Caves have captivated humans for generations due to their stunning formations and the unique animals that create some of the world’s most exceptional ecosystems. Bats, popular cave inhabitants, play a significant role in altering the cave environment by producing a substance called guano, which accumulates in the cave passages over time. Guano contains microorganisms like bacteria that produce acids when breaking down nutrients and organic matter.
Most cave formations are layers of calcium carbonate mineral deposits known as speleothems. These calcium carbonate minerals dissolve when exposed to acids like vinegar or baking soda, a process known as corrosion.
Beyond their beauty, these cave formations resemble the rings of a tree and provide insights into past local climates. However, corrosion can disrupt the growth rings, making it challenging for scientists to interpret climate records accurately.
Scientists speculate that bat guano, with its acidic microorganisms, could impact the climate record within caves. To investigate this, a team of researchers from Poland and Slovakia studied guano corrosion in caves and analyzed its effects on the space.
Four European caves were selected for the investigation – Domica, Dryenovska, and Jasovska Caves in Southern Slovakia, and Nietopertsova Cave in Poland. Each cave had varying bat populations and guano accumulation near the entrances.
During their fieldwork, researchers collected samples of caves and guano from each location. They analyzed the mineral composition of the samples using geochemical techniques and measured corrosion gaps’ age in the space through radiocarbon dating.
To measure corrosion, researchers placed limestone tablets in each cave, with some buried under guano piles and others left on the surface for bat guano accumulation. After a period of 230-900 days, they assessed the amount of limestone dissolution and examined corrosion characteristics under a microscope.
The researchers found that most tablets experienced minimal weight loss due to corrosion. They identified a new mineral formation on some tablets, indicating past guano corrosion events.
Guano corrosion in caves depends on guano input, distribution within the cave, and water supply dripping from the ceiling. Researchers concluded that the composition of guano, local climate conditions, and water movement within caves primarily influence the rate of guano corrosion.
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Source: sciworthy.com
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