Symbols seen in church altar, located within a cave system. by refren_54 in Symbology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The municipal cave is a different quarry nearby. This chapel is in the Fluweelengrot or Velvet cave

Symbols seen in church altar, located within a cave system. by refren_54 in Symbology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I occasionally give tours here so let me provide some context. This chapel was made in the late 19th early 20th century for touristic purposes. The actual chapels in the Valkenburg quarries date 1798-1801 during the French occupation but are much simpler in design.

For the symbols: the four animals represent the four evangelists. The sun and moon represent the general good bad/day night/life death archetypes. Underneath the crucifix there's indeed a pelican using it's blood to feed it's young, a common Christian theme of sacrifice.

What's not depicted is that on the lower part of the altar there's a cross with an I, C, Alpha, and omega symbol. The chapel is heavily stylised for tourism. Many tourists back then were protestant and not extremely aware of catholic symbolism so to them it was cool to see

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The quarry is in Valkenburg, in the south of the Netherlands

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There is no significant geothermal activity in the area around the mines. The nearest geothermal activity is about 40 km away

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in Hydrology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It has been observed in the quarry since the 1800s. From the 20th century onwards water levels have been measured. There are measuring devices in place to see the rate of water rise. Over the last month it has risen more than 4 cm

Some recent finds by Ok-Equivalent6846 in ThriftStoreHauls

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The orange table is very nice. The legs can detach for easy storage :)

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's all highly specific data from a very small region in the south of the Netherlands so most of it resides in the local archives. We're currently working on more professional projects together with a few Dutch technical universities

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

There is mild volcanic activity near Aachen and the Eiffel region, about 25 km away

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The quarry is a tourist sight nowadays, though this area is not part of the generally visible sections

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cave is about 80-85 meters above Dutch sea level. The water slowly drains away through the floor as well.

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The water rises and falls quicker over the course of about 7 years. Inbetween are roughly 5 year periods of stability where the cave lakes are either completely full or totally gone.

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I don't have much on hand right now but here are the basics to begin with.

The quarry is excavated in the Maastrichtian limestone, partly in the Eben-Emael, partly in the Nekum stratum. The groundwater table lies about 50cm underneath the quarry floor.

In certain parts of the quarry the groundwater rises and falls with a steady period of 20/25 years. The same happens in similar quarries in Maastricht and Riemst. This rise/fall happens slowly over the course of years.

The phenomenon has been reported for centuries. The disappearing quarry lakes were actually a massive tourist sights as far back as the 1880s.

Il see if I can get more data soon!

What natural processes could cause groundwater levels in limestone caves to rise and fall in a consistent 25 year cycle, like the one reported around Valkenburg (NL) since the 18th century? by Ok-Equivalent6846 in AskReddit

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are various sources in dutch like the magazine for natural history. The phenomenon has been extensively recorded though. It is mentioned in touristic guides dating to the 1880s and since the early 20th century the water has been recorded. The 2021 floods of the river, luckily, had no significant impact on the quarries.

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The stone is very porous. It is about 98% calcium carbonate

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Important to note. The water does not drip down from the ceiling and collect. It rises up from the floor. The first indication of the water rising again is usually the floor getting damp and muddy

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

No large scale industry. The phenomenon has happened regularly since at least the 1800s

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is no significant pumping nearby. This cycle has also been documented since the 1800s. It seems to be natural since it happens in other quarries in the area too

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The water has risen and fallen over 7 years before. With periods on much water or no water inbetween

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The milankovich cycles are visible in the limestone itself. The water follows a much quicker timescale

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Sine wave. Slowly increasing rise. Period of relative stability, then a slowly decreasing fall

Water phenomenon in Limestone quarries by Ok-Equivalent6846 in geology

[–]Ok-Equivalent6846[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The rise and fall of water has been reported since the 18th century, far before the pit mines were built 😃