# Creative Dissolution Zone (CDZ) Field Detection Guide
## Identification and Documentation Procedures

### Version 1.0 | December 2025

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## 1. Introduction

Creative Dissolution Zones (CDZs) are areas of rapid morphological change in cave passages. This guide provides field protocols for identifying, documenting, and responding to CDZs during cave surveys.

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## 2. Visual Indicators of CDZ Activity

### Primary Indicators (High Confidence)

| Indicator | Description | Photo Example |
|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| **Active dissolution** | Freshly etched surfaces, lack of flowstone, dripping water actively dissolving rock | [Reference photos in appendix] |
| **Rapid morphology change** | Passage dimensions visibly different from previous survey | |
| **Phase transition** | Clear boundary between phreatic and vadose features | |
| **Breakdown activity** | Fresh rockfall, cracked ceilings, unstable floors | |

### Secondary Indicators (Moderate Confidence)

- Unusual water flow patterns
- High CO₂ concentrations (>2000 ppm)
- Turbid or acidic water (pH < 7.0)
- Cracking or popping sounds
- Air movement changes
- Temperature gradients

### Tertiary Indicators (Low Confidence - Monitor)

- Changes in flowstone color
- New drip points
- Algae or microbial growth
- Mineral precipitation changes

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## 3. Quantitative Detection Criteria

A location is classified as a CDZ if it meets **two or more** of the following criteria:

### Criterion 1: Trajectory Divergence
```

|ΔV| > 1.5σ within single season

```
Where:
- ΔV = change in vertical dimension
- σ = standard deviation of historical measurements

**Field Method**: Compare current measurements to historical data from same season.

### Criterion 2: Rapid Phase Transition
```

dV/dt > 0.5 m/season

```
**Field Method**: Calculate rate of change since last survey.

### Criterion 3: High CO₂ Flux
```

∂[CO₂]/∂t > 500 ppm/hour

```
**Field Method**: Continuous CO₂ monitoring with hourly rate calculation.

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## 4. Detection Equipment

### Essential Equipment
- Laser distometer (precision ±0.05m)
- CO₂ monitor (range 0-10000 ppm)
- Water quality meter (pH, conductivity)
- Digital camera with timestamp
- Survey notebook

### Enhanced Equipment for Confirmed CDZs
- Continuous data loggers (all parameters)
- 3D laser scanner or photogrammetry rig
- Water samplers
- Rock sampling tools
- Seismic/audio recorder

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## 5. Field Detection Procedure

### Step 1: Initial Screening
Upon entering a passage section:
1. Compare current appearance to previous survey notes/photos
2. Note any obvious changes in passage dimensions
3. Measure CO₂ and water chemistry
4. Listen for unusual sounds

### Step 2: Quantitative Assessment
If screening suggests possible CDZ:
1. Establish temporary survey station
2. Take precise measurements (V, L, F)
3. Calculate rate of change since last survey
4. Deploy continuous monitor for 30 minutes minimum

### Step 3: Confirmation
CDZ is confirmed if:
- Two or more criteria are met, OR
- One criterion is met at >2× threshold

### Step 4: Documentation
For confirmed CDZ:
1. Mark CDZ boundaries with flagging tape
2. Install permanent monitoring station
3. Begin CDZ Active Protocol (see Section 7)
4. Photograph all features from multiple angles
5. Collect water and rock samples if safe

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## 6. CDZ Classification

### Type A: Phreatic-Vadose Transition
- **Location**: Water table interface
- **Characteristics**: Mix of dissolutional and vadose features
- **Duration**: 1-6 months
- **Hazard**: Moderate

### Type B: Vadose-Phreatic Transition
- **Location**: Rising water table
- **Characteristics**: Sump formation, backflooding
- **Duration**: 1-3 months
- **Hazard**: High (flood risk)

### Type C: Conduit-Breakdown Transition
- **Location**: Structurally weak zones
- **Characteristics**: Fresh breakdown, cracked ceilings
- **Duration**: 3-12 months
- **Hazard**: Extreme (collapse risk)

### Type D: Stable-Sump Transition
- **Location**: Terminal passages
- **Characteristics**: Permanent water bodies forming
- **Duration**: 2-6 months
- **Hazard**: Moderate-High

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## 7. Response Protocols by CDZ Type

### Type A Response
- Enhanced monitoring (Tier 2)
- Daily water level checks
- Weekly morphology documentation

### Type B Response
- CDZ Active Protocol (Tier 3)
- Continuous water level monitoring
- Evacuation route marked
- Surface watch established

### Type C Response
- IMMEDIATE EVACUATION
- No re-entry without engineering assessment
- Continuous seismic monitoring if safe

### Type D Response
- Enhanced monitoring (Tier 2)
- Sump dive preparation if needed
- Monthly documentation

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## 8. Documentation Template

```

CDZ DETECTION FORM

---

Date: _______________  Survey Team: _______________
Location: ___________  Passage ID: ________________

DETECTION CRITERIA
□ Trajectory Divergence: |ΔV| = _____ m (threshold: 1.5σ = _____)
□ Rapid Transition: dV/dt = _____ m/season (threshold: 0.5)
□ CO₂ Flux: ∂[CO₂]/∂t = _____ ppm/hr (threshold: 500)

CDZ TYPE (circle): A / B / C / D

MEASUREMENTS
Current V: _____ m    Previous V: _____ m    ΔV: _____ m
Current L: _____ m    Previous L: _____ m    ΔL: _____ m
Current F: _____ mm   Previous F: _____ mm   ΔF: _____ mm
CO₂: _____ ppm        Rate of change: _____ ppm/hr
Water level: _____ m  Rate of rise: _____ m/hr

OBSERVATIONS
Visual indicators: ________________________________
Sounds: __________________________________________
Air movement: ____________________________________
Other notes: _____________________________________

PHOTOS TAKEN: □ Yes □ No  Photo numbers: ________

SAMPLES COLLECTED: □ Water □ Rock □ Flowstone

PROTOCOL ACTIVATED: Tier _____

```

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## 9. Safety Considerations

### DO NOT:
- Enter a confirmed Type C CDZ without engineering assessment
- Stand under actively dissolving ceilings
- Touch freshly dissolved surfaces (may be razor-sharp)
- Disturb unstable breakdown
- Enter during active flooding

### DO:
- Maintain constant communication
- Monitor CO₂ continuously
- Keep exit route clear
- Document everything
- Trust your instincts - if it feels unsafe, leave

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## 10. Reporting

All CDZ detections must be reported to:
- Expedition leadership (immediately)
- Cavora database (within 24 hours)
- Local cave management authority (within 1 week)

**Report includes**:
- Completed detection form
- All photographs
- Sensor data files
- GPS coordinates (if available)
- Team member observations

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## Appendix: Reference Images

[Reference photos would be included here showing examples of each CDZ type and detection criteria]

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

*This guide is for trained speleologists only. Always prioritize safety over data collection.*
