ZHANG Qiang^1,2,3, ZHOU Zhongfa^1,2,3,ZHANG Shaoyun^1,2,3, CAO Mingda^1,2,3, XIE Yating^1,2,3, ZHANG Jie^1,2.3, YIN Chao^1,2,3, PAN Yanxi^1,2,3

(1. School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang,550001,China;
2.The State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Karst Mountain Ecology Environment of Guizhou Province, Guiyang,550001,China;
3. State Engineering Technology Center of Karst Rock Desertification Rehabilitation, Guiyang, 550001, China)

Abstract: To understand the variation of CO₂ concentrations under different space and time scales in Zhijin Cave, Guizhou Province, China comprehensively, continuous diurnal monitoring during holiday week of Labor Day (1st May 2015) and National Day (1st Oct 2015), and comparative analysis of vertical and horizontal spatial changes during different periods with the methods of spatial interpretation, such as IDW, were conducted. Results show that (1) there are obvious sectional changes in Zhijin Cave. Portal section and inside section of the cave represent vertical and horizontal fluctuation, and the inside section was divided by #21, where CO₂ horizontally flows or accumulates, making the maximum concentration of CO₂ shift forward; and (2) the CO₂ concentrations of the inside section of Zhijin Cave are affected by environmental factors including cave structure, seasonal fluctuation and tourist activities. The cumulative effects of CO₂ concentrations reach the peak during holidays, suggesting that the influence of tourist activities is stronger than seasonal fluctuation.

Key words: Karst; cave environment; CO2 concentration; IDW; Zhijin Cave

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT Vol.44, No.6 Tot No.314, 2016, Page 654-662