Jewel Cave National Monument: A Guidebook

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1 Jewel Cave National Monument: A Guidebook Created by: Natasha Florian, Laura Lindley, Robert Kern, and Jessica Querry University of Nebraska Lincoln / Northern Illinois University Field Course May 15th June 2nd 2006

2 The Jewel Cave guidebook has been created for the viewing of the general public. The objective of this guidebook is to explain the geology of Jewel Cave in South Dakota. This book can be used in conjunction with other resources available at Jewel Cave in order to have a better understanding of the geology, history, and importance of the cave system. Introduction: Limestone Unlike many other caves, Jewel Cave was not created or carved by underground rivers. Most of the cave was formed by acid-rich water. Between 345 and 360 million years ago, a shallow sea covered the area. Sediment and calcium carbonate-based shells accumulated at the bottom, forming limestone. Around 320 million years ago, freshwater streams deposited sediment consisting of sandstone, with a few thin beds of limestone and dolomite. Approximately 60 Sandstone million years ago, long after the sea receded for the last time, the Black Hills began to form. About 40 million years Dolomite ago, freshwater passed underground through soil that was rich in carbon dioxide and formed a weak acid known as carbonic acid. As it traveled through fractures and filled the cavities in the limestone, Jewel Cave was formed. Jewel Cave is the second longest known cave in the

3 world. When the cave was filled with water, the water began to leach the calcium out of the limestone in the walls. Eventually, the concentration of calcium ions in the water got to a point where the water could no longer dissolve any more calcium. This is called a supersaturated solution. At this point, the calcium began to precipitate out and form the crystal structures. This can be seen in the pictures of the beakers above (with c showing the precipitation). As the water drained from the cave, the pressure holding up some of the structures was removed and they fell down to the floor of the cave. The process by which crystals and rocks fall over time is known as breakdown. After this, water dripping into Jewel Cave over time created its variety of formations. Crystals of the mineral calcite, deposited from millions of droplets, make up the formations. Jewel Cave is named for its many rooms and passages that are covered Calcite crystals Stalactite

4 with jewel-like crystals, some of which sparkle like gems when illuminated. Almost every chamber of Jewel Cave has an impressive collection of calcite crystals. Where drops fall from the ceiling, stalactites form; where drops hit the floor, stalagmites grow; and where stalactites and stalagmites have merged, columns appear. Water trickling down a slanted ceiling creates translucent draperies, and water flowing over a wall leaves behind flowstone. Calcite crystals Stalagmite Jewel cave is also home to many unique formations. While these may be found off the path of the scenic tour, specimens are available in the visitor s center and can also be seen along the spelunking tour. These formations include straws, bacon strips, popcorn, and hydromagnesite balloons. The hydromagnesite balloons are only present at six locations in the world. Examples of these can be seen below.

5 Soda straw and Dog s Tooth

6 Hydromagnesite Balloon

7 Location and Logistics: Directions: Jewel Cave national monument is located 13 miles west of Custer, South Dakota. To get to the site, you will need to start from Rapid City, South Dakota or Newcastle, Wyoming and then follow the directions below: From Rapid City, SD - Take Highway 16 through Hill City to Custer. Continue on Highway 16 west 13 miles to Jewel Cave National Monument. Turn left at the sign for the visitor center. From Newcastle, WY - Take Highway 16 east and drive 24 miles to Jewel Cave National Monument. Do not turn off Hwy. 16 at the Jewel Cave National Monument's Historic Area. Continue 1 mile east to the right turn for the visitor center. For a map of the site and the trials, please see the map at the end of the section. Parking: The parking lot at the visitor center can accommodate up to 10 buses. There are also accessible ramps and sidewalks available from the parking lot. Trails and Tours: Once at Jewel Cave, there are a few different routes that can be taken. For those who would prefer to stay above ground, there are two self-guided trails at Jewel Cave National Monument and one U. S. Forest Service trail located approximately 1 mile (1.61 km) west of Jewel Cave National Monument's visitor center entrance on Highway 16. The trails are diverse: from a 1/4-mile (.4 km) to over 5.5 miles (8.9 km), from level to steep and rugged, and everything in between. There is bound to be at least one trail just right for you.

8 When venturing out please keep in mind the following trail courtesies: ~ Please stay on designated trails and don't cut switchbacks. ~ Tell someone your route and carry a first aid kit. ~ Pack out your trash and if you find trash along the trail, please pick it up. ~ Carry drinking water with you on the trail. ~ Be prepared for weather changes. ~ Please do not pick the wildflowers. ~ Natural features must remain undisturbed. ~ Watch for poison ivy, rocks, and other hazards along the trail. ~ In summer, check your body and clothing frequently for ticks. For those that would like to go into the caves, the first step is to go to the visitor s center. From there, you can decide what tour you would like to take. The Scenic Tour is offered

9 year-round and runs three to twenty-two times a day depending on the time of year (more frequent during warmer months). The Scenic Tour provides an opportunity to visit chambers decorated with calcite crystals and other speleothems, while walking on a paved trail. You will enter and leave the cave by elevator from the visitor center. This tour is considered moderately strenuous. It is a 1/2-mile loop that includes 723 stair steps scattered throughout the loop. It lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes and a light jacket or sweater are recommended for the tour. The cave temperature is 49 degrees year-round. Persons who have heart or respiratory problems, have recently been hospitalized or have a fear of heights or closedin spaces should talk with a park ranger before selecting a tour. There is a limit of 30 people on each tour. During spring and summer months, and holidays, this tour will frequently sell out. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis at the visitor center or by phone up to seven days in advance. For advance reservations please call , ext. 0 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Tours can sell out at any time of the year. All tours require a minimum of 2 participants.

