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Vibration Monitoring Results near a Bat Hibernaculum at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, March 2016

Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5129
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185129

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Abstract

Vibrations originating from construction of a new walkway in a passage of Mammoth Cave, from walking personnel simulating a bat survey, and from ambient sources were measured near a bat hibernaculum beneath Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, to determine if the vibrations were disturbing the hibernating bats. Data presented indicate direction and magnitude of the vibrations. The seven sources of vibration that were recorded include hammer drill (one location), plate compactor (two locations), jackhammer (two locations), personnel simulating a bat survey near the hibernaculum (walking throughout the cave), and background levels. Vibrations were measured for approximately 10 seconds during each triggering of the source and each source was recorded 5–10 times to represent the reproducibility of the vibrations.

The plate compactor produced the largest velocity of 0.00226 inch per second on one of the longitudinal components. The simulated bat survey produced the largest value of acceleration of 0.34 inch per square second in the vertical component. Maximum vertical velocities and accelerations did not exceed literature values for human perception or visible agitation in laboratory mice.

Suggested Citation

Adams, R.F., Morrow, W.S., and Koebel, C.M., 2018, Vibration monitoring results near a bat hibernaculum at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, March 2016: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018–5129, 16 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185129.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Vibration Monitoring Methods
  • Quality Assurance of Vibration and Accelerometer Data
  • Vibration Monitoring Results near a Bat Hibernaculum
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Vibration monitoring results near a bat hibernaculum at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, March 2016
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2018-5129
DOI 10.3133/sir20185129
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Central Midwest Water Science Center
Description Report: iv, 16 p.; Data release
Country United States
State Kentucky
Other Geospatial Mammoth Cave National Park
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details