Quantitative drip water measurements in the Buda Castle Cave with classical and modern measurement methods

The study of cave waters is important for the preservation of the Castle Cave, which lies underneath the Buda Castle Hill. The objectives of this research were to carry out quantitative measurements of drip water and to identify the changes from previous observations. This study also aimed to investigate the relationship between drip water locations and drip water and precipitation data. The present study employed self-made tipping bucket gauges and ad hoc drip water measurements. Correlation analysis was carried out on the values measured at the two drip locations and on the drip water and precipitation time series. Annual drip water volumes were calculated, and the results were compared with past measurements. The results indicate that there is a strong correlation between the two drip locations, and both have a weak connection to precipitation. The annual drip water volume has possibly increased compared with past data, based on the study period. Further research with longer measured data and water chemistry tests is needed to determine the origin of the cave waters.