Wind Cave National Park Air Quality Monitoring
Air Atlas is a GIS database of air quality estimates for 270 parks that are part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program. These estimates can be used when on-site monitoring data is not available.
Atmospheric Deposition Monitoring
An NADP/NTN wet deposition monitor was installed at Wind Cave NP in 2002. Prior to this, data collected at the nearby Newcastle, Wyoming, NADP/NTN site (60 km W) have been considered representative for the park. Dry deposition is not monitored in or near the park, so representative dry deposition data are not available for Wind Cave NP.
--Site Overview and Data
--Newcastle, Wyoming NADP/NTN Overview and Data
Night sky monitoring is scheduled for 2005-2006 at Wind Cave NP, with a report due in 2007. Dark night skies are considered an important air quality related value at Wind Cave NP, possessing value as a cultural, scenic, natural, and scientific resource. Air pollution and poor quality outdoor lighting degrade night skies, lessening a viewer's ability to see stars and other astronomical objects, and altering the nocturnal scene. Use of high quality lighting that produces very little scattered light can greatly improve the night sky. Reduction of haze from air pollution can also improve the night sky.
An IMPROVE visibility monitor was installed at Wind Cave NP in January 2000.