• Wind Cave National Park - Two Worlds

    Wind Cave

    National Park South Dakota

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  • Elk Mountain Campground Closed

    The Elk Mountain Campground is closed and will remain closed through the summer of 2013 due to across the board budget cuts.

Abstract - Thermal Springs of the Southern Black Hills

Alexander, E. Calvin, Jr., Davis, Marsha A., Alexander, Scott C. and Lively, Richard S. 1988. Thermal Springs of the Southern Black Hills. Guidebook of the Forty-fifth Annual Convention, National Speleological Sociey. National Speleological Society, Huntsville, AL. pp. 14-26.

Abstract

This article provides an introduction to some of the geographic, thermal, and chemical complexities of the waters in which many visitors to the Black Hills swim. Interjected with intelligent humor, this overview answers the most common and uncommon questions about the springs: 1) why is the water warm, 2) how long has it been underground, 3) where did it sink into the ground, and 4) what is the chemical composition? By providing a section on chemistry and heat, the authors give a fairly descriptive view of the thermal intricacy of the waters that are often taken for granted. Also included is a generalized geological map of the Black Hills showing the location of the thermal springs in relation to Wind and Jewel Caves and a table listing the temperature and location of each of the thermal waters.

Did You Know?

fire on the prairie

Fire is an important factor in protecting the prairie.  Historically, fires burned across the prairie every 4 to 7 years.  Fires burn the small trees that would otherwise march across the prairie and turn the grasslands to forest.