Research - Impact of Cars on the Caves
One of the things that makes Jenolan unique is the spectacular approach, winding down the road which finally drives straight through the Grand Arch. In the late 1980's there was growing concern that cars passing through the Grand Arch, off which the tourist caves run, may be polluting the caves. As a result research was commenced to gain a better understanding of the effects of cars upon the caves.
Contrary to expectations, the effect of the cars didn't penetrate that far into the caves. What was found was that climatic conditions within the caves stopped the pollutants from traveling very far.
There are certain areas within the caves where, within a short distance, there is a significant change in temperature. These zones are what are referred to as "thermoclines". Where they are most noticeable is in winter. One that many visitors notice is in the Lucas Cave. The first chamber that is inspected is called the Anteroom. From here the way is made into the Cathedral but in between there is a passage that leads down towards the underground river. On the opposite side of the passage is a tunnel that leads directly to the surface. As you walk through this area you can feel a significant change in temperature.
Studies continue to determine what effect tour groups have when they walk through these thermoclines. Apart from affecting pollution from cars, these climatic phenomena will also influence the flow of other material coming from outside the caves, such as bushfire smoke.
Despite finding that cars didn't influence the caves significantly, moves are still in place to try and reduce the number of cars passing through the Grand Arch. Principally this involves seeking to construct an aerial cableway that will transport visitors from the top of the mountain down to the caves.
Contrary to expectations, the effect of the cars didn't penetrate that far into the caves. What was found was that climatic conditions within the caves stopped the pollutants from traveling very far.
There are certain areas within the caves where, within a short distance, there is a significant change in temperature. These zones are what are referred to as "thermoclines". Where they are most noticeable is in winter. One that many visitors notice is in the Lucas Cave. The first chamber that is inspected is called the Anteroom. From here the way is made into the Cathedral but in between there is a passage that leads down towards the underground river. On the opposite side of the passage is a tunnel that leads directly to the surface. As you walk through this area you can feel a significant change in temperature.
Studies continue to determine what effect tour groups have when they walk through these thermoclines. Apart from affecting pollution from cars, these climatic phenomena will also influence the flow of other material coming from outside the caves, such as bushfire smoke.
Despite finding that cars didn't influence the caves significantly, moves are still in place to try and reduce the number of cars passing through the Grand Arch. Principally this involves seeking to construct an aerial cableway that will transport visitors from the top of the mountain down to the caves.