentatively suggesting that life in this cave will be restricted to around the entrance. I also deployed 16 volcano traps. We are testing a new sampling technique for this cave. Because this cave is prestine and lacks a friable strata, we had to come up with an alternative for deploying traps. The volcano traps seem to be the best way to do this. We'll see how this goes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzavVrHLCPf-JXmoBt270RrZIOE14251-fJH-6nquS3VqYXVNxmpkTtf4vnGedijnp_8wsCz40ysNXofSOf2T2YpAa4waXTS1QYNeaYn4TnfzGejWA_QCMT5Dg_VuGGIXwDnIGzGOn6A/s1600-h/DSC00901.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzavVrHLCPf-JXmoBt270RrZIOE14251-fJH-6nquS3VqYXVNxmpkTtf4vnGedijnp_8wsCz40ysNXofSOf2T2YpAa4waXTS1QYNeaYn4TnfzGejWA_QCMT5Dg_VuGGIXwDnIGzGOn6A/s200/DSC00901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313524740480582114" /></a>Image: The volcano traps (aka Madonna Cone traps) deployed in River Styx Cave. Image: Kyle Voyles.<br /><br />Once we were done with this cave, I deployed the Anabat in the entrance and we hiked back to base camp.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yAdOzWZo2kTSdNjahev6fVWP3AwaCoQO_hjmOAvh3SzEbhED_ugV7Y7Ob0A9Sw4G2QWm_vX8aasUeK1b79ITDrIN-wKOhpGF3X-IeRQYCW8GAqreeHwy7cyV8gFZiE2k5-PIgXtBhxQ/s1600-h/IMG_0548.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yAdOzWZo2kTSdNjahev6fVWP3AwaCoQO_hjmOAvh3SzEbhED_ugV7Y7Ob0A9Sw4G2QWm_vX8aasUeK1b79ITDrIN-wKOhpGF3X-IeRQYCW8GAqreeHwy7cyV8gFZiE2k5-PIgXtBhxQ/s320/IMG_0548.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313525248968688370" /></a>Image: Deploying the Madonna Cone traps in River Styx Cave. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />We learned another valuable lesson about fieldwork. Alcohol (as well as water) and electronics don’t mix. Tama accidentally broke a specimen vial filled with alcohol in a bag that contained a hand-held radio. From now on, standard operating procedures will dictate that we will not mix water/ alcohol vials with electronics. If these are contained within the same bag, all electronics will have to be in waterproof bags and/ or pelican cases. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn9yW-Di0NBf0OI18EZ3oMo1eS-XcI39nAtvlvvppsmHcIHaIfumbY6OtKW3jrTlRJDxuoZN5Vb6R14J_pnPi-ug7xGOQj88QZvpaDOYdB938erfUYeLJaPV1X3KGkBjECywK6YwdgLM/s1600-h/Bug+Project+440.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn9yW-Di0NBf0OI18EZ3oMo1eS-XcI39nAtvlvvppsmHcIHaIfumbY6OtKW3jrTlRJDxuoZN5Vb6R14J_pnPi-ug7xGOQj88QZvpaDOYdB938erfUYeLJaPV1X3KGkBjECywK6YwdgLM/s200/Bug+Project+440.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313526577775653554" /></a>Image: Just one of the thousands of "pretties" from River Styx Cave. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Kyle led Michael and John Cassidy up to Cliff Cave. This involves jugging 60 ft up a rope to get to the entrance. They met their objectives for the day. They mapped the cave, and deployed pitfall traps and searched for arthropods.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDy3vjPeuDgEpKTtcZsEiy685onxgOY4JH8WcXsw93vq-cSsy_qQ8itOvFg7H3XKGuaVVDxO2Z1QL2mmaLWmcSDV-TOZANGXD4j7hNlI38KSOV_z1m-xRnmxbChzpg_aPcLT7X9R-zvc/s1600-h/Bug+Project+496.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDy3vjPeuDgEpKTtcZsEiy685onxgOY4JH8WcXsw93vq-cSsy_qQ8itOvFg7H3XKGuaVVDxO2Z1QL2mmaLWmcSDV-TOZANGXD4j7hNlI38KSOV_z1m-xRnmxbChzpg_aPcLT7X9R-zvc/s200/Bug+Project+496.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313526976718733074" /></a>Image: Tama posing for a photo between hunting for cave bugs. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Once the team was done, Michael and the Cassidy’s departed and returned to civilization. They were very helpful and greatly assisted in the success of this project thus far. They have been a lot of fun in the field. <br /><br />Kyle, Ty and I were out of food. So, the core team hiked back to the truck. We went through all of the gear and identified everything that was no longer needed in the field. We packed up all our non-essential gear and hiked it out. We made good time getting out of the canyon. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwXxwpuP6RI2BLI9uV46wdpld4sdM3qssMBKViq3MWuP9jSSkpdhueOl4H6d9kBAw9C6qdhxOlZDHpjwMJxD4LrZe3XC7qbxV6wXZqm7L63miA3GBJsL-tV1Yet-a0FCTMZX3bmYcB8w/s1600-h/Bug+Project+689.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwXxwpuP6RI2BLI9uV46wdpld4sdM3qssMBKViq3MWuP9jSSkpdhueOl4H6d9kBAw9C6qdhxOlZDHpjwMJxD4LrZe3XC7qbxV6wXZqm7L63miA3GBJsL-tV1Yet-a0FCTMZX3bmYcB8w/s320/Bug+Project+689.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313526198237280434" /></a>Image: Kyle and I discussing the day. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />I was really looking forward to the climb up the big spine to get back to the trucks. I asked the team if they minded if I plowed forward, and I hiked the spine fast. I treated it as a meditation and with 50 lbs on my back I made really good time. It felt great to breath hard, feel the heart beating fast and the blood coursing through my veins. However, if felt even better to wash my hair and sponge down. Four days without a shower and living in very dusty conditions can often leave a lot to be desired. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQTyFYcaZWCPli_gZCD2DN3Rld-kHaTVQGV9kwyyv7tY1fLLajTqHX632S2hu7OvRovDPhBb3XeGQQU8TdRdTY5TCd9LM7wgWCy-p-xhpeXY1ZnobEKFcq7w5TZfpg__1nkJeTxWxc4g/s1600-h/bat_skeleton.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQTyFYcaZWCPli_gZCD2DN3Rld-kHaTVQGV9kwyyv7tY1fLLajTqHX632S2hu7OvRovDPhBb3XeGQQU8TdRdTY5TCd9LM7wgWCy-p-xhpeXY1ZnobEKFcq7w5TZfpg__1nkJeTxWxc4g/s400/bat_skeleton.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313524081491692898" /></a>Image: Rather old bat skeleton from River Styx Cave.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-71667760290239112442009-03-12T21:45:00.002-07:002009-03-18T12:46:43.130-07:00Sleeping in a Cave07 March 2009 -- comprised from my field notes<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNmXQyE4MggjBAmLMqaJG3UXxF52K1hOlnP5JeFIM3Ohn3hewz33wK3U8ijOKxQT9K6_oubVWbjISLAqnUUdCUCjBxDIxZUJUzNjXPeC3iBLkL57Njz0e-8DaXFD-AAMvVIsJIAgKS-o/s1600-h/IMG_1036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNmXQyE4MggjBAmLMqaJG3UXxF52K1hOlnP5JeFIM3Ohn3hewz33wK3U8ijOKxQT9K6_oubVWbjISLAqnUUdCUCjBxDIxZUJUzNjXPeC3iBLkL57Njz0e-8DaXFD-AAMvVIsJIAgKS-o/s400/IMG_1036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313493169546890818" /></a>Image: Hiking out of the side canyon at night. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />Last night we slept in a cave. It was quite a surreal experience. I realized with the exception of two other people, there haven’t been folks sleeping in this cave since the Native Americans. There was a yucca cord protruding from the ground less than 20 feet from where we were sleeping. This yucca chord was placed here hundreds if not thousands of years ago.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pMHu23Jij_W5wDekAZkFHQDY88kJYM4UiNApFzfrsrnXPlCztJ0d5k5lTzsPCEZH-XA6b0cLSqDjKMK4ltR5NHgWzSdNTSuSF6oLeeTIQFXMGYPiOcu3KChyphenhyphenJ-IuQh6ursWep8H2lYc/s1600-h/IMG_0471.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pMHu23Jij_W5wDekAZkFHQDY88kJYM4UiNApFzfrsrnXPlCztJ0d5k5lTzsPCEZH-XA6b0cLSqDjKMK4ltR5NHgWzSdNTSuSF6oLeeTIQFXMGYPiOcu3KChyphenhyphenJ-IuQh6ursWep8H2lYc/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313494097742450322" /></a>Image: Starting the day with a majestic view. Michael, Jon and I eating breakfast. Credit: John Cassidy.