The Ten Mile River is a river within Massachusetts and Rhode Island It flows approximately 22 miles (35 km) and drains a watershed of 54 square miles. It passes especially close to a walking area in Slater Park, and as you have noticed, has a tendency of flooding the area of the park near the posted coordinates. This earthcache will have you take a look at one inevitable part of building a park near a flowing river: flooding.
A flood occurs when a river or stream overflows its banks. Seasonal floods are common in many rivers. For example when spring rains or snowmelt increases the flow the river is more likely to flood. During a flood, the channel is completely filled and water moves onto the floodplain and slows down. As it slows, it can carry less material.
A natural river channel is shaped by the amount of water and sediment that travels through it. Even though rivers shape can vary, a natural river’s channel is almost always sized to carry the largest amount of water that flows through the area. Rivers are designed to flood due to their shape and purpose.
Constant rising water levels and past flooding leave their mark along the banks of a river. Exposed tree roots, cracks or empty banks without grass are some signs of this kind of erosion. Eroded areas make a river unstable and leave it more suspectible to flooding.
As stated earlier, this part of the park is and bike trail are prone to flooding. Visit the area, take note of the water level, and look around for any signs of erosion.
Logging Requirements
1. What evidence of flooding is present at your time of visit, if any?
2. How high would you estimate the water level being at the time of visit?
3. Would you say the river is flowing with high or low speed?
4. What signs of erosion do you see in the area? How do you think these signs can lead to additional flooding?
5. Based on evidence, do you expect the river to flood in this area soon? Explain your reasoning.
6. Optional: post a photo of yourself or a geocaching item along the path near the river.
Please send answers through either the messaging feature or via email.