LAND USE GEOLOGY and MAN EarthCache
GEO WALKER: The Sign for Stop 5 is missing. I guess it's time to put this one to rest.
11+ years was a good run...
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Welcome to Wingfield Pines an Allegheny Land Trust Conservation Area.
Geology often plays and important role in how Man uses the land. Both geology and geography historically have played an important role in mans’ use of the land. A Floodplain provides a flat area to develop a settlement, obtain food and water, soil for agricultural crops, and occasionally nearby minerals and rocks can be put to a variety of uses.
This Earthcache will attempt to illustrate the role of Land Use, in the Wingfield Pines area over time. This area encompasses a Floodplain. A Floodplain is created by, flooding, the deposition of suspended sediments during times when the water overflows its banks. As the floodwaters recede, the sediments settle out on the floodplain creating soil. Floodplains also help lessen the erosional effect of floods downstream. Floodplains are general flat areas that create a multitude of uses for Man. We will be looking at a few of these uses.
At Stop 1, please read the informational sign to gain a perspective of the current land use and the importance of an ecosystem as to how it relates to a floodplain.
At Stop 2, you will see an information sign showing the variety of land uses for this area over time. Please take note of the underground coal mine map.
Stop 3 should take you to the center of several sediment ponds. See if you can follow the sequence of flow through these ponds.
At Stop 4, you can confirm your interpretation. Please take time to read and gain an understanding of this system and what it is designed to accomplish.
Earth Science is a combination of scientific disciplines that interact with one another. At Sign 4, you can see the geologic influences that create this wetland.
PARKING COORDINATES
N 40 20.165 W 080 06.691
TRAILHEAD
N 40 20.272 W 080 06.613
STOP 1
N 40 20.303 W 080 06.639
STOP 2
N 40 20.390 W 080 06.560
STOP 3
N 40 20 454 W 080 06.589
STOP 4
N 40 20.493 W 080 06.640
STOP 5
N 40 20.473 W 080 06.541
I would like to thank both the Allegheny Land Trust and Hedin Environmental for allowing access to this property.
Requirements
Email me the answers to the following questions.
Stop 1 N 40 20.303 W 080 06.639
From the information posted on the sign
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan covered this area under nearly how any feet of water?
Stop 2 N 40 20.390 W 080 06.560
From the information posted on the sign
Tell me the land uses of this area and year each of the three photos were taken?
Which of these land uses has the most obvious reference to geology?
Stop 4 N 40 20.493 W 080 06.640
From the information posted on the sign
What is the name of the pipe that discharges the AMD?
Would you consider this treatment facility an additional “land use” for this property and why?
Stop 5 N 40 20.473 W 080 06.541
From the information posted on the sign
Can you name another scientific discipline that works along with the geology of wetland hydrology?
What are the soils here called and how do they differ from the other soils in the floodplain?
Posting any pictures of yourself or the area are always welcomed. Be careful not to include the information signs.
As always ENJOY...
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)