<br /><br />Sleeping in the cave was peaceful to say the least. We had planned to sleep under the stars again last night, but the clouds moved in and we thought it may rain. The winds also picked up. So, we opted to sleep in the cave. <br /><br />Today, we have one cave left to trap. Today, we worked this cave using two smaller teams, Doc and Cassidy and Michael and I worked together. This was the largest of the three caves on the bench. It was over 1800 ft. in length. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRBnvSYLmEjlc2v-lOFWeneEUr0iNNXqxpAt3kMMJsEkdXMAa6zAyUVx8tkqmqZ6FL_GrFY5Ipb0ot8GFRAx1eIfzn4fNHgWXIrLEIiDLCkl9mSuQe-btMtAFzQmC5-32KeG8uAc3YI0/s1600-h/IMG_0462.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRBnvSYLmEjlc2v-lOFWeneEUr0iNNXqxpAt3kMMJsEkdXMAa6zAyUVx8tkqmqZ6FL_GrFY5Ipb0ot8GFRAx1eIfzn4fNHgWXIrLEIiDLCkl9mSuQe-btMtAFzQmC5-32KeG8uAc3YI0/s320/IMG_0462.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313507531533771186" /></a>Image: Loxosceles sp. from Packrat's Cave. <br /><br />Last year, Kyle, Luke Hanna (an NAU undergraduate that I am working with) and I went to these caves. We encountered a maternity roost of Myotis bats in this cave. As a result, we prompted left the cave. Upon our return to this cave, it was amazing to see the extent of bat use in this cave. Bats have been using this cave extensively for quite a while – perhaps hundreds of years. Guano was found in thick deposition throughout the main truck passage of this cave and the acrid smell of guano was overpowering. However, oddly enough, I really like this smell. For the cave scientist, the smell is that of life. Bat guano can serve the life blood of a cave ecosystem. So, this smell tells me there could be a lot of critters using this cave.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ABgDNRW_6wYm4Pop2tMkGVMzGJfmKwhzgarkfXY5kyo1tGI64fpWeDZwnSfAa09R_Yz4HuDU41Kyad_Q4pkXMQOEegos9R9qaqb2Tza-wsHtf9QiS4Q6GUHIQe4VMHkUcMVHsG3YWoI/s1600-h/Ringtail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ABgDNRW_6wYm4Pop2tMkGVMzGJfmKwhzgarkfXY5kyo1tGI64fpWeDZwnSfAa09R_Yz4HuDU41Kyad_Q4pkXMQOEegos9R9qaqb2Tza-wsHtf9QiS4Q6GUHIQe4VMHkUcMVHsG3YWoI/s200/Ringtail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313494804898006818" /></a>Image: Ringtail cat. This image was poached from the following website: http://www.abilenetx.com/Zoo/Ringtail.htm<br /><br />I also observed scat, which I believe to be ringtail (<em>Bassariscus astutus</em>) scat. Ringtails often enter caves to hunt bats. Given this cave is extensively used by bats, periodic visits from a hungry ringtail is not unlikely. <br /><br />We had also collected AnaBat data at this cave last night. Because it is still rather early in the season, we suspect there may not be much bat activity in these caves yet. However, we did observe bats while eating dinner last night, so we shall see.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eKM8HzyxRaUYHJrN2VsB_kVU1XOkelUV0Bs1QmxFJO5KnmycWLBcKxPv7FiZaZ7xBtx5lD2Eb1S0UDr6qr5LhSgQKZE42Xqa1lO5j92xBwH9D9mETVsXoW0dLQcj8E2ewJQyd7WfvIY/s1600-h/IMG_05261.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eKM8HzyxRaUYHJrN2VsB_kVU1XOkelUV0Bs1QmxFJO5KnmycWLBcKxPv7FiZaZ7xBtx5lD2Eb1S0UDr6qr5LhSgQKZE42Xqa1lO5j92xBwH9D9mETVsXoW0dLQcj8E2ewJQyd7WfvIY/s320/IMG_05261.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313496057125842402" /></a>Image: I'm just about to negotiate Mammillary Drop. This is a 20 ft deep pit with additional passage below. One has to chimney down to get to the lower passage. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />We didn’t collect many arthropods in this cave. Michael and I collected several spiders and a cricket, but that was about it. Doc and Cassidy didn’t collect anything at this cave. <br /><br />This cave was also extensively used by Native Americans. We found dry laid stone walls and cleared sleeping platforms in the entrance, and there were numerous torches, reeds and yucca cord throughout this cave. There are also the remnants of a yucca sandal within this cave. Additionally, Michael found a bone that looks really old. I think it may be part of a human scapula.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9gjKfnA28zYLHoo8F_OVNxeM1XOJPUH1c1p4gRzbgRlwgbPFEUb94EHdb_v0CVXwjJAapOXWKCJuDBu-SNy6mZFzRqRbxRHvKzjoClHjc2A3_1gUxioNozWcRozhQGL3EFzk2a0skIk/s1600-h/Bug+Project+879.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9gjKfnA28zYLHoo8F_OVNxeM1XOJPUH1c1p4gRzbgRlwgbPFEUb94EHdb_v0CVXwjJAapOXWKCJuDBu-SNy6mZFzRqRbxRHvKzjoClHjc2A3_1gUxioNozWcRozhQGL3EFzk2a0skIk/s320/Bug+Project+879.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313503638539928082" /></a>Image: Old bone fragment. This fragment may be part of a scapula or pelvis. We're not certain if it is human or not.<br /><br />Once we finished this cave, we went back to our camping cave to grab the rest of our gear. It was time to hike off the bench and back down base camp. With several routes now bolted, it should be much easier, safer (and quicker) for us to get down. We started our descent at 1700hr. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichQHbDBLqvLJrY2qXLnDPvj3NFWKS_nwsHKIGGA71RRlhZ09qbQ6z9M9D-N8fTBxMQsSLkiN80aBpWsuXFX_z2CdqRmuPSpWWG_7qdEP4AX-AJghJyk7A8yikUit6pSrLZOmPux91rlA/s1600-h/IMG_0503.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichQHbDBLqvLJrY2qXLnDPvj3NFWKS_nwsHKIGGA71RRlhZ09qbQ6z9M9D-N8fTBxMQsSLkiN80aBpWsuXFX_z2CdqRmuPSpWWG_7qdEP4AX-AJghJyk7A8yikUit6pSrLZOmPux91rlA/s320/IMG_0503.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313497219690092018" /></a>Image: This old pine cone was found near the back of Bat Cave. Due to the extensive human activity in this cave, it is likely humans brought this into the cave. However, there is also evidence of a rather long occupation by packrats. So, either vector for deposition is possible. There are no longer pine trees within a ~50 mile radius of this cave. So, this pine cone is rather old.<br /><br />However, we had difficulties in locating several of the bolts along this route. So, Michael and I had to improvise to get the team down safely. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFpxsoepg4_9KUHzld9Nw8Rcf5CdBexHU9587AtBeeHEISGb0vnYEKISFYJpM-ff_ArO2YE2F4tqPqL7ln8SvjJdmD0hir7UYvNUnMegavV5gVZBvHQDLM8hBV19FxHTHquGoB8TG3do/s1600-h/Bug+Project+131.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFpxsoepg4_9KUHzld9Nw8Rcf5CdBexHU9587AtBeeHEISGb0vnYEKISFYJpM-ff_ArO2YE2F4tqPqL7ln8SvjJdmD0hir7UYvNUnMegavV5gVZBvHQDLM8hBV19FxHTHquGoB8TG3do/s320/Bug+Project+131.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313504718953201090" /></a>Image: Cartographer Bob Richards mapping River Styx Cave. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />We had to traverse the edge of a dry fall with an exposed area that dropped approximately 50 feet. If anyone fell there, they wouldn’t make it home at the end of the day. So, it took us a while to rig this route. Michael traversed the route, and I belayed him with Cassidy as a back-up anchor. We got him across safely, and then Michael found a rock to anchor off of and then he belayed us across. I went across twice because I ported Doc’s backpack across this route. We then had to rig and belay the team down another steep incline before we could start hiking down canyon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsIClRyaWZBjy8QVx9Xp2yEVbeleB61U31BDghLiW4jripWIDHTZNZQgWYejWSoC88Z47CgqDAeDrE8fIgLZVy4kePcv9Fl8cXzBdd-NJei61_zGj4zy0zIGwhArSM6MeN_WOZ1DQl30/s1600-h/Bug+Project+113.