Olson, Rick. 1977. The Hypogean Ecology of Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer County, South Dakota. MS Thesis. Unversity of Illinois. 96 p.
Abstract
The initial portion of this manuscript is devoted to presenting one possible avenue toward developing an interpretive display which simultaneously orients the viewer geographically, provides information on the regional climatology and meteorology, Black Hills Geology, Speleogenesis, briefly describes the surrounding biome types, and launches them into ecotonal microclimatic zonation of the cave environment. A more subtle message is the comparative rarity of life in the universe: a reality we easlily lose sight of on a planet where it is so conspicuous.
The photographic approach series is then followed with reduced chain and brunton surveys (Herb and Jan Conn, 1959-present) which are used to illustrate the distribution of water, secondary sulfate mineralization, air movement, and mammalian bones in the cave. Scale topographic overlays allow correlation of these data with surface morphology. Discussion of interrelationships among these parameters and partitioning of the Constant Temperature Zone summates the description of the physical cave environment.
Jewel Cave fauna and flora are presented in a catalogue style format and is designed as a convenient reference for National Park Sevice interpretive personnel. Photographs or photomicrographs are employed in conjuction with available data to impart knowledge on the appearance of each species and its position in the cave community. The catalogue is in an embryonic stage of development and must necessarily be completed subsequent ot satisfactory elucidation of the myriad interdependencies within this microecosystem.
Schematic representation of the Food Web and Energy Flow are then delivered and followed by discussion. Interpretation of these observations through consideration of geographical location, stratigraphic units, regional climatology and meterology, and biome type is effected.
A section devoted to outlining where future investigation energy needs to be directed is included. Of prime interest are the Hydromagnesite Balloons and the Microflora and fauna of Jewel Cave. This is followed by Appendix I which delineates the methods and materials employed in this study and Appendix II which is a discussion of the value of Scanning Electron Microscopy as an interpretive tool.
Students of Ecology have increasingly turned theri attention toward the cave ecosystem in recent years. The rationale for this becomes apparent when the seemingly infinite complexities of the epigean ecosystem are considered. Alternatively, the hypogean environment offers a comparatively "simple" community to study with fewer variable physical parameters to contend with. The significance of this can be realized by an example. Consider the historic effort to elucidate the biochemical language of heredity. The difficulties of conducting an investigation on this level of organization are sufficient to make it appear at times surrealistic. However, in every instance, progress was achieved by judiciously probing into "simple" organisms e.g. Escherichia coli or the T-2 Bacteriophages. This tactic is combination with the application of highly advanced technology (X-Ray Diffraction) and many long hours ultimately led to the solution. With few exceptions, the relationships demonstrated in more basic forms are iterated in those less basic. In an analagous manner, subsequent to completion of the cataloguing task, steps toward increased comprehension of ecological dynamics can be realized through study of cavernicolous communities. The cave environment with its fewer variables is in essence, a natural laboratory. On a more pragmatic, though no less significant level, it is not terribly exacting to envision how Jewel Cave and the posterity of its natural inhabitants can benefit through amplification of the knowledge available to its custodians. The National Park Service is charged with the responsibility of preserving natural (and cultural) features into perpetuity. The basis for this charge falls in the realm of Future Ethics, the central dogma of which is to pass on to coming generations a world where there is a reasonable chance or being able to successfully confront the problems that we will have bequeathed to them (Kieffen, 1975). Posterity had no alternative to inheritance of the consequences of contemporary management decisions. It is not necessary to search far for examples of the difference between the informed and uninformed decision i.e. pernicious ecological myopia.
At the inception of investigation, in the spring of 1974, the vertebrates inhabiting the entrance ecotone area had been identified along with a Dipteran that parasitizes bats. It was also known that Collembola could be found along the scenic tour route, but whether these were imported by workmen or endemic was unknown. This then should be considered the point of departure.
