The range of water temperature fluctuations in the limestone waters of the central and southern Pennines

The standard deviations of water temperatures of risings in Northern England are closely related to the effective range of underground water and air temperatures within the caves. Risings include both resurgences of underground water after flow through limestone leeds and springs that are fed entirely from water flowing through limestone. Three causes of seasonal fluctuations in water temperature of risings are suggested: 1) air and soil temperatures during precipitation that percolates rapidly, 2) air temperatures affecting the emerging water because they affect the rock cover at the emergence of the cave or soil cover, and 3) cave drafts by means of which warmer or cooler air penetrates the caves. The study is based upon measurements at 37 sites in northwest Yorkshire over a 1-2-yr period. Bar charts show standard deviations of water temperatures in rising and surface flows, respectively, and the results are discussed in some detail.