Cavemud wrote:You know, If we didn't ever go outside our houses or into a cave, we wouldn't contribute to the spread of biologicals? I really don't see your point in all this... :grin:
. . .
What about bringing mud, dirt from a cave out onto the surface????? :shock:
These are good points to bring up: what makes caves different from what is happening on the surface. Microbes on the surface get around more. They are moved by wind, water, animals, and vehicles. Since they move around more, they'll spread easily. Generally you'll have to travel farther to see a change of species. They are also generally adapted to life on or near the surface.
Cave adapted species do not get around so much, and are suited to the cave environment. They may get washed out of the cave but are not so likely to reach another cave. Surface species that get washed into a cave (or dragged in on your suit) are not likely to compete with the local microbes, as they are not adapted to the cave environment. So cave species tend to be isolated and different from those in caves elsewhere. Bring a cave adapted microbe into a new cave, though, and it has a shot at competing with the local population. That is what makes the potential for cave to cave transfer a special problem.
I can't make any specific recommendations about cave suit washing vs some set of caves, as I don't know enough about it. I think the issue is not laughable, though, and worth some consideration. It would make a difference, I would think, how far one traveled between caves. Drying your suit completely should help, even if it isn't washed, as desication is a good anti-microbial technique.