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsIClRyaWZBjy8QVx9Xp2yEVbeleB61U31BDghLiW4jripWIDHTZNZQgWYejWSoC88Z47CgqDAeDrE8fIgLZVy4kePcv9Fl8cXzBdd-NJei61_zGj4zy0zIGwhArSM6MeN_WOZ1DQl30/s320/Bug+Project+113.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313505940218137538" /></a>Image: Kyle staring contemplatively into the abyss of River Styx Cave. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Once we lowered packs and got the team down safely we could start hiking down canyon. Then we got to a really cool section, which involved a rappel. We were a able to find the anchor for this route. It was a 15 foot gently sloping wall. Michael went down first. I remained up top to get the other two guys down. I lowered packs down, and then Michael brought Doc and Cassidy down via a fireman’s belay. Once down, I rapped down the wall. Michael then pointed out that I left a sling and carabineer on our anchor, so I had to go back up to get it. Because it was a gently sloping wall, I did a “batman climb” up the wall. It was a lot of fun and took me less than 10 seconds to get back to the anchor. I then pulled the gear, treaded the rope through the anchor and double-rope rappelled back down. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoEA-HccCJx4MnVBTB7MgZtRQlbbM3zwmYYxRBE6yQcnxPRNQQ-RDqNFB9huKtR8ENPjsdfIPd4uNAh3soxiyFGdEFDjUnd05CtbTi4s_MVSe_LYJRdJVu0ak6JgtlP3SpXUasMMuweE/s1600-h/Bug+Project+604.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoEA-HccCJx4MnVBTB7MgZtRQlbbM3zwmYYxRBE6yQcnxPRNQQ-RDqNFB9huKtR8ENPjsdfIPd4uNAh3soxiyFGdEFDjUnd05CtbTi4s_MVSe_LYJRdJVu0ak6JgtlP3SpXUasMMuweE/s320/Bug+Project+604.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313558297436711938" /></a>Image: Michael and Doc having dinner after the descent out of the side canyon. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />By this time it was getting dark, we still had two technical sections to traverse before we were out of the canyon. We did these in the dark. Canyoneering at night and caving are the same. You're traversing rock exposures via the illumination of your headlamp. It was a lot of fun canyoneering at night. I realized my team was getting tired, so I had to be extra vigilant for everyone. Ultimately, it took us quite a while to get down. We didn’t get out of the side canyon until 2030hr. We took 3.5hr to hike out of this side canyon.<br /><br />Kyle’s team did really well today. They finished mapping the big cave. This cave is over 3000 feet in length. We plan to trap it tomorrow.<br /><br />Sleeping in the main canyon would be cold tonight, but it was nice to finally get down off the bench. However, we return in two days to start pulling the traps.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3nmS8iX4XNcPsxX_xiROVpe3LlY3BIiCDNpVwAGEN90hOPq9HKRyok9MV-Xl3zjFImu21aeu45RtsbyMn2RPJf0lnZh1ziHVVnDXPA1Y6aruUWVBgf3QVY7-9id5G_ASp4yOUrvqoHY/s1600-h/Bug+Project+612.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3nmS8iX4XNcPsxX_xiROVpe3LlY3BIiCDNpVwAGEN90hOPq9HKRyok9MV-Xl3zjFImu21aeu45RtsbyMn2RPJf0lnZh1ziHVVnDXPA1Y6aruUWVBgf3QVY7-9id5G_ASp4yOUrvqoHY/s400/Bug+Project+612.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313509810194828754" /></a><br />Image: Doc and I preparing dinner and filtering water after our safe return from the bench caves. Credit: Ty Spatta.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-59933862519495974562009-03-12T21:45:00.001-07:002009-03-16T22:31:20.742-07:00Now...the Science Begins...06 March 2009 -- combined account of field notes and recall<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe_xroCRLt3U0tVpZ8b8hBMoySQbbvdFJ0jxe_zmOAqrStn0WmgDTItZ0-IJifdWPT26KZ3xWKEOpebBLINAK0OPIf_iQbwWacfWxBVwhMNsRHx9gFxUxNLOp7jRJwkdHN00frUrHeNg/s1600-h/IMG_0984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe_xroCRLt3U0tVpZ8b8hBMoySQbbvdFJ0jxe_zmOAqrStn0WmgDTItZ0-IJifdWPT26KZ3xWKEOpebBLINAK0OPIf_iQbwWacfWxBVwhMNsRHx9gFxUxNLOp7jRJwkdHN00frUrHeNg/s400/IMG_0984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313481178267951890" /></a><br />Image: There were two plants that festooned either side of the entrance of Babylon Cave. The leaves of this plant will stick to every article of clothing, and the hairs on the leaves make you itch. Needless to say, you move through this entrance carefully. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />Last night, I slept like a baby. My little sleeping pad tucked amid rocks, creosote and barrel cacti buffered me from the wind. The moon is getting full; I woke up many times during the night to look up at the moon, as well as watch the clouds roll in. It was looking like we might get some rain. Fortunately, we did not, and we were able to sleep outside. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhtHFbm7dMC119dlLlcoDH80Sz_kBbakhVv7B45OdqVd2l9AezVEbm8RXPofOFLrkvulc4ALLGsxDQWwDMU_mNpU73VtRVTXCTW_rHUxfcS0-roBTzsmArHfRDiSODrMUk4yP1kosS7w/s1600-h/Bug+Project+920.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhtHFbm7dMC119dlLlcoDH80Sz_kBbakhVv7B45OdqVd2l9AezVEbm8RXPofOFLrkvulc4ALLGsxDQWwDMU_mNpU73VtRVTXCTW_rHUxfcS0-roBTzsmArHfRDiSODrMUk4yP1kosS7w/s320/Bug+Project+920.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313482067886916498" /></a>Image: Yucca fiber cord found at the back of Babylon Cave. This cord was left here by Native Americans. Most of the caves in Cactus Canyon have evidence of Native American use. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Despite the fact that I slept well, I had a wierd dream. I dreamed I had placed my bed roll over a den of twin-spotted rattlesnake (<em>Crotalus pricei</em>). These are actually rather small snakes; they often don't get larger than a foot in length; what is more odd, however, is that these snakes occur in southern Arizona. I don't know why I was dreaming about these guys raher than Mojave green rattlesnakes (<em>Crotalus scutulatus</em>). Anyhow, these snakes were mad and were striking me, and one had slithered into my sleeping bag. I remember thinking, "Darn, now I have to go wake up Doc." Fortunately, there were no rattlesnake incidents last night. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K2mDI4JYnI8G_QMnASd7x5Kubq_6HhvnjnHeg0dF1wsLwo2i9ajQQXFAyIbX4fmgpB5crowKOX7I95A2pBkaSoj_GCIK_babJyKbhfS-L-JZMNAfFiSD-aaZ2Al85Qz82aNYAwi1jaI/s1600-h/IMG_0418.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K2mDI4JYnI8G_QMnASd7x5Kubq_6HhvnjnHeg0dF1wsLwo2i9ajQQXFAyIbX4fmgpB5crowKOX7I95A2pBkaSoj_GCIK_babJyKbhfS-L-JZMNAfFiSD-aaZ2Al85Qz82aNYAwi1jaI/s200/IMG_0418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313483032877437474" /></a>Image: A torch remnant. There were numerous prehistoric torches in this cave. Notice the carbonized end of the stick near the carabineer.<br /><br />I slept so well last night, that I overslept. I woke up at 0730hr. We were supposed to be preparing breakfast at 0700hr. So, once I got up, I rousted the other sleepy heads from their sleeping bags and we started to make breakfast.