10 The fee is $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for youth 6-16, children 5 and under free. The Jewel Cave Discovery Tour is also available. This tour runs three to six times daily and is offered year-round. This talk is an introduction to Jewel Cave. Participants view one large room of the cave and go up and down fifteen stair steps. This talk is also handicap accessible. The fee for this tour is $4.00 for ages 17 and over and free for ages 16 and under. For the more adventurous types, there is the Spelunking Tour. With hardhat in place and headlamp turned on you are ready to experience the cave in its natural state. Feel the wind at Hurricane Corner, ascend Martha's Kettle, crawl through the Roller Coaster and squeeze into the Brain Drain. Participants scramble over cave "breakdown," chimney between cave walls, use a hand line to climb a nearly vertical wall, and belly-crawl through tight passages. The cavers visit 2/3 mile of cave, and learn about low-impact caving, caving techniques and safety. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and is extremely strenuous. Anyone having a fear of closed spaces or heights should not attempt this tour.

11 Participants must be 16 years of age and older. All participants are required to provide proof of age, upon request. A parent or legal guardian is required to sign, on the day of the tour, a waiver of responsibility for any 16 or 17-year-old participants and should remain at the monument throughout the duration of the tour. Participants must be in good physical condition and are required to pass through an 8-1/2 inch by 24-inch crawl space before beginning the tour. Refunds are not given for those visitors unable to negotiate the block. This tour is offered early June through mid-august. The monument provides a hardhat and headlamp to each participant. The participant provides: sturdy, above ankle, rubbersoled, lug-soled, lace-up boots, long pants or coveralls, and a long-sleeved shirt, a change of clothing, shoes, and a plastic bag for carrying soiled clothes and boots from the visitor center after the tour. Gloves, soft kneepads and elbow pads are required and must be provided by the participant. Clean clothes and shoes must be brought to the visitor center when you check in for the tour. Black manganese deposits encountered during this tour will permanently stain clothing and footwear.

12 Reservations are required and can be made up to one month in advance by calling , ext. 0. This tour can sell out. Tour size is limited to a minimum of 2 visitors and a maximum of 5 visitors. Tours may be canceled due to lack of the required number of participants or due to emergencies at the Monument. For more information on this tour you may call the visitor center at , ext. 0. The fee is $ Organized groups are encouraged to make arrangements for cave programs one month in advance. Advance arrangements can be made for the Scenic Tour, Discovery Program and Lantern Tour. To arrange a group tour please contact the park at least one month prior to your visit by calling , ext. 0 or by writing to Jewel Cave National Monument, Attn: Group Tour Reservations, US Hwy. 16, Bldg. B12, Custer, SD If your request is written, please include your phone number. When discussing tour arrangements with National Park Service staff, please indicate if someone in your group has special needs. You will receive written confirmation, if time allows. You must reconfirm your tour arrangement at least two days prior to your visit by phoning , ext. 0. If the tour really interests you or anyone in your group, you can do the crystal growing exercise located at the following website: growcryst.html Also see the resources section for more websites and ideas.

13 Resources: For more information on Jewel Cave National Monument, please check out the following sources. This website explains the Jewel Cave tours, activities above the cave, and facts about the cave. o Visit this website if you want to learn more about cave exploration. o For information about the cave and pictures go to this website. o For detailed information on the cave, visit this website. o For a good description of history, exploration, geology, and visitation, please visit this website. o For detailed information on visiting the cave, visit this website. o

14 Glossary: Breakdown The act or process of failing to function or continue. Calcite - The crystallized form of calcium carbonate. The main mineral which makes up speleothems. Carbonic Acid - A weak acid created by water mixing with carbon dioxide in the soil. This acid can dissolve limestone. Cave - An underground hollow, usually with an entrance in a hill or cliff. Crystal - A solid material with a regular internal arrangement of atoms. Dolomite - A magnesia-rich sedimentary rock resembling limestone. Formations - Common term for cave feature formed by minerals being deposited into a cave such as stalactites and stalagmites. Properly termed "speleothems".

15 Limestone/Pahasapa Limestone - A sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. Geology - The study of the structure of the earth's crust, its formation, and development of its layers. It includes the study of individual rock types and early forms of life found as fossils in rocks. National Monument - An area of scenic beauty, historical importance, or other significance set aside by a Presidential Proclamation. These areas are maintained and preserved by the Federal Government for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Sandstone - A sedimentary rock formed by the consolidation and compaction of sand and held together by a natural cement, such as silica. Speleology - The scientific study of both the physical and biological aspects of caves. Speleothem - Proper term for the secondary deposit features in a cave, such as stalactites and stalagmites, derived from the Greek word "spelaion" meaning cave and "thema" meaning deposit. Sometimes erroneously called "decorations." Supersaturated solution - Solutions containing more dissolved solute than normal at a particular temperature. References: -- National Park Service, Jewel Cave -- Jewel Cave website