A Multimodal Research Approach to Assessing the Karst Structural Conditions of the Ceiling of a Cave with Palaeolithic Cave Art Paintings: Polychrome Hall at Altamira Cave (Spain)

A groundbreaking discovery at the UNESCO-listed Altamira Cave reveals that vertical karst discontinuities extend from the cave's surface to its base, confirming direct fluid exchange between the interior and exterior. This finding, supported by advanced geomatics remote sensing technologies—including 3D terrestrial laser scanning, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR)—provides critical insights into the cave's hydrogeological dynamics. The study, published in Sensors, demonstrates how integrated 3D mapping and GPR techniques can monitor fluid movement, a key factor for the conservation of Altamira’s priceless Palaeolithic paintings. By corroborating the hypothesis of fluid exchange with multiple GPR antennas, researchers highlight the importance of these methods for preserving this irreplaceable cultural heritage site.

Bayarri, V., Prada, A., & García, F. (2023). A Multimodal Research Approach to Assessing the Karst Structural Conditions of the Ceiling of a Cave with Palaeolithic Cave Art Paintings: Polychrome Hall at Altamira Cave (Spain). Sensors, 23(22), 9153. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23229153