<br /><br />While making breakfast, we realized we were going to run out of water. So, we radio-ed Team 1 to let them know of our dilemma. They indicated they would send up Team 3 (Ballensky and Richards), who were arriving today, to bring us water. Team 3 was already scheduled to make the ascent. Ballensky was bringing in the Hilti drill, and we needed them to place a few bolts in some of the more exposed areas of the side canyon. By around 1430hr, Team 3 arrived with water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENd0UCOyree0HKNYOopDNQ5KkaoUcfrgZ9TEtfuAEfa-CfFL9Hoxv70AMZpjBRLby80OX8gtaYEi_zF4bIvu7Mp-mOpfuwbEbuEw-OVvhfvsP9oerkGRKpBmSQnRkJKxeCjjJ8bfmTHc/s1600-h/IMG_0432.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENd0UCOyree0HKNYOopDNQ5KkaoUcfrgZ9TEtfuAEfa-CfFL9Hoxv70AMZpjBRLby80OX8gtaYEi_zF4bIvu7Mp-mOpfuwbEbuEw-OVvhfvsP9oerkGRKpBmSQnRkJKxeCjjJ8bfmTHc/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313486370686791730" /></a>Image: Mapping the locations of our arthropod trapping stations within Babylon Cave. Image: Michael Gowen.<br /><br />By the time Team 3 arrived, my team was well underway, and we were finishing up our work in Babylon Cave. We were conducting searches and deploying traps in this cave. Once done, we went to Two Windows Cave to conduct arthropod searches and deploy arthropod traps.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzP1d_uEHHBexXLDeAgyovvQVaGCp7xq-PjtGrIMAooFpk4HcEPn78dwvcrGH5GUnkPWCaCZ83se0s6GYEriceBQLWvb22AXmtu5157nlX44Z_9TUhmYMqELI759-NDIZVZH8bXBMYWM/s1600-h/IMG_0468.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzP1d_uEHHBexXLDeAgyovvQVaGCp7xq-PjtGrIMAooFpk4HcEPn78dwvcrGH5GUnkPWCaCZ83se0s6GYEriceBQLWvb22AXmtu5157nlX44Z_9TUhmYMqELI759-NDIZVZH8bXBMYWM/s320/IMG_0468.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313488494148483138" /></a>Image: This packrat (Neotoma sp.) was trying to get out of the cave to go out to forage. <br /><br />Two Windows was a lot of fun. There was a pack rat in this cave, and he was ready to leave for the evening to forage for food. While we were working in the cave, he went back and forth between the entrance and his midden. He appeared confused. I wondered if "he" was actually a "she" and was returning to the midden because she had baby mice. However, I thought it was rather early in the season to be rearing babies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt6TSMrRHEtAFdsWOAgkGmMe-zqY6-IGwALrkjOMe3WEFYzWmNlcprorbF6T2ewRzcItGHvImj_oQhp9QYxeA1Q2ZxflKh9SI0190hqXPToauVozcd9DVoVKZ9Ilzd0vhHKtkaFkB43E/s1600-h/IMG_0995.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt6TSMrRHEtAFdsWOAgkGmMe-zqY6-IGwALrkjOMe3WEFYzWmNlcprorbF6T2ewRzcItGHvImj_oQhp9QYxeA1Q2ZxflKh9SI0190hqXPToauVozcd9DVoVKZ9Ilzd0vhHKtkaFkB43E/s320/IMG_0995.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313487272843440578" /></a>Image: Cassidy preparing to deploy pitfall traps to capture arthropods. Image: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />We completed our second cave by 1900hr. It was a productive day. We went back to Babylon Cave and made dinner. It was almost dark. Clouds were building overhead, and we questioned whether it would rain. We all decided to sleep within the cave tonight.<br /><br />Kyle's team (Team 1) was working on the map of River Styx Cave. Voyles has anticipated it would take them two days to finish this map. Once done, we would be able to deploy bug traps in this cave as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeC8Z7iaqgCxj1W6VfIVmRY2ne0Qchx2pQrVL5Jrm2j9nJ6B9k19z2lGPF1oFGDEkhuVng8YTw3HPl9egvr1lEz0Y_O2uEXC-6o7X1ftfjT-wFqwQwBMjvxopnqEtpW0CUkEb1TwlJw4/s1600-h/IMG_0452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeC8Z7iaqgCxj1W6VfIVmRY2ne0Qchx2pQrVL5Jrm2j9nJ6B9k19z2lGPF1oFGDEkhuVng8YTw3HPl9egvr1lEz0Y_O2uEXC-6o7X1ftfjT-wFqwQwBMjvxopnqEtpW0CUkEb1TwlJw4/s400/IMG_0452.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313480231941063602" /></a>Image: Deploying the AnaBat ultrasonic detector in front of Babylon Cave. We collected data from this cave last night. I am uncertain as to whether we're going to have much bat call data from the AnaBat effort. While we did observe bats flying in the canyon and near our camp, it's still pretty early in the season. We shall see... Credit: Jon Kalman.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-18377249988412903442009-03-12T21:44:00.000-07:002009-03-16T22:30:52.052-07:00Our First Ascent into the Side Canyon05 March 2009 -- copied from my field notes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiTd4It0OS-GI4-1YY8Usp8QlUvw_z3uQUWHgunGKow0VaCU6NCuwhetSUVlJkr5r9S0YdnkKf0ulKrRlrOA_8wvtIWy2iOziBxpDyI9orYl2GccLUuXIQhQw6VRlql8blJbnK09Am6o/s1600-h/IMG_0404.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiTd4It0OS-GI4-1YY8Usp8QlUvw_z3uQUWHgunGKow0VaCU6NCuwhetSUVlJkr5r9S0YdnkKf0ulKrRlrOA_8wvtIWy2iOziBxpDyI9orYl2GccLUuXIQhQw6VRlql8blJbnK09Am6o/s400/IMG_0404.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313298055913385682" /></a>Image: Kyle setting up the traverse on the last technical area before we reach the canyon rim. I'm on the other side of the exposure. I was safety checking on everyone's harnesses, placing folks on rope, and then directing them across. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRhp7FnR4QZkqE77lSbUxaUbiB9dmrYXKfXFn1WsSY2GxgMHX3rb0u6lhyphenhyphen12SXaKuyhIOM-rtHevmLJqwi5GFWB5MgkhqfJ5TY56GIMCMQ07tnD5S_AQg54te1Iwve1xeI_cAFiXa2M8/s1600-h/Bug+Project+057.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRhp7FnR4QZkqE77lSbUxaUbiB9dmrYXKfXFn1WsSY2GxgMHX3rb0u6lhyphenhyphen12SXaKuyhIOM-rtHevmLJqwi5GFWB5MgkhqfJ5TY56GIMCMQ07tnD5S_AQg54te1Iwve1xeI_cAFiXa2M8/s200/Bug+Project+057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313298586061943778" /></a>Image: Tama and Doc preparing to negotiate the traverse below the canyon rim. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />Last night, I slept in the truck. Ty unfurled his beaten-up sheet of plastic, laid out his sleeping bag and slept under the stars. The wind howled all night long. Ty didn't sleep well last night. I had a pretty good night's sleep. It's amazing what ear plugs can do.<br /><br />Voyles arrived around 2230hr last night. I was already asleep by the time he arrived.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Veaikz8HPe-lmpgbAJmK35GomPXtsqMhNgs-EcjSvv8qOyRVJrqyqgsqd3tZ2hu-kU6SAxzygabrw3cgOpahXWdtiQ4TGz1Jk8UP5jXtlWASPsdBYmZ8ci7Vme2sQfmYvi017zeHZZM/s1600-h/IMG_0386.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Veaikz8HPe-lmpgbAJmK35GomPXtsqMhNgs-EcjSvv8qOyRVJrqyqgsqd3tZ2hu-kU6SAxzygabrw3cgOpahXWdtiQ4TGz1Jk8UP5jXtlWASPsdBYmZ8ci7Vme2sQfmYvi017zeHZZM/s320/IMG_0386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313299180643367410" /></a>Image: Another day at the office. Canyoneering to get to our study sites.<br /><br />It took us a while to get our gear together this morning -- although everything was mostly packed, it was just one of those mornings. We arrived back at base camp around 1130hr. The rest of the team was awaiting our arrival. Water had been filtered and we were ready to make our climb up to the bench caves. <br /><br />We quickly sorted through our gear once again at base camp and then prepared for our ascent to the canyon rim. Our plan is to ascend a steep side canyon to access the upper bench, which is located just below the canyon rim.<br /><br />Fortunately, the winds had died down and the day was perfect. Temperatures were in the middle 60s. Our ascent was most pleasant despite our heavy bags. We were carrying all of our sampling gear, food, vertical gear, and camping gear. Doc, Michael, John Cassidy and I will be spending two nights up here on the bench.