Research focused on caves for studying climate & groundwater resources
Hoepker says Niue is ideal for the research as it is at the heart of major climate processes
The team hard at work (Image credit-Dr. Sebastian Hoepker)
A familiar face to many in Niue, University of Waikato scientist -Dr. Sebastian Hoepker has been researching the island’s caves and climate since 2019. The Research Fellow spoke to BCN News recently about this.
Passionate about the ocean and coral, Hoepker’s work has brought him to the other side of the world, here in Niue.
The two member team have been monitoring the Anapala and Ulupaka Cave since September 2019, sampling the cave water and minerals.
“I’ve been monitoring the chemistry and flow of water in several caves in New Zealand and on Niue to better understand how they relate to processes above the cave and the wider region. Rainwater, for example, contains information in its chemistry on where the water moisture originates and how far it has traveled”
“Such information is also stored in cave minerals, such as stalagmites, which we can study to understand how the environment and climate above the cave and in the region has changed over hundreds or even thousands of years.” he said.
They have also used 3D Model images of caves as a way to have interactive, visual, and safe way of exploring a cave suitable for a class room or display.
Hoepker says Niue has been chosen for the research as its at the heart of major climate processes. The research is focused on helping us understand how the cave formed, how water travels, and if there has been major damage in the past (for example from earthquakes).
Much of the water travelling through caves likely ends up replenishing the groundwater, which Niue strongly depends on. Our observations will help better understand how the availability and quality of groundwater is sensitive to weather, seasons, extreme events like cyclones, and potential contamination at the surface. Understanding these processes is critical for effective management of the precious water resources.
The best part about his work is traveling to places like Niue and being passionate about the ocean and science. He is expected to be back on the island later on in the year.
In the long term the research will help understand the longer-term and larger-scale climate drivers that affect conditions in Niue and other South Pacific islands, and their sensitivity to global change.
He has worked closely with various stakeholders on the island including the Government of Niue, Environment Department, Taogoa Niue Museum, Education department, Niue Meteorological Service and Land Survey.
The research has been funded by the New Zealand Government, the European Union (EU), and the National Geographic Society.
