Chronology of diving activities and underground surveys in Devils Hole and Devils Hole Cave, Nye County, Nevada, 1950-86

Abstract

A chronology of diving activities and underground surveys in Devils Hole and Devils Hole Cave, southern Nevada, is presented for 1950-86. The report acknowledges the efforts of past underwater explorers, scientists, and observers of the cavern system, and provides a historical perspective for comparison with present investigations at that site.

Devils Hole Calcite Was Precipitated at ±1°C Stable Aquifer Temperatures During the Last Half Million Years

“…For March 1985, the most precise measurement published up to date reports 33.7(±0.2)°C in the main chamber of Devils Hole at depths between 5 and 37.5 m below water level (Plummer et al., 2000). This value is in good agreement with temperatures reported for November 1954, ranging from 33.9°C to 34.0°C (at 2–29 m below the modern water table), and for April 1961, ranging from 34.0°C to 34.3°C (at 1.3–27 m below the water table) (Hoffman, 1988). Earlier studies reported similar temperatures, that is, 32.8°C–33.9°C for the 1930–1947 period (Miller, 1948), and 33.5°C for December 1966 (Dudley & Larson, 1974).…”

Paradoxical anaerobism in desert pupfish

“…Fully oxygen-saturated water in the main pool of Devils Hole (elevation 719 m; Hoffman, 1988) would be expected to have an oxygen solubility of ∼5.22 ml l −1 and a P O2 of ∼146.6 Torr depending on daily barometric pressure. For reference, the oxygen carrying capacity of 28 versus 33°C water in our laboratory is ∼5.64 versus 5.27 ml l −1 , respectively (elevation=640 m).…”

Calibration of the calcite–water oxygen-isotope geothermometer at Devils Hole, Nevada, a natural laboratory

“…1B), a cave extending 9 m above the water table in Devils Hole. Calcite was precipitated at 33.7°C (Hoffman, 1988), presumably by loss of aqueous CO 2 (log p CO 2 ¼$ À1:9, Table 1). No measurable change in oxygen isotopic composition due to evaporation of water is likely because the relative humidity in Browns Room is 100%.…”