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIUjOrPXOib7dEw6O1k8KlMdX4MfVVY6-9scAqbKRcDk_XT30LiImJsrWW1PIzyDlsS4jqVUmHTlTFie2wcozdBtVyX5Xr_-8jMBF-2D2MnUXkaE0I9g0etB7HGz3bj97Fs9gXaVo8_o/s1600-h/IMG_0964.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIUjOrPXOib7dEw6O1k8KlMdX4MfVVY6-9scAqbKRcDk_XT30LiImJsrWW1PIzyDlsS4jqVUmHTlTFie2wcozdBtVyX5Xr_-8jMBF-2D2MnUXkaE0I9g0etB7HGz3bj97Fs9gXaVo8_o/s200/IMG_0964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313299792679247746" /></a>Image: Mr. Adventure. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />The ascent was rather easy for the most part. We had a few sections that involved bouldering and scrambling up dry falls. We also had a few rather exposed areas that required a safety belay across these sections. It took us a while to negotiate these sections; not only did we have to rig these sections with rope and/ or webbing, but we also had shuttle packs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXF2YQ9XOWqeYQVpy_t936IyDZc6Q-U1YyiF8skm0jhuha8cKETtrejtTRfv-Osgy2RkN_-DVrugKwMSdbXzG7Ezcmhqm_672dy-C1z3OEH9pcVfH9Hpv0s3dFbEF3vMDrWX_tkM3cFU/s1600-h/IMG_0396.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXF2YQ9XOWqeYQVpy_t936IyDZc6Q-U1YyiF8skm0jhuha8cKETtrejtTRfv-Osgy2RkN_-DVrugKwMSdbXzG7Ezcmhqm_672dy-C1z3OEH9pcVfH9Hpv0s3dFbEF3vMDrWX_tkM3cFU/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313300533241987842" /></a>Image: Shuttling backpacks through the canyon. We probably did this about a dozen times in this side canyon. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />There was one section near the canyon rim that involved an exposed section above a 50 foot dry fall. This section took us a while. We had to find appropriate anchors and rig the area. Then, we had to get everyone across. Once we made it across safely, the remaining approach to the caves was a piece of cake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH30GI-ztX7ky0taN2keIijb1W76Z1C4gu_cRzw5uAVGUR-oh_M3KIAuyjwwgWxMVqXfEbnqYJrB7kDpGTHhBzUTO3pvNJHnTyVhXDlMrz-v2HGpmRDrCIxmSTqd5x160dPngWKiyjG8I/s1600-h/IMG_0406.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH30GI-ztX7ky0taN2keIijb1W76Z1C4gu_cRzw5uAVGUR-oh_M3KIAuyjwwgWxMVqXfEbnqYJrB7kDpGTHhBzUTO3pvNJHnTyVhXDlMrz-v2HGpmRDrCIxmSTqd5x160dPngWKiyjG8I/s320/IMG_0406.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313301962115401506" /></a>Image: We made it! Our first ascent to the bench caves during this expedition. We'll only need to do this a couple more times. Credit: Kyle Voyles.<br /><br />Once the team arrived at the first cave, it was 1700hr. Kyle, Tama and Ty had about 1.5hrs to return to base camp before it got dark. For safety reasons, we don't want personnel hiking through this side canyon at night. So, Kyle, Michael and I quickly sussed out the three caves we would be studying. Kyle wanted to show me the routes to these caves once again. There are a couple of exposed areas leading to an 1100ft drop, and we wanted to be sure we knew the correct route to these caves. A little mistake compounded by an 1100ft fall might be a problem for us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1Dqwq3dKI0Znd9U5nH3Oyr-TTy6ouV2J7kB_hHKSjGAQMe-Bf3xAuDfFpLbQalcVZ3FxoqZBJQ1Nx0SIuu7gP9xQlMYoUk1S8ZTnAPYM2Hy-gskADhcDEp4MK_koQIslyxujmYTPy5k/s1600-h/IMG_0971.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1Dqwq3dKI0Znd9U5nH3Oyr-TTy6ouV2J7kB_hHKSjGAQMe-Bf3xAuDfFpLbQalcVZ3FxoqZBJQ1Nx0SIuu7gP9xQlMYoUk1S8ZTnAPYM2Hy-gskADhcDEp4MK_koQIslyxujmYTPy5k/s320/IMG_0971.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313302620827650002" /></a>Image: The team arrives at the first bench cave. We are in front of the entrance of Hungry Plant Cave. Credit: Jon Kalman.<br /><br />Once he showed us the locations and routes, Kyle returned to the team and lead his team back to base camp. Michael and I set up the Anabat ultrasonic bat detection at Holiday Inn Cave and then rejoined Doc and Cassidy.<br /><br />Tonight, three of us slept beneath the stars. We cleared small quasi-sleeping pads on the bench. Michael slept in one of the caves. Tomorrow we will deploy traps in two of our study caves up here. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6djgy6OuQH_MNYiqzuaasNXOZThvUgTgsaAPeddXLyUCFAtctGYSyy0xLHT7z714-OYD98PsOUlxT16Cg-1lnDcez9XL5oB7l5zMvBiptMMjRoBZzsVc2WdiwbKIrhhkc5plHtJI-l9Y/s1600-h/IMG_0410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6djgy6OuQH_MNYiqzuaasNXOZThvUgTgsaAPeddXLyUCFAtctGYSyy0xLHT7z714-OYD98PsOUlxT16Cg-1lnDcez9XL5oB7l5zMvBiptMMjRoBZzsVc2WdiwbKIrhhkc5plHtJI-l9Y/s400/IMG_0410.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313301234955989922" /></a>Image: Vista of base camp from Hungry Plant Cave. On the far right, mid-image and to the left of the wash is a blue spot. That spot is Doc's tent. Credit: Jon Kalman.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-8013637680362858692009-03-12T21:43:00.000-07:002009-03-15T16:26:21.956-07:00Return to Cactus Canyon04 March 2009<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b-SzVnBytfXzXyyQ7gKG1CzwSyzvAc5nk4EOi7xtmDxuc4tVBxXLXADCJJtUNCu_Zb3RaFHG0qpOoB3BrNd4JrH1SvM3jvhzOAFI-zRd2HEmYs4n0d04QApkruGUcmYVq6QJlf_xG_k/s1600-h/Bug+Project+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b-SzVnBytfXzXyyQ7gKG1CzwSyzvAc5nk4EOi7xtmDxuc4tVBxXLXADCJJtUNCu_Zb3RaFHG0qpOoB3BrNd4JrH1SvM3jvhzOAFI-zRd2HEmYs4n0d04QApkruGUcmYVq6QJlf_xG_k/s400/Bug+Project+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313272624604960034" /></a>Image: Making last minute preparations for our hike into the canyon. We had to fill specimen vials with alcohol, bait traps and sort through all science gear. Once done, we then divided all this gear among team members so that we could hike the equipment into the canyon. We gave Ty a lot of it. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5a_GFCpW-bxY2E_JNYDmgkzbfLj5LsQubwLxtUGo9c3QgsSZxpeZ2t4sCDOf6LqxBQms3upnSNPLPO9_Kzx67U4VSiR6Z0fehuPJoZSK5qmkflh-d71e67ixQshrS_rkzas1gbZnvZU/s1600-h/Bug+Project+004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5a_GFCpW-bxY2E_JNYDmgkzbfLj5LsQubwLxtUGo9c3QgsSZxpeZ2t4sCDOf6LqxBQms3upnSNPLPO9_Kzx67U4VSiR6Z0fehuPJoZSK5qmkflh-d71e67ixQshrS_rkzas1gbZnvZU/s200/Bug+Project+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313279420841091042" /></a>Image: Taken during the three hour drive to reach the trailhead. Our first night on the north rim involved a lot of driving. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />This is one of the most difficult expeditions Kyle and I have conducted on north rim Grand Canyon. Located approximately 15 miles north of the Colorado River, and 70 miles from the nearest town, Cactus Canyon is both impressive and unforgiving. This work has required an impressive amount of pre-planning and strategizing. Kyle and I worked for three weeks to develop our operations plan for this project. So, we are entering the field with a "plan to deviate from..."<br /><br />We did this same trip last May. We attempted to study four caves during this trip, but we had one of those trips where everything imaginable went wrong. Consequently, our trip last May served to enlighten us as to how we can efficiently and effectively study caves in this incredibly difficult area. