Project and organization to map the underwater cave systems of the Woodville Karst Plain
The Woodville Karst Plain Project or WKPP, is a project and organization that maps the underwater cave systems underlying the Woodville Karst Plain. This plain is a 450-square-mile (1,200 km2) area that runs from Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. to the Gulf of Mexico and includes numerous first magnitude springs, including Wakulla Springs, and the Leon Sinks Cave System, the longest underwater cave in the United States.[1][2][3] The project grew out of a cave diving research and exploration group established in 1985 and incorporated in 1990 (by Bill Gavin and Bill Main, later joined by Parker Turner, Lamar English and Bill McFaden, at the time the chairman of the NACD Exploration and Survey Committee).
WKPP is the only organization currently allowed to dive some of these caves – which are all on State, Federal, or private land – due to the extreme nature of the systems and the discipline required to safely explore them, although these caves were explored extensively prior to the establishment of the WKPP.
WKPP divers hold every deep (below −190 feet (−58 m)) distance record in underwater cave diving. WKPP director Casey McKinlay and Jarrod Jablonski hold the world's record for the greatest distance below −190 feet (−58 m)) from air in a cave dive - 25,789 feet (7,860 m) each way at Wakulla Spring at an average depth of −275 feet (−84 m). This record dive required more than 29 hours submersion including 16 hours of decompression (also a record). The WKPP also hold the world's record for the longest traverse between two known entry points - 35,791 feet (10,909 m) one way between Turner Sink and Wakulla Spring at an average depth of −275 feet (−84 m). The WKPP is also responsible for exploring and mapping more cave passageway below 190 ft than any other organization in the world - 108,584 feet (33,096 m). In total, WKPP explorers have mapped and explored 144,192 feet (43,950 m) as of June, 2018.
The data gathered by WKPP divers has allowed planners a better definition of what to expect from the underground aquifer system and how best to handle issues relating to such things as surface water runoff and other nonpoint source pollution issues.[4] WKPP mapping has resulted in the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of Agriculture establishing a "greenway" surrounding the Leon Sinks cave system and a "protection zone" for Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, as well as numerous improvements in water management district operations, DOT road-building, and development planning. WKPP data has been the basis for multi-million dollar land purchase decisions to protect critical "below the surface" resources requiring protection.
DIR diving
The WKPP is notable for its part in the development of cave diving techniques and team diving protocols, the DIR method of scuba diving (which is the basis for the teaching methodology of Global Underwater Explorers) and the use of the Halcyon PVR-BASC and RB80 rebreathers. DIR, an acronym for Doing It Right, is a holistic approach to scuba diving. According to the DIR approach fundamental skills, teamwork, environmental awareness, and the use of highly optimized and streamlined equipment configuration are the primary fundamentals of diving. DIR proponents argue that through these essential elements, safety is improved by standardizing equipment configuration and procedures for preventing and dealing with emergencies, and out-of-air emergencies in particular.[5]
Current research
On May 20, 2007, divers set off from Turner Sink to try to find a connection but were unable to when the cave became impassable after 3 miles (4.8 km).[6] On July 28, 2007, divers explored 1,220 feet (370 m) of new passage before discovering an exploration line from Wakulla Springs. On December 15, 2007, WKPP divers Casey McKinlay and Jarrod Jablonski completed a traverse from Turner Sink to Wakulla Springs, covering a distance of nearly 35,791 feet (10.909 km).[1] This traverse took approximately 7 hours, followed by 14 hours of decompression.[4]
Current projects include exploring, surveying, and mapping of the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave system, as well as coordinating between private, state, and federal agencies to help protect the flooded caves of the Woodville Karst Plain. Current WKPP exploration efforts in the Chip's Hole and Falmouth Cave Systems are also generating significant discoveries.
In 2011, the Florida House of Representatives adopted "A resolution recognizing the Woodville Karst Plain Project for its outstanding contributions to the State of Florida through scientific research and its dedication and tireless efforts to promote the protection of the state's precious natural water resources" (HR9053).[7]
References
- ^ a b Kernagis DN, McKinlay C, Kincaid TR (2008). "Dive Logistics of the Turner to Wakulla Cave Traverse". In: Brueggeman P, Pollock NW, Eds. Diving for Science 2008. Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences 27th Symposium. Dauphin Island, AL: AAUS. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
{{cite journal}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Handwerk, Brian (December 17, 2007). "Divers Break Record for Longest Cave Passage". National Geographic News. Archived from the original on December 20, 2007. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
- ^ Bob Gulden; Jim Coke (May 13, 2013). "World longest underwater caves". Geo2 Committee on Long and Deep Caves. National Speleological Society (NSS). Retrieved June 12, 2013.
- ^ a b Valencia, Jorge (April 19, 2013). "Swimming The Sinkholes". NPR: The Story. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
- ^ Jablonski, Jarrod (2006). "DIR Philosophy". Doing it Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving. Global Underwater Explorers. p. 54. ISBN 0-9713267-0-3.
- ^ Pulver, Dinah Voyles (August 1, 2007). "Underwater cave systems proves longest in N. America". News-Journal Corporation. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
- ^ Florida House of Representatives. "House Resolution 9053". Retrieved 2011-04-06.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires |journal=
(help)
External links
- Ritchie, Bruce (May 21, 2006). "WKPP divers break own record at Wakulla Springs". Cyber Diver News Network (CDNN). Retrieved 2008-09-09.
