Students interested in undertaking a cave-related dissertation will get the chance to talk to experts on in-cave monitoring next month.

The BCRA (British Cave Research Association), in conjunction with CHECC (Council of Higher Education Caving Clubs), are holding a workshop on in-cave monitoring on 16th February 2019 at the British Cave Monitoring Centre, Poole’s Cavern, Buxton, Derbyshire.

The British Cave Monitoring Centre (BCMC) is a joint initiative between the BCRA and the Buxton Civic Association, the owners of Poole’s Cavern.

This workshop is aimed at students studying for degrees in Environmental or Earth Science, Geology, Geography, Biology, Chemistry or any other related subjects who are thinking of undertaking a cave-related dissertation.

During the workshop students will hear about the facilities available for use by students at the BCMC and there will be discussions on the monitoring of cave air temperature, pressure, relative humidity and the concentration of carbon dioxide and radon. For those interested in speleothem science the monitoring of percolation water flow and chemistry, including isotope studies, will be covered. There is also potential to discuss any other cave-related projects students may be interested in, along with how to apply to the Cave Science and Technology Research Fund and useful contacts.

The tutors will be Professor John Gunn (University of Birmingham) and Dr Andi Smith (British Geological Survey).

Anyone who would like to come along or would like more information should contact Jo White mentioning which subject they are studying and what area they might be interested in researching.

Correspondent: Jo White