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilF7jnGW7R01G9GhycN4C-vZpvFXgzaurmLmWWgsRoMCpZasuG1vVnH44q3E54Bts6YnRg2tisL6I7BH2w3xG-NIm6kPuk-isyBxaOsUpo-s7HifPA6SS9kYbR0qGciI7uKmwUW0BTZuc/s1600-h/Bug+Project+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilF7jnGW7R01G9GhycN4C-vZpvFXgzaurmLmWWgsRoMCpZasuG1vVnH44q3E54Bts6YnRg2tisL6I7BH2w3xG-NIm6kPuk-isyBxaOsUpo-s7HifPA6SS9kYbR0qGciI7uKmwUW0BTZuc/s320/Bug+Project+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313273018211792146" /></a>;Image: Our campsite at the Cactus Canyon trail head. Image: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />We arrived at the Cactus Canyon trailhead around 2330hr. It was late when we arrived and the entire team was spent. Most of us had been on travel since that morning. Some folks flew in from other parts of the country the night before. As for me, I departed Flagstaff around 1230hr, arrived St. George at 1730 and then I met up with the rest of the team and we caravanned to the trailhead. <br /><br />Today, we spent the majority of the day preparing to enter the field. This took a while. We had to organize all of our gear, I had to go through all the sampling gear, and then we had to determine who was going to carry what. Last year, our team hauled 100 pound packs on their backs into this canyon. It’s a three mile hike with some scrambling over dry falls. It was rather precarious at times, and I vowed that I would not be carrying that much weight on this trip. Perhaps I’m a year older and a little smarter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7jHy6rTtZ8ElJlos5JUadBjC3NEp0Gkoe1yRyREJ5RUO3RjCl5d31xB7_Ku7Danjd3jDpvQBl-qWcT3lNDnK2teRQ5ij84DiXZa1nlpgFn0STsUS5ugyvcm7_UxbA17hwGaFB1iTGW0/s1600-h/Bug+Project+016.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7jHy6rTtZ8ElJlos5JUadBjC3NEp0Gkoe1yRyREJ5RUO3RjCl5d31xB7_Ku7Danjd3jDpvQBl-qWcT3lNDnK2teRQ5ij84DiXZa1nlpgFn0STsUS5ugyvcm7_UxbA17hwGaFB1iTGW0/s200/Bug+Project+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313282535041385586" /></a>Image: In addition to preparing our gear, we also held two hours of briefings related to the expedition. Voyles is explaining how to use the BLM radios for this work. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />Once gear was sorted, we held the expedition briefing, as well as cave search and rescue and safety briefings. As you may expect, this also took a while. However, these things are critically important to the safe execution of the project – so, it is vitally important all of these elements were addressed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHjmPu2ABPSs98VcSiyKj_ycpMBjpgZXqdCPEl8bX_TdR3WJgPqTEJ0wDSiGKgnxOWSRNsO_7uYkabbYabBuOg3L16a-YGWINJqbO4emsKacgaFiFpF84wp9CBqtD40cH8HlM4oxcyDs/s1600-h/IMG_0374.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHjmPu2ABPSs98VcSiyKj_ycpMBjpgZXqdCPEl8bX_TdR3WJgPqTEJ0wDSiGKgnxOWSRNsO_7uYkabbYabBuOg3L16a-YGWINJqbO4emsKacgaFiFpF84wp9CBqtD40cH8HlM4oxcyDs/s320/IMG_0374.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313274068777125986" /></a>Image: The team is loaded up and ready to hike to base camp.<br /><br />Given our late start, our plan was to simply hike to base camp, and we would begin the work in earnest on tomorrow. However, we later learned we left some rather important gear in St. George, and Kyle had to return for it. So, we had to change our plans for today. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLaQxYO0S-SvK1mkckS7fGQH2Cu7mTOwLaSeuquNEORhOy552wY5qqjZuy4X7ylibLOyaQzDt5rATL7Pu-dWbkroBdGnUSnluS89S0kRmUPjkoelc69IpcVfUNApL3DgnegZeoiNIBpU/s1600-h/Bug+Project+028.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLaQxYO0S-SvK1mkckS7fGQH2Cu7mTOwLaSeuquNEORhOy552wY5qqjZuy4X7ylibLOyaQzDt5rATL7Pu-dWbkroBdGnUSnluS89S0kRmUPjkoelc69IpcVfUNApL3DgnegZeoiNIBpU/s320/Bug+Project+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313275177966469522" /></a>Image: Trekking into Cactus Canyon. Image: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />We did not want Kyle hiking into the canyon by himself. So, Ty and I hiked gear into the canyon and then hiked out to the trailhead to meet Kyle. He’s going to arrive later tonight, and then we’ll hike in together tomorrow AM. <br /><br />The canyon was as beautiful as I remembered it. Majestic views, canyon wrens calling throughout the canyon, and the desert wildflowers are beginning to bloom. The winds are some of the strongest I’ve seen in this area in quite sometime. It reminds me of the Altiplanic winds in Chile. They are nowhere near as cold, but the wind is howling.<br /><br />We also have really good news from Cactus Canyon. It’s full of standing pools of water! When the canyon has water, we have water. <br /><br />Last year when we did this in May, we found two florescent green acrid pools. Sure we could have filtered and then boiled the water, but it would have made anything we ate or drank from it taste horrible. So, we decided to make one water run back to the truck. We won’t have to do that this year. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QDwiS5TxBE5W93vh8nYrx8HkJlKxByWCtZv8YfijA08e7JCZ-zdw9e8XqhDzasDURcivlMfeXpJVDD-FnFq0w0XpO3BCaULj05XrugNR0GgS97g9w3J1uItmzZ5QpXPNM5B_pjnZsao/s1600-h/Bug+Project+036.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QDwiS5TxBE5W93vh8nYrx8HkJlKxByWCtZv8YfijA08e7JCZ-zdw9e8XqhDzasDURcivlMfeXpJVDD-FnFq0w0XpO3BCaULj05XrugNR0GgS97g9w3J1uItmzZ5QpXPNM5B_pjnZsao/s320/Bug+Project+036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313278019731477266" /></a>Image: Base Camp. 70 miles of relentless dirt and rocky roads and a three mile hike into a canyon. We're a fir piece from civilization. Image: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />So, Ty and I are currently at the trailhead. Kyle had left some equipment back in St. George and had to return. So, we currently have four people at base camp and Kyle is en route back to meet us at the trail head. Ty, Kyle and I will leave tomorrow morning early to join the group and begin the work in earnest. <br /><br />Tonight, I’m sleeping in the back of a F250 truck. I'm actually preparing this blog from the back of the truck. The winds are still howling, but the truck affords a bit of insulation from the relentless wind. After sharing rooms, tents and camp space with folks while down in Chile, I've learned to travel with ear plugs. This works quite well for blocking out both snoaring and howling winds. I’m signing off. The work begins tomorrow... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgPubd-qJDRRijmn9SBg4tmVckYYFHepOh_xNldE7mVd6lTizIeFLXmiE6wxwoJZlZ2zvmYRiqnYVRA3pfYVaI-STq1VqMlPkLT6Hs3SJh3koAemeaTAmhn0D63BVh8F-Hbd5sQKiOeE/s1600-h/102_6248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgPubd-qJDRRijmn9SBg4tmVckYYFHepOh_xNldE7mVd6lTizIeFLXmiE6wxwoJZlZ2zvmYRiqnYVRA3pfYVaI-STq1VqMlPkLT6Hs3SJh3koAemeaTAmhn0D63BVh8F-Hbd5sQKiOeE/s400/102_6248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313559731150597298" /></a>Image: Cactus Canyon vista from the trailhead. Credit: Michael Gowen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-59581300446078279622009-03-12T21:32:00.000-07:002009-03-15T21:44:46.859-07:002009 Cactus Canyon Cave Biodiversity Inventory Team<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzwrim9Lg73tnuaVttP9ae42rLV8Xzaf1Hk7vE6lg3_hEM_GRe6cCSHBa4ZOl9wug_YsjRgiO3a7nVh9EgGsRptH7diegmw6BJsknUZO9NBTNPCyuv2HP-UbHJAoWVE1RzXYuplHilgw/s1600-h/flagphoto1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzwrim9Lg73tnuaVttP9ae42rLV8Xzaf1Hk7vE6lg3_hEM_GRe6cCSHBa4ZOl9wug_YsjRgiO3a7nVh9EgGsRptH7diegmw6BJsknUZO9NBTNPCyuv2HP-UbHJAoWVE1RzXYuplHilgw/s400/flagphoto1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313265908221211778" /></a>Image: Explorers Club Flag photo. Front (left to right) John and Tama Cassidy, me, and Kyle Voyles; in back (left to right) Michael Gowen, Jon Kalman, and Ty Spatta. Jason Ballensky and Bob Richards not in photo. Credit: Ty Spatta.