Expedition Name (& Club): Cambridge University Caving Club Austria Expedition 2007 (CUCC)

Destination country: Austria
Region: Schwarzmooskogel ridge

Lat: 47.6909 Long: 13.8214 Elevation: m
MEF funding: none

Leader: Aaron Curtis

Brief Expedition objectives:

List a short summary of the main Expedition objectives.

Continuing exploration and survey of Schwarzmooskogel ridge caves, chiefly the “Subsoil” level and "Razordance" in Steinbrückenhöhle, as well extending the promising discovery of Tunnockschact. We will study stress levels (cortisol) in cavers and the role of condensation in cave microclimates and speleogenesis.

How can the GPF support your Expedition?:

Please explain the aspects of the trip which make it eligible for Ghar Parau funding.

The 2007 Austria expedition incorporates many new elements. This year we have applied to the Cambridge Expeditions Committee to become officially endorsed by the University, and fully expect to gain that status. We also have applied for and expect to gain Royal Geographical Society approval and funding to assist with the purchase of fieldwork equipment. The research aims of the expedition will provide the data for Aaron Curtis' undergraduate dissertation as well as an upcoming paper to be published by Djuke Veldhuis. In addition to the main research aims, we intend to test a prototype of a new cave exploration aid: a remotely operated blimp for underground use. A camera, and light mounted on the blimp will allow scouting of avens and pitches to determine whether they are worth ascending or descending. This is being developed with advice from Rob Franklin, balloonist, caver, and cameraman whose work includes the BBC Titan video and Planet Earth: Caves. While we will make every attempt possible to be economical in these projects, your financial assistance is invaluable to their success and that of the expedition overall.

Detailed description of objectives:

Give a more detailed account of the purpose of the trip, including any particular known caves you intend to visit, specific areas where you will explore for new cave, and scientific experiments you will attempt.

This year, an interdisciplinary research project will be combined with CUCC's usual high standards of surveying, prospecting, and photography. A network of sensors and dataloggers for temperature, humidity, and airflow will be deployed and then used a) to investigate microclimate and map / quantify expected and observed condensation rates and b) to provide a control backdrop for the caver stress study.

Exploration in Steinbrückenhöhle will include a concerted push on the "Razordance" streamway (currently at -542m) in hopes that it will break through the current level, potentially leading to deep (potentially below -1000m) system or sump. Major pushes will also be carried out in the "Gaffered to the walls" series. Last year's promising discovery of Tunnockschacht will be further explored. Surface prospecting will be continued.

Previous work in this area:

Give details of any previous work in this area by your own and other teams. Include references to reports and articles published on the area, and the names of any local cavers or academics with whom you have discussed the Expedition.

CUCC has been exploring in the area since 1976: an expedition has been held every year since then except in 1986. The ARGE Grabenstetten group from Germany, with whom we have a good relationship, also work in the same general area and have held many expeditions there.