Cavechat.org

Here's another article on what's happening over in France, with their famous cave art being destroyed by fungus.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... AD96JBCIG1

That's a bummer that it's happening. But can they really blame Global warming for the cause?
They stated that the rising temperatures have caused the fungi to grow... so... lower the temps in the cave by pumping cooler air into it... if anything it should stop the growth...

I wonder if they've tried UV light turned on when the cave is closed? That is what is used in many mycology labs to curb contamination which otherwise spreads everywhere.

Of course, that UV light might also be harmful to the paintings. TANSTAAFL, after all.

Phil Winkler wrote:I wonder if they've tried UV light turned on when the cave is closed? That is what is used in many mycology labs to curb contamination which otherwise spreads everywhere.

Of course, that UV light might also be harmful to the paintings. TANSTAAFL, after all.

Well maybe but if I'm not mistaken most of the paintings were done with charcoal, crushed berry juices, even with colored mud/clay, chalk could've been used for the white. So am thinking that UV wouldn't cause them to fade... not unless it's on 10-12 hours a day like a painting out in the sun...
Good question ... wondered if they have thought about that. Or would a disinfectant (like lysol) would kill the fungus and still leave the paintings intact...

there was an extensive web discussion of this a while back. most of the fingerpointing by those familiar with the cave was at a newly installed and (presumably) poorly designed HVAC/environmental control unit that drastically affected airflow regimes and humidity levels. Some level of degredation had been occuring slowly for some time, but the HVAC project apparently created a disaster almost overnight. It was a bit of an embarrassment for the govt who was looking for any likely sounding scapegoats...

the road to hell again, paved with good intentions.