<br /><br />This is the 2009 Cactus Canyon Cave Biodiversity Inventory Project. We are in the forth year of our work in northern Arizona. This work is also part of my dissertation research. Also, we have had the distinct honor of having this expedition recognized as a Flag Expedition by the Explorers Club.<br /><br />We will be working in one of the most remote canyons on Grand Canyon's North Rim. This project will involve a combination of canyoneering, rock climbing, and backcountry camping. We will be working five caves in this canyon for nine days. Our study will involve inventorying biodiversity by sampling cave-dwelling arthropods using an array of sampling techniques, characterizing bat use using an AnaBat ultrasonic detector, as well as completing the maps of two caves. In addition to our biodiversity inventory objectives, we will also be completing a full inventory of each cave. We will assess geology, hydrology, paleontology, and archaeology.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHkDdCAC8WLFWFYRVocrZK8EuclsFommXLppQ-3HmCdpKSLrkioLKFmGb2nYj2kH1OyfwC2eFu3Dq1z7GsG3NZs-pS7SS9b73-ZkgAWPgInpKDjjpD2JcFPLU_LwZkupGFHG8QxyAWzk/s1600-h/Bug+Project+624.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHkDdCAC8WLFWFYRVocrZK8EuclsFommXLppQ-3HmCdpKSLrkioLKFmGb2nYj2kH1OyfwC2eFu3Dq1z7GsG3NZs-pS7SS9b73-ZkgAWPgInpKDjjpD2JcFPLU_LwZkupGFHG8QxyAWzk/s320/Bug+Project+624.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313267302097602754" /></a>Kyle "Jefe" Voyles – Co-Principal Investigator/ Expedition Lead (No. 1). Kyle has been working in this part of the country for the past 10 years. He is Level 3 Cave Search and Rescue and is also an aid climber. He is responsible for project logistics, and all technical aspects related to rope work and canyoneering.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYWxxOsmCOI-KtF0Ix_1zCe-BLfXTxrRBZGRQ32C6mrh6ZrDBLEvDNqSa2EzvCFL5-4IeeOda8wep7h7LiEg_tEWh5eOMBoe304zves_xfZOnh1_Bxt5N8BRIMMVqG6WAbsS0Db87AbU/s1600-h/Bug+Project+626.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYWxxOsmCOI-KtF0Ix_1zCe-BLfXTxrRBZGRQ32C6mrh6ZrDBLEvDNqSa2EzvCFL5-4IeeOda8wep7h7LiEg_tEWh5eOMBoe304zves_xfZOnh1_Bxt5N8BRIMMVqG6WAbsS0Db87AbU/s320/Bug+Project+626.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313268058029296418" /></a>Jut Wynne – Co-Principal Investigator/ Science Lead (No. 2). I will be coordinating all aspects related to data collection.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vp2cWFqxSAcDLgtkzMj1RHhGnbSLdeJKBBp538oqNttGyTiOJQMbYBtgAw-zknE-hb38FjYWzIwDSlth3fqtDmNN7rxud55mP-TvD6UbURV0uPhfZDoNGx5QZxubSK4hmJrDGXalNe8/s1600-h/Bug+Project+621.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vp2cWFqxSAcDLgtkzMj1RHhGnbSLdeJKBBp538oqNttGyTiOJQMbYBtgAw-zknE-hb38FjYWzIwDSlth3fqtDmNN7rxud55mP-TvD6UbURV0uPhfZDoNGx5QZxubSK4hmJrDGXalNe8/s320/Bug+Project+621.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313268353296865570" /></a>Jon "Doc" Kalman – Safety Chief/ EMT/ Natropathic Doctor (No. 3). Jon is from San Diego and thanks to the recommendation by Christina Colpitts, our Medical Specialist from the 2008 Atacama and Rapa Nui work, we were fortunate enough to have Jon on our team.<br /><br />Jason Ballensky – Cartographer. No photo available.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKc0mFpUA4o5_e1d3OFKlf4WbvZUEbXUt6lB3DxOl4pZTYiLmVe9O4LTrvEFl98maYCe_jz_XSrtJPx5S4MF0AFBR7lx6AxAi9G6cz6cbt_ZgPlqq0Nt6h-fVyzQ6FgaBDaEJBv1Qdi0/s1600-h/Bug+Project+619.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKc0mFpUA4o5_e1d3OFKlf4WbvZUEbXUt6lB3DxOl4pZTYiLmVe9O4LTrvEFl98maYCe_jz_XSrtJPx5S4MF0AFBR7lx6AxAi9G6cz6cbt_ZgPlqq0Nt6h-fVyzQ6FgaBDaEJBv1Qdi0/s320/Bug+Project+619.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313268583785737298" /></a>Tama Cassidy – Field Technician.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjJI-TK-tsismofuQBegkeZ9O-NpGIVDNNrBJZj5WQq5IJaP4dfNr8XopGyYQqKRI8VMZJ5ua7leJ7-Tp_zuJ4Yn4nVgYKrsTIWh6pkhCiIbqwICmDTWtaN4XHOj8imgeAib_svA6ooA/s1600-h/Bug+Project+623.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjJI-TK-tsismofuQBegkeZ9O-NpGIVDNNrBJZj5WQq5IJaP4dfNr8XopGyYQqKRI8VMZJ5ua7leJ7-Tp_zuJ4Yn4nVgYKrsTIWh6pkhCiIbqwICmDTWtaN4XHOj8imgeAib_svA6ooA/s320/Bug+Project+623.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313268859059668706" /></a>John Cassidy – Field Technician.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMGizDGVDHxE5w2WAXR3gqQ1QSgXamfAujgwpqezHVA9dgOSkf6silptxoX4fMKkm5oDY_1zh60VkFPfxgGnHREeCAEsmwkkQ82adsQTFK3IX9212teQ4A4EYUf55F4QVBum4BdeVxxM/s1600-h/Bug+Project+622.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMGizDGVDHxE5w2WAXR3gqQ1QSgXamfAujgwpqezHVA9dgOSkf6silptxoX4fMKkm5oDY_1zh60VkFPfxgGnHREeCAEsmwkkQ82adsQTFK3IX9212teQ4A4EYUf55F4QVBum4BdeVxxM/s320/Bug+Project+622.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313269073281283554" /></a>Michael Gowan – Field Technician. St. Simons Island boy and co-owner of Southeast Adventure Outfitters, Michael is an experienced rock climber and has spent many years working in the southwestern U.S. It has been 15 years since he was last in this area. <br /><br />Bob Richards - Cartographer. No photo available.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHvFFnYJIebCp929zLPsJwXR3suaTeXQXx8z5flNw2RhIuT8bK5uRxp9yYyx45G8ZX2u4JrTvPkp2WY6IoLju3Ue9-H0CFfQUFjPTMmFKFSIbmDsEcfre6fRvF0MFNJp-GSFwwkoUqCs/s1600-h/Bug+Project+620.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHvFFnYJIebCp929zLPsJwXR3suaTeXQXx8z5flNw2RhIuT8bK5uRxp9yYyx45G8ZX2u4JrTvPkp2WY6IoLju3Ue9-H0CFfQUFjPTMmFKFSIbmDsEcfre6fRvF0MFNJp-GSFwwkoUqCs/s320/Bug+Project+620.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313269318498569714" /></a>Ty Spatta –Field Technician/ Work horse. This Indiana native can carry more gear than most mules. While trying to aid in shuttling bags through the rugged canyons we worked in, I learned first hand how much gear this man was carrying. <br /><br />Special thanks to Dr. Neil Cobb, Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, NAU and Dr. Brett Dickson, Center for Environmental Science and Education, NAU for advisement and guidance in data collection and processing, and Mr. Charles Drost, USGS-Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff for providing equipment, and logistical support.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024072387413758134.post-3183742137690097462009-02-22T19:41:00.000-08:002009-02-23T15:50:20.864-08:002009 QWIP-Mojave Mission a Success!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWhEHVjRz0CMFPF3xCRGzdpmmCb8t12MQD2ImorcYjNuHR4lIKMUW_-91Luwu2trYYBT2mdkB4_y36cOzJqJZ2nKT3YMaTXD9p2gkr8xrO_bPbwv6HWcHjDDRIFSwNrhqrAjC5yZb4SY/s1600-h/DSC04849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWhEHVjRz0CMFPF3xCRGzdpmmCb8t12MQD2ImorcYjNuHR4lIKMUW_-91Luwu2trYYBT2mdkB4_y36cOzJqJZ2nKT3YMaTXD9p2gkr8xrO_bPbwv6HWcHjDDRIFSwNrhqrAjC5yZb4SY/s400/DSC04849.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305838948016527218" /></a>Image: 2009 QWIP-Mojave Expedition Team. From Left to Right, Tim Titus, Dan Lowen, Peter Shu, Murzy Jhabvala and Jut Wynne. Not featured in photo, Doug Billings and Glen Cushing.