Environmental control for determining human impact and permanent visitor capacity in a potential show cave before tourist use

摘要: Cave temperature monitoring was carried out in the Cueva del Agua de Iznalloz, Granada, Spain, a cave that has great tourist potential and which been maintained under natural conditions for over 30 years. The used to identify possible anthropogenic influences, order distinguish these from variations directly related changes. In particular, relative influence of external weather conditions, thermal modification caused by visitors subsequent recovery were identified. addition, controlled experiments investigated effect two large-scale visits (980 2088 day -1 ) interior, before any activities undertaken. Correlation spectral analyses time series determine behaviour time. both mass on air interior very rapid (2.5 min). maximum perturbation within during after 70 min. memory whilst open public estimated be 5-6 h, response meteorological changes exceeded one week. A permanent visitor capacity 53 people ensures can regained 4-5 h. only support small groups visitors, not massive characteristic show caves.