# Adaptive Survey Protocol (ASP)
## Field Operations Manual

### Version 1.0 | December 2025

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## 1. Overview

The Adaptive Survey Protocol (ASP) is a three-tier system for cave survey operations based on real-time stability assessment. The protocol adjusts survey intensity, team configuration, and safety measures based on the current CDZ proximity (P_CDZ) score.

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## 2. Protocol Tiers

### Tier 1: Standard Survey Mode
**Activation**: P_CDZ < 0.25 (low instability risk)

#### Operations
- **Measurement Interval**: Every 5 meters along passage
- **Team Configuration**: 2-3 members
- **Duration**: Unrestricted (within normal safety limits)
- **Documentation**: Standard field notes, photos every 20m
- **Equipment**: Basic survey gear (tape, compass, clinometer)

#### Safety Requirements
- Standard PPE (helmet, lights, backup light)
- Radio check-in every 60 minutes
- Standard first aid kit

#### Exit Criteria
- No specific restrictions
- Normal cave exit procedures

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### Tier 2: Enhanced Monitoring Mode
**Activation**: 0.25 ≤ P_CDZ < 0.75 (moderate risk)

#### Operations
- **Measurement Interval**: Every 2 meters along passage
- **Team Configuration**: 3-4 members (including sensor specialist)
- **Duration**: 6-hour maximum shifts
- **Documentation**: Detailed notes, photos every 5m, continuous sensor logging
- **Equipment**: Full survey gear + additional sensors (CO₂, water level)

#### Safety Requirements
- Continuous CO₂ monitoring
- Water level monitoring at 5-minute intervals
- Radio check-in every 30 minutes
- Enhanced first aid kit with oxygen
- Pre-marked evacuation route

#### Exit Criteria
- Exit if CO₂ > 2000 ppm for >15 minutes
- Exit if water level rises >0.5 m/hour
- Mandatory rest after 6 hours

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### Tier 3: CDZ Active Mode
**Activation**: P_CDZ ≥ 0.75 (high instability risk)

#### Operations
- **Measurement Interval**: Every 0.5 meters along passage
- **Team Configuration**: 5-6 members (3 survey + 2 safety + 1 coordinator)
- **Duration**: 4-hour maximum shifts with mandatory rest
- **Documentation**: Maximum detail, photos every 1m, real-time data streaming
- **Equipment**: Full sensor suite, emergency equipment, communication relays

#### Safety Requirements
- **REQUIRED**: Continuous monitoring of all parameters
- **REQUIRED**: Radio check-in every 15 minutes
- **REQUIRED**: Evacuation route marked every 10m with reflective tape
- **REQUIRED**: Emergency cache at 30-minute intervals
- **REQUIRED**: Surface communication link

#### Exit Criteria
- **IMMEDIATE EVACUATION** if:
  - CO₂ > 5000 ppm
  - Water level rise > 1.0 m/hour
  - Visible rockfall or ceiling instability
  - Any team member shows signs of distress
  - Communication lost for >15 minutes

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## 3. CDZ Proximity Calculation

P_CDZ is calculated in real-time using:

```

P_CDZ = exp(-d_LC / σ_CDZ)

```

Where:
- d_LC = distance to limit cycle in phase space
- σ_CDZ = 0.15 (characteristic CDZ scale)

### Field Estimation
If real-time calculation is not available, use these indicators:

| Indicator | P_CDZ Contribution |
|-----------|-------------------|
| Rapidly changing passage morphology | +0.3 |
| CO₂ > 2000 ppm | +0.2 |
| Water level rising | +0.2 |
| Recent rockfall | +0.3 |
| Unusual sounds (cracking, water) | +0.2 |

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## 4. Emergency Procedures

### Flood Response
1. **Immediate**: Move to highest ground in passage
2. **Within 5 minutes**: Deploy emergency beacon
3. **Within 10 minutes**: Begin evacuation if water rising >0.5 m/hour

### CO₂ Event
1. **At 3000 ppm**: Don respiratory protection
2. **At 5000 ppm**: Immediate evacuation
3. **At 8000 ppm**: Emergency - assist affected personnel

### Structural Instability
1. **At first sign**: Mark area and retreat to safe zone
2. **If active collapse**: Take cover in stable alcove
3. **Post-event**: Wait 30 minutes before attempting exit

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## 5. Equipment Checklist by Tier

### Tier 1 (Standard)
- [ ] Helmet with primary light
- [ ] Backup light (minimum 3 hours)
- [ ] Survey tape (50m)
- [ ] Compass/clinometer
- [ ] Notebook and pencils
- [ ] Basic first aid kit
- [ ] Communication device
- [ ] Emergency blanket
- [ ] 2L water per person
- [ ] High-energy food

### Tier 2 (Enhanced)
- [ ] All Tier 1 equipment
- [ ] CO₂ monitor
- [ ] Water level logger
- [ ] Temperature/humidity logger
- [ ] Enhanced first aid kit with oxygen
- [ ] Satellite phone or radio repeater
- [ ] Emergency shelter
- [ ] 3L water per person
- [ ] Extra batteries for all devices

### Tier 3 (CDZ Active)
- [ ] All Tier 2 equipment
- [ ] Real-time data transmitter
- [ ] Multiple communication devices
- [ ] Emergency caches along route
- [ ] Rope and rigging equipment
- [ ] Stretcher
- [ ] 4L water per person
- [ ] 48-hour emergency supplies
- [ ] Thermal imaging camera

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## 6. Documentation Requirements

### Standard Documentation
- Station names and measurements
- Passage dimensions (LRUD)
- Notable features
- Water levels
- Air quality notes

### Enhanced Documentation
- All standard, plus:
- Continuous sensor data
- Photogrammetry at key points
- Rock samples if safe
- Team member observations

### CDZ Active Documentation
- All enhanced, plus:
- Real-time data feed
- Video recording of passage changes
- Detailed morphology sketches
- Every measurement point photographed

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## 7. Training Requirements

### Tier 1 Qualified
- Basic cave survey techniques
- Standard first aid
- Navigation skills

### Tier 2 Qualified
- All Tier 1 requirements
- Advanced survey techniques
- Sensor deployment and operation
- Wilderness first aid

### Tier 3 Qualified
- All Tier 2 requirements
- Emergency response training
- Technical rescue skills
- Leadership training
- Previous CDZ experience

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## 8. Protocol Activation Flowchart

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**Document Version**: 1.0
**Last Updated**: December 2025
**Author**: Cavora Underground Research Initiative

*This protocol must be reviewed and approved by expedition leadership before implementation.*
