RT Journal Article
T1 Replication and reinsertion of stalagmites sampled for paleoclimatic purposes
A1 Baeza, Eleuterio
A1 Lozano, Rafael P.
A1 Rossi, Carlos
AB Sampling stalagmites for paleoclimatic study can enter into conflict with preserving the beauty and integrity of caves. To minimize this impact, a variety of sampling strategies have been used by researches aware of cave-conservation issues. Based on our experience in two caves (El Soplao and La Buenita, Cantabria, N Spain), we propose to apply molding and casting laboratory techniques to create replicas of stalagmites, placing the replicas back in the original cave locations so that the impact of sampling to the cave is severely reduced. We provide detailed descriptions of the molding and casting methods, which vary depending on stalagmite size. For relatively small specimens (less than ~35 cm tall), we use a single-piece mold and two jackets. For larger stalagmites (~40-70 cm tall), we use a two-piece mold and two jackets. In a first casting step, we obtain a master piece in dental plaster that is preserved. In a subsequent casting step, we use epoxy resin to generate the replica that will be placed in the cave. We use extra-hard plaster coated with epoxy resin to fix the replicas to their original substrates. Both the epoxy resin and plaster are carefully dyed to match the original surface texture and color of the sampled stalagmites. Once in place, the stalagmite replicas are almost indistinguishable from the natural specimens.
PB Union Internationale de Spéléologie
SN 0392-6672, ESSN: 1827-806X
YR 2018
FD 2018-05
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/12288
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/12288
LA eng
NO IGME
NO Provincial Government of Cantabria
NO Turismo del Nansa
DS Docta Complutense
RD 30 abr 2024