Use of Radon and CO2 for the Identification and Analysis of Short-Term Fluctuations in the Ventilation of the Polychrome Room Inside the Altamira Cave

A five-year study of the Polychrome Room in Altamira Cave reveals that rapid ventilation events, driven by temperature gradients between internal and external environments, significantly impact the cave's microclimate. Researchers identified 37 degassing-recharging episodes, most lasting hours to days, particularly during spring and autumn. These fluctuations, tracked via continuous monitoring of radon and CO2 concentrations alongside air temperatures, suggest potential implications for the preservation of the cave's rock art. Correlation analysis confirmed that temperature gradients are a key factor in inducing these ventilation events, with notable statistical significance (r coefficients). The findings underscore the dynamic nature of cave environments and their role in cultural heritage conservation.

Sainz, C., Fábrega, J., Rábago, D., Celaya, S., Fernandez, A., Fuente, I., Fernandez, E., Quindos, J., Arteche, J. L., & Quindos, L. (2022). Use of Radon and CO2 for the Identification and Analysis of Short-Term Fluctuations in the Ventilation of the Polychrome Room Inside the Altamira Cave. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3662. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063662