Meritve in analiza izbranih klimatskih parametrov v kraških jamah: Primer sistema Postojnskih jam (Slovene)

Cave climate and related processes attract increasing attention from scientific community. Long term time series of climatic parameters can give important information on outside climate changes. On the other hand, sound understanding of cave climate is needed for reliable paleoclimate reconstruction and dating based on stalagmites. The project result is a modern cave climate monitoring system, the first of its kind in Slovene caves. The measurements and analysis have enabled a step forward in understanding of cave climate and have already resulted in international exchange of the results. Detail long term monitoring data base will also be a potential source for further national and international projects. The interactive data base is available for further research. It is expected that the availability of such data base will attract also foreign partners for further international projects collaboration. A special contribution to the development of science has been done by introducing the DTN technology for data transfer into the cave system. The news about successful implementation have also reached Dr. Vint Cerf, one of the "fathers of internet" who gave acknowledgment to the achievement.

Tourism is one of the most prosperous economic industries in Slovenia. Postojna Cave System is Slovenia's primary touristic destination with over half a million of visitors per year. The goal of its manager and the state as an owner is to keep or even increase the number of visitors and at the same time to preserve the natural environment. Understanding the dynamics of cave environment and potential role of visitors to it, is therefore crucial for sustainable use of the cave. The monitoring system established in course of the project enabled deeper understanding of cave environment and is an assurance for its future continuous monitoring. The measuring system and an innovative data transfer techniques as tested and established in Postojnska jama, is an example case that attracted interest of foreign scientists and cave managers. The system and its result have been presented to participants of several International Karstological Schools (organised yearly in Postojna), which always hosts world's top karst scientist and managers. It is also important that the meteorological stations are seen by the visitors, who can realise manager's and owners care for the cave environment. Thus the project increases public awareness about the fragile cave environment. Project enabled continuous monitoring of environmental parameters in our largest tourist cave. Long term data which will be available in few years will serve as an important building block when guidelines for the long term management of Postojna cave system and other touristic caves will be made.