Limestone Caves
3a. Cave Climate

The temperature graph shows the difference between the outside temperature and that deep within the caves. Being inside a cave is a bit like being inside an insulated box such as an Esky. The surrounding rock insulates the cave from temperature changes, both diurnal (daily) and seasonal. The temperature inside a cave is very close to the average annual temperature outside the cave.

When compared to the outside climate, caves have:

  • high humidity
  • cooler temperatures in summer, warmer in winter
  • higher carbon dioxide levels
  • no light
  • no rain
  • no strong winds
  • very small seasonal and diurnal changes
Compared to the outside, caves have
high humidity and small temperature changes
 high humidity and large temperature changes
 high humidity and high light levels
    cave entrance

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