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Who: Hazer Barton

Job: Cave Scientist

What is a cave scientist?

Cave scientists study caves--everything from how they are formed to the organisms that inhabit them. I study the microbes that live in caves. I am trying to learn how these tiny organisms can survive hundreds of feet beneath Earth's surface, where it is completely dark.

What have you learned about the microbes in caves?

We're finding that microbes eat rock in the caves. The microbes use the minerals that make up the rock for food. By eating away at the rock, the microbes actually help the cave grow bigger.

What is the best part of your job?

I travel a lot. I've been all over the world this year, including Antarctica, New Zealand, China, and Europe.

I also get to see incredible things. One of my most memorable experiences was in a cave in China. We climbed into a passage that was full of huge stalactites, or rock formations that hang from a cave ceiling like icicles. At the end of the passage, we found a room with a pit in it that was at least 21 meters (70 feet) across and 61 m (200 ft) deep. It was amazing.

What is the worst part of your job?

It can sometimes be very cold and wet in caves. Caves also can be dangerous. I had a rock fall on my arm in New Zealand. I ended up in the hospital for three days and had to have surgery.

What are you working on now?

Currently, we are doing research in Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico. This is a beautiful cave that's more than 488 m (1,600 ft) deep. As a result, we need to use a lot of ropes to explore it. Ropes help us lower ourselves down.

What YOU Need

Necessary skills: An interest in science and in discovering new things. You also need to get proper training to safely explore caves.

How to get started now: There are probably caves located near your home that are open to the public. Try taking a guided tour of one.

What you can earn: Anywhere from $35,000 to more than $100,000 a year depending on the job and your experience.

Where you can work: Universities and government agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.

Do YOU Have What It Takes?

Many caves are carved out when acidic water flows through rock. The acid in the water dissolves the rock. You can see this process at work by soaking materials in vinegar, which is an acid, for several days. Try different materials like an eggshell, wood, chalk, plaster of Paris, and a penny. Which materials start to dissolve?

SCIENCE CONTENT STANDARDS

For Grades K-4

* Changes in earth and sky

* Science as a human endeavor

For Grades 5-8

* Structure of the earth system

* Science as a human endeavor

INTEGRATE YOUR CURRICULUM

Language Arts--Reading comprehension

BEFORE READING

Set a Purpose

To learn what a cave scientist is and how to become one.

Background

* Scientists have found that deep-dwelling, slime-forming microorganisms play a major role in carving out the caves where they live. In addition to using the minerals in the rock to fuel themselves, the microbes produce sulfuric acid as waste. This boost in acid eats away at the cave's limestone, causing the cave to grow faster.

Discussion Questions

* Cave scientists often venture into uncharted territory. What is exciting about that? What is scary? (Possible answers: It is exciting to make discoveries, but scary if you were to get hurt or lost ill a cave.)

AFTER READING

Discussion Questions

* Why is it important for cave scientists to have the proper training? (Possible answers: Often, cavers are very far from the outside world. If they were to get hurt, help could be a long way off.)

RESOURCES

* www.covescience.com Check out Hazel Barton's Web site to learn more about her research.

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