Analysis of underground river network connectivity in Barat Cave, Karst Karangbolong, Central Java, using the Artificial Tracer Test Method

Abstract

The connectivity of the Barat Cave underground river system needs to be known to support the implementation of proper environmental management so that water resources can be maintained sustainably. However, the mapping of underground river paths is often hindered by conditions of narrow cave passages, a barrier blocking the flow of water (siphon), deep underground lakes, underground waterfalls, as well as paths filled with water. This research was conducted in Barat Cave, Karangbolong Karst Area. The purpose of this study is to determine the upstream-downstream connectivity system in this underground river and define the characteristics of the passageway based on quantitative analysis of the transport parameters from the tracer test results. This underground river network analysis needs to be done because previous research has never analyzed this underground river network. The research method used in this study is divided into three stages, namely the pre-field stage, the field stage, and the post-field stage. The pre-field step includes determining the location of the study, collecting secondary data, and studying the literature. The field stage consists of a hydrogeological survey to find information on the presence of caves, springs, sinking stream ponors, or luweng in the study area, instantaneous discharge measurements, and tracer tests. The post-field stage includes data processing and analysis. The results showed that the Barat underground river system originated from the Kalimas sinking stream, Mblabak Cave, Pendok Cave, and Pagilangan sinking streams, then merged into a single tunnel without a flow breaker to the Barat Cave, Pengantin Cave, and appeared in the Kalikarak springs to become a surface river, with a tunnel pattern in the form of curvilinear branchwork. The transport parameters for the underground system tracing of the Barat cave have an advection value of 86.528 m/hour, a dispersion of 0.092 m2/second, a dispersivity of 3.38 meters, and a recovery of 63%. The transport value of the tracing test parameter is influenced by the characteristics of the passageway and underground river flow conditions.