- Browning, Michael (February 20, 1999). "Laureate's death intensifies rivalry of cave-diving elite". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
- Cocking, Susan (May 11, 2006). "Water world: Exploring North Florida's caves is like 'traveling through time". Miami Herald (Miami, Florida). Retrieved 2008-09-09.
|
|
---|
Basic equipment | |
---|
Breathing gas | |
---|
Buoyancy and trim equipment | |
---|
Decompression equipment | |
---|
Diving suit | |
---|
Helmets and masks | |
---|
Instrumentation | |
---|
Mobility equipment | |
---|
Safety equipment | |
---|
Underwater breathing apparatus | |
---|
Diving equipment manufacturers | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Access equipment | |
---|
Breathing gas handling | |
---|
Decompression equipment | |
---|
Platforms | |
---|
Remotely operated underwater vehicles | |
---|
Safety equipment | |
---|
General | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Activities | |
---|
Competitions | |
---|
Equipment | |
---|
Freedivers | |
---|
Hazards | |
---|
Historical | |
---|
Organisations | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Occupations | |
---|
Underwater work | Salvage diving | - SS Egypt
- Kronan
- La Belle
- SS Laurentic
- RMS Lusitania
- Mars
- Mary Rose
- USS Monitor
- HMS Royal George
- Vasa
|
---|
|
---|
Diving contractors | |
---|
Tools and equipment | |
---|
Underwater weapons | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Specialties | |
---|
Diver organisations | |
---|
Diving tourism industry | |
---|
Diving events and festivals | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Diving hazards | |
---|
Diving procedures | |
---|
Risk management | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Diving disorders | Pressure related | Oxygen | |
---|
Inert gases | |
---|
Carbon dioxide | |
---|
Breathing gas contaminants | |
---|
|
---|
Immersion related | |
---|
|
---|
Treatment | |
---|
Personnel | |
---|
Screening | |
---|
Research | Researchers in diving physiology and medicine | |
---|
Diving medical research organisations | |
---|
|
---|
|
|
|
|
---|
Archeological sites | |
---|
Underwater art and artists | |
---|
Engineers and inventors | |
---|
Historical equipment | |
---|
Military and covert operations | - Raid on Alexandria (1941)
- Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior
|
---|
Scientific projects | |
---|
Awards and events | |
---|
Incidents | Dive boat incidents | |
---|
Diver rescues | |
---|
Early diving | |
---|
Freediving fatalities | |
---|
Offshore diving incidents | - Byford Dolphin diving bell accident
- Drill Master diving accident
- Star Canopus diving accident
- Stena Seaspread diving accident
- Venture One diving accident
- Waage Drill II diving accident
- Wildrake diving accident
|
---|
Professional diving fatalities | |
---|
Scuba diving fatalities | |
---|
|
---|
|
|
Publications |
---|
Manuals | - NOAA Diving Manual
- U.S. Navy Diving Manual
- Basic Cave Diving: A Blueprint for Survival
- Underwater Handbook
- Bennett and Elliott's physiology and medicine of diving
- Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
- The new science of skin and scuba diving
- Professional Diver's Handbook
- Basic Scuba
|
---|
Standards and Codes of Practice | |
---|
General non-fiction | |
---|
Research | |
---|
Dive guides | |
---|
|
|
Training and registration |
---|
Diver training | |
---|
Recreational scuba certification levels | Core diving skills | |
---|
Leadership skills | |
---|
Specialist skills | |
---|
|
---|
Diver training certification and registration organisations | Commercial diver certification authorities | |
---|
Commercial diving schools | |
---|
Free-diving certification agencies | |
---|
Recreational scuba certification agencies | |
---|
Scientific diver certification authorities | |
---|
Technical diver certification agencies | |
---|
|
---|
Military diver training centres | |
---|
Military diver training courses | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Surface snorkeling | |
---|
Snorkeling/breath-hold | |
---|
Breath-hold | |
---|
Open Circuit Scuba | |
---|
Rebreather | |
---|
Sports governing organisations and federations | |
---|
Competitions | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Pioneers of diving | |
---|
Underwater scientists archaeologists and environmentalists | |
---|
Scuba record holders | |
---|
Underwater filmmakers and presenters | |
---|
Underwater photographers | |
---|
Underwater explorers | |
---|
Aquanauts | |
---|
Writers and journalists | |
---|
Rescuers | |
---|
Frogmen | |
---|
Commercial salvors | |
---|
|
|
|
---|
Diving physics | |
---|
Diving physiology | |
---|
Diving environment | |
---|
|
|
Other |
---|
Deep-submergence vehicle | - Aluminaut
- DSV Alvin
- American submarine NR-1
- Bathyscaphe
- Archimède
- FNRS-2
- FNRS-3
- Harmony class bathyscaphe
- Sea Pole-class bathyscaphe
- Trieste II
- Deepsea Challenger
- Ictineu 3
- JAGO
- Jiaolong
- Konsul-class submersible
- Limiting Factor
- Russian submarine Losharik
- Mir
- Nautile
- Pisces-class deep submergence vehicle
- DSV Sea Cliff
- DSV Shinkai
- DSV Shinkai 2000
- DSV Shinkai 6500
- DSV Turtle
- DSV-5 Nemo
|
---|
Submarine rescue | Deep-submergence rescue vehicle | |
---|
|
---|
Submarine escape | |
---|
Special interest groups | |
---|
Neutral buoyancy facilities for Astronaut training | |
---|
Other | |
---|
|
|
|