I've decided to try something a little different for this cache.
For those of you that have followed this series, I have tried to
bring you to some natural (and some not so natural) landscapes for
you to learn more about the many types of soil found in RI.
However, you haven't been able to actually see a soil profile and
observe how the series descriptions included at each cache site
relate to what's in the field.
This cache site, which is my first Earthcache, is located along
an eroded headland bluff at South Kingstown Town Beach. There is
unfortunately a parking fee during beach season, but you may be
able to find some parking alternatives if you're willing to walk or
bike for a bit.
Coastal erosion here has exposed substantial portions of the
farm field to the north. This farm field is mapped as
Bridgehampton. Like its cousin Enfield, Bridgehampton soils are
some of the best agriculture soils in RI. Most of these soils have
been cleared for sod, cultivated crops, and silage corn.
Your Assignment:
You will need: A measuring device (a roll tape will work best).
A small trowel, knife, or shovel will help you clear the
profile.
Go to the posted coordinates and find a nice cut along the bank.
Due to erosion always shaping the landscape, you may have to wander
a bit to find a nicely exposed part of the bluff. The soil profile
here is only about 3' or so deep.
Clear off the soil face, and dig out any sand that has piled up
against the vertical soil face. Measure the distance from where the
grass meets the soil to where you see a very obvious color change
from very dark brown to a more yellowish brown. This layer is the A
horizon. It is dark because decaying plant material is a major
component of this soill layer. Record the depth of this soil
layer.
Dig out a piece of the soil from below the dark A horizon. This
yellowish brown layer is the B horizon. Rub the soil between your
fingers. Describe how the texture of the soil within the B
horizon feels.
Keeping the tape measure in place, contine feeling pieces of
soil at different depths until you reach a layer that is distinctly
different from the layer above. This is the C horizon. Record
the entire depth of the B horizon (from bottom of A to texture
change). Describe how the texture of the soil within the C
horizon feels.
Bridgehampton soils formed in 2 parent materials: glacial
outwash, which is material deposited by flowing rivers coming from
a glacier, and loess, a windblown sediment. These materials were
deposited following the end of glaciation approximately 14,000 -
18,000 years ago. Which horizon do you think contains outwash?
Explain your answer. Which horizon do you think contains
loess? Explain your answer.
Using the evidence presented in the soil profile, how do you
know 2 parent materials were deposited here?
To log your find, you must answer all bold questions and email
them to me. Do not post any answers in your log.
Congrats to HoboCP for the FTF!