Flora and Fauna: Partners in the Cycle of Erosion EarthCache
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Flora and Fauna: Partners in the Cycle of Erosion
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This site is located on the South Rim Road in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Entry fee may apply.
There are many forces of erosion within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. One of the most subtle is the role of ecosystems.
The Black Canyon began largely as bare rock, incapable of sustaining life...or so it would seem. Lichens, a combination of fungus and algae living in a symbiotic state (meaning that each benefits from the other), are one of the only life forms that can sustain themselves on the surface of the rock. Through the process of sustaining themselves, they secrete chemicals into the rocks which begin to corrode the rock surfaces (chemical erosion). This provides a suitable environment for other plants such as moss to take hold. The mosses and lichens collect water-borne and wind borne dust. The addition of new plants provides an environment for other plants and insects. Almost imperceptibly, as the inhabitants of these new ecosystems begin to flourish and die, they begin to create soil through the addition of organic material. The creation of soil sets the stage for the introduction of larger species. Each new species contributes to the creation and enrichment of the soil. This process is known as "succession". Just as human pioneers paved the way for others to move west in this country, each new species paves they way for another species to join the ecosystem.
So how does this contribute to erosion? Lichens corrode the rocks and start the process of creating soil. Soil collects in the cracks and crevices of the rocks. With new and larger species of flora (plant life), the root systems widen the cracks and crevices (mechanical erosion). Fauna (animal life) eat the plant life and enrich the soils with their feces. The feces contain seeds that are deposited into the ground and spread the range of the flora in the ecosystem. The flora are dependant upon the process of erosion to create the soil they need to survive. The fauna are dependant on the flora as a means to survive, and they spread the flora in their efforts to sustain themselves. It is a symbiotic cycle that finds its beginnings in erosion.
What can we learn from these ecosystems? Man has a dramatic effect on the surface of the Earth. Comparatively, we often change the land rapidly, sometimes violently, and often without a symbiotic relationship with our environment.
The species found in the Black Canyon include: Wild flowers, sage, pinyon, juniper, Douglas Fir, Mountain-Mahogany, Serviceberry , Gambel (scrub) Oak, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, mule deer, elk, and a