<br /><br />This mission was a success! While we did not meet all of our mission critical objectives, no one was injured and everyone went back to their respective homes unscathed. The work that we do can be hazardous, and in some cases, rather dangerous. I am always a stickler for safety, and I have always pushed for my team’s to place safety above everything else. My motto has been for many, many years, “Live to play another day.” So, we did just that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialWrpmgmMpzQOppTTdaJvDFqAFBnNa3_CKyqR1pzG5sIUAfU5DWYjenawnB011g-589QahozkA8ghUh3On6Z_QuwbuREWF2PAXStrCBjPQaJvjbYnTH2rcRTuF4oQg4zk68iVMxH1NtE/s1600-h/DSC04840.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialWrpmgmMpzQOppTTdaJvDFqAFBnNa3_CKyqR1pzG5sIUAfU5DWYjenawnB011g-589QahozkA8ghUh3On6Z_QuwbuREWF2PAXStrCBjPQaJvjbYnTH2rcRTuF4oQg4zk68iVMxH1NtE/s200/DSC04840.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305840078437540754" /></a>Image: Murzy hard at work...on cross-word puzzles. When everything is going well, we do have a little bit of down time. So, Murzy is taking advantage of the opportunity to use his brain in a different way.<br /><br />We arrived on site around 1000hr this morning. The decision was made last night that it would not be necessary to arrive earlier. The external reservoir for the generator was working without issue when we left on Saturday. So, we took the first part of the morning packing up and checking out of the hotel. <br /><br />We had planned to be in the Mojave through 24 February. Unfortunately, Murzy had some problems back at the lab and caught a redeye back to Goddard. So, we shut down shop at noon today. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2tNw7uTkvAY_By4qmscHD3xU3u7U6WfEbxZNCd29YX1WK__oGZMFVejJ3vJrOPuNM_nM0G8qmYIcL7yRoU6-htPdMYJOmC-dLHOIq04DTfMp4i1ZKX1MAWUPoztuE1ELf2kyHZN3_Sg/s1600-h/DSCF1482.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2tNw7uTkvAY_By4qmscHD3xU3u7U6WfEbxZNCd29YX1WK__oGZMFVejJ3vJrOPuNM_nM0G8qmYIcL7yRoU6-htPdMYJOmC-dLHOIq04DTfMp4i1ZKX1MAWUPoztuE1ELf2kyHZN3_Sg/s320/DSCF1482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305836887314859586" /></a>Image: Our second collect site for Drop Cave. This view point represents a view of the skylight entrance and adjacent tunnel looking towards the East. Credit: Tim Titus.<br /><br />Ideally, we had wanted to let the camera operate until 1300hr. This would have given us the entire diurnal cycle. However, it started to rain, and the decision was made to shut down. The QWIP camera we were using represents millions of dollars in R&D. Currently, it is a workhorse, and the most sensitive instrument in Goddard’s fleet of QWIP cameras. Needless to say, Murzy didn’t want his camera getting wet. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG12sY_DISwLBTqPV_hyj2Jtky31YzC6uZ2gecTrUM4GImQ6WIcwhyphenhyphenUr6751ynBZLEKXAJJJLCUkBDF0Cxio-apeVSMc9In6rsUm8e6qpiYfv_uKCFzoGcekjJNKPMKlJKIJCN3OU4nRw/s1600-h/DSCF1496.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG12sY_DISwLBTqPV_hyj2Jtky31YzC6uZ2gecTrUM4GImQ6WIcwhyphenhyphenUr6751ynBZLEKXAJJJLCUkBDF0Cxio-apeVSMc9In6rsUm8e6qpiYfv_uKCFzoGcekjJNKPMKlJKIJCN3OU4nRw/s320/DSCF1496.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305837458712492850" /></a>Image: Dan and I posing for a photo. We're loaded down with gear as we make the trek across the Aa Aa flow back to the vehicles. Credit: Tim Titus.<br /><br />Fortunately, Dan was able to work with us again today. Glen had left on Saturday and we really needed another strong back to help us move all the equipment off the flow. Dan jumped right in and was eager to help us.<br /><br />Unfortunately, not all of our mission critical objectives were met. We still need to acquire imagery from Bumble Bee Cave, A non-cave anomaly, and from atop a large cinder cone. This latter set of imagery will enable us to make comparisons to the imagery collected in April 2008. We have published these results in an abstract for the 40th Annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston. The abstract is entitled <a set="yes" href=" http://www.caveexplorer.org/pdf/Wynne_etal2009_LPSC2451.pdf">“Distinguishing Caves from Non-cave Anomalies: Lessons for the Moon and Mars”</a>. Essentially, we will be parroting this collect. We have decided we will wrap up the ground-based thermography work next year when we return to upload data and service the instruments next year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb1vT6-Twih48lb9wPCc5GqpXKFzCXAdn3Nn51sp8mlLdrThxe9vuuN_hKzhyphenhypheneVq9HEuNZeFYyNAGV7a1GNeE5yyLHccwNwrX-q8JbwgObw22l0FJm90WVFk2jZUBKNEZJG971S6tY5I/s1600-h/DSCF1494.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb1vT6-Twih48lb9wPCc5GqpXKFzCXAdn3Nn51sp8mlLdrThxe9vuuN_hKzhyphenhypheneVq9HEuNZeFYyNAGV7a1GNeE5yyLHccwNwrX-q8JbwgObw22l0FJm90WVFk2jZUBKNEZJG971S6tY5I/s320/DSCF1494.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305837888123619938" /></a>Image: Murzy and Peter trekking across the lava flow. Our second collect was largely a success. Credit: Tim Titus.<br /><br />Our accomplishments are as follows: (1) We now imagery captured over two diurnal cycles (imagery captured every 10 minutes) from two different aspects of one cave (Drop Cave); (2) All caves and non-cave features are now mapped and volumetric data has been collected (we finished the last cave on Saturday!); and, (3) while in the field, Tim developed a software program to convert the images to video (144 images over 24hr period), run PCA (which enables us to view Eigenvectors and Eigen “images”), and the ability to graphical compare (DN-value vs. time) of a pixel within a cave entrance to a pixel on the surface. <br /><br />Additional lessons learned include the following. We believe our generator has to work harder when it is cold. We discovered this when we were looking at our late evening imagery. There was a considerable amount of noise along the peripheries of these images. We believe the power surging at night may have introduced this noise into the images. We also learned that it is entirely possible that the pressure caused by the reservoir tank placed on top of the generator may have alleviated this. However, it is also possible that because it was overcast last night, it was warmer. As a result, the generator did not have to work as hard. We still don’t know what caused the noise in the images. Perhaps we’ll figure this out next year…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPiJtZHRsGBYhq_B67nsBmFiJhcQEuhkysTi6GUgjyYI3XjoClXa8E96FJAQ6B4RUte6LBXTydbXH2wcfIBU8eLeKi1EqaQjUDdTeros6q1dejbqxMVm3kfLzkBrAmFNPG-FYNK4ERLU/s1600-h/DSCF1488wIR.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPiJtZHRsGBYhq_B67nsBmFiJhcQEuhkysTi6GUgjyYI3XjoClXa8E96FJAQ6B4RUte6LBXTydbXH2wcfIBU8eLeKi1EqaQjUDdTeros6q1dejbqxMVm3kfLzkBrAmFNPG-FYNK4ERLU/s400/DSCF1488wIR.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306143906326738034" /></a>Thermal Image Panel: Captured yesterday ~1600hr. From left to right, this is an image of me, Dan and Doug right after we had ascended the skylight. Doug is facing the skylight, the large feature at bottom right is a shallow tunnel that connects with the skylight. The main image is colorizaed from the QWIP thermal image. The left inset is the thermal IR image, and the right inset is with the background subtracted out. Credit: NASA-Goddard and Tim Titus.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400803543376274176noreply@blogger.com0