by Betty Wheeler
Brick, GA & Alexander, EC, Jr. (Eds) (2021) Caves and Karst of the Upper Midwest, USA: Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin. Springer, 314 p.
(Full citation and link to book below)
This book includes results of much of the most important cave and karst research from the last 40-50 years in the Upper Midwest. I heartily recommend this volume for its scholarship and overall superior quality. No caver, geologist, karst researcher, biologist, ecologist, hydrogeologist, paleoclimatologist, archeologist, rock art specialist, or historian should miss this reference. It is also a wealth of knowledge for farmers, land managers and politicians in the karst region of these four states, and great reading for the layperson and nature enthusiast.
The identification, defining characteristics, and naming of geologic and stratigraphic sequences were historically developed separately in different states, so they often disagreed just across state lines. Work on determining the equivalences of geologic sequences and naming systems of these states has spanned at least the last thirty years.
Chapter 1 resolves many of these issues, equating geologic sequences and previous names in the literature, explaining the geology in context with older research. Excellent illustrations illuminate the discussion. Even for this scientific problem alone, this book is a definitive contribution to understanding the geology of the Upper Midwest. Chapter 2 adds the temporal context of investigations for succeeding chapters.
Each state’s karst region is characterized and described in Chapters 3-6. These narratives explain the geologic history, the history of the explorations and any known uses of certain caves by Indigenous inhabitants or historical persons, by some of the most renowned karst authors of these states. Excellent photographs, images and maps illustrate these chapters. These fascinating accounts would be enjoyed by any nature enthusiast, scientist or historian.
The findings from dye tracing between surface and ground waters of much of Minnesota’s karst are well described and illustrated using many examples in Chapter 3. Products of tracing studies are also provided in detail from the Coldwater Cave groundwater basin in Iowa (Chapter 4). No equivalent work in the other states is reported. These portions of the book reveal how expansive and consequential has been the work of Alexander, his colleagues and his students over the last five decades.
Results from some impressive research in Minnesota involving temperature, atmospheric conditions, heat transfer, river stage, rainfall events, antecedent precipitation, and other factors are also notable contributions to understanding karst hydrologic regimes. Newer technological advances and methodologies have made these studies possible, which likely foretell future karst research here and elsewhere.
Chapter 7 discusses numerous caves and crevices of the lead-zinc area, the history of Native American usage and the European explorers’ discovery and mining of the lead-zinc resources. The complex origin of ore mineralization is also well described.
Possibly the most innovative chapter in the book is Chapter 8, and of particular interest to karst historians and to scientists new to the field. Brick developed the chapter as a broad historical overview of karst scientists, before delving into the specific topics in Chapters 9-11. Nothing like this review exists for karst science in the Upper Midwest.
Chapter 9 reviews the current knowledge of cave fauna of the four-state region, with descriptions, names and taxonomy of the fauna. The chapter authors include photos of some interesting species. They admit, however, that the fauna of Illinois caves are much better studied, compared to the caves of the other three states; thus, pointing the way for future research opportunities on cave biology in these areas.
Chapter 10 discusses impacts of agriculture on karst and explains many ways that agriculture, karst and risks intersect. This information is extraordinarily useful for anyone living in rural communities in karst regions and who rely on groundwater. Some mitigating strategies and potential solutions to such risks are offered, which could be useful for individual landowners, farmers interested in sustainable practices, agricultural consultants, or other land managers, and for politicians considering regulations.
The last chapter (11) discusses results and trends in paleoclimate research. Cave speleothems are unique records for preserving climatological signals. Speleothem research can demonstrate extraordinarily detailed time trends, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide changes in the atmosphere and soil, in conjunction with isotopic age-dating. Results can test the validity of results from ice cores. Speleothem investigations add definitive evidence that climate change drivers by humans is truly an existential threat.
The entire volume includes preeminent scholarship from across North America. The combined expertise of the authors is extraordinarily wide-ranging, and cumulatively derived from global-wide investigations. The reference list of every chapter makes this treatise a treasure trove for scientists and others interested in karst topics.
Excellent photos, maps and images throughout the volume elucidate hydrogeological connections, typical fossils, cave fauna, typical surface hallmarks of karst areas (sinkholes, springs, bedrock fracture traces, etc.), speleothems and other features. Although the quality of the research is its paramount value, this book could just as well be considered a ‘coffee table’ book, just for its beautiful and illustrative photographs and images.
I predict this volume will prove the most definitive authority on the caves and karst of the Upper Midwest region for much of the twenty-first century. One would expect nothing less in a Springer volume, and particularly, as part of Springer’s paramount Cave and Karst Systems of the World Series.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54633-5
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-54632-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-54633-5
Part of the Springer series: JW LaMoreaux, (Series Ed.)
Cave and Karst Systems of the World.
Book Review by Betty J Wheeler (MN-PG 41419) St. Paul, MN
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