The Old Ruminator
Well-known member
Currently we have %2 CO2 and %17 O2 at the bottom of Vurley. To my mind its a worrying combination. I wonder how many CO2 affected caves in the UK have been tested for O2. What is happening here ? Just two people do a quick trip for sampling so I dont thing the oxygen depletion can be accounted for by that. Does the CO2 partly displace the oxygen ? Not entirely it seems as the percentages dont add up. I presume %14 oxygen would be hypoxic and a bigger party on the 20m pitch could deplete ambient levels even further. We have had no respite from CO2 since last year and worry now that we will never be able to work at the bottom of the cave. Vurley is unique on Mendip for various reasons but this instance is not a happy one.
From Wiki -
" When oxygen level dips below 19.5% v/v, the air is considered oxygen-deficient, where oxygen concentrations below 16% volume are considered highly dangerous for humans.[31 "
From Wiki -
" When oxygen level dips below 19.5% v/v, the air is considered oxygen-deficient, where oxygen concentrations below 16% volume are considered highly dangerous for humans.[31 "