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Reservations
for tours can be made in person, by calling 830-683-2287 (830.683.BATS), or
e-mailing
tours@devilssinkhole.org. |
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News Release Nov. 13, 2006 Scientists Mapping Texas
Cave With Lasers
Laser Technology Will Create a 3-Dimensonal
Map of Devil’s Sinkhole AUSTIN, Texas —
State-of-the-art mapping equipment will be used at Devil’s Sinkhole State
Natural Area during the next three months to produce what is believed to be
the most detailed map and pictures ever produced on an entire cave. The remapping project at
Devil’s Sinkhole near Rocksprings, Texas, is being done by the Texas Cave
Management Association, in cooperation with the Texas Bureau of Economic
Geology and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Devil’s Sinkhole is the
third deepest cave in Texas, the largest single-chambered cavern in the state
and home to more than 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Scientists began mapping
the Devil’s Sinkhole using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mapping
techniques this past weekend, Nov. 11–12. Mapping also will take place Dec.
2–3 and January 6–7. The three-dimensional map
produced by the LiDAR process will be used as an educational, as well as a
management, tool and will produce a map with centimeter accuracy. Unlike most
maps, this LiDAR map will be linked to digital photographs creating an unprecedented
three-dimensional virtual view of the cave. “Essentially the end
result will give the most detailed 3D map of the interior of the Devil's
Sinkhole ever, overlaid with color photographs to give anyone viewing the end
data a realistic view of the sinkhole,” said Randy Rosales, superintendent of
Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area. “The survey will provide us with a very
effective educational tool, as well as a tool for helping study the geology
of the cave and its inhabitants.” Rosales said the LiDAR
image will present help the public understand the size and significance of
the Devil’s Sinkhole without having to enter the cave, which is possible only
through rappelling. The map will also provide TPWD personnel with the ability
to measure areas of the bat roosts and calculate the bat population;
determine the volume of the cave and the level of the water table; and to
perform detailed geologic analyses. Devil’s Sinkhole was
formed from the collapse of an immense natural chamber located within the
Edwards limestone in Edwards County. The collapse formed a large vertical
shaft 145 feet deep and approximately 40 by 60 feet in diameter at the
surface. The bottom of the shaft intersects the top of a large rock debris
cone. The cone extends to a
total depth of 350 feet beneath the surface. From the surface, only the top
of the debris pile is clearly visible and the large chamber is hidden from
view by overhanging rock ledges. For more information about
this project, please contact Geary Schindel with the Texas Cave Management
Association at (210) 326-1576 or Mike Knezek or Randy Rosales with Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department at (830) 563-2342 or (830) 563-5807. RM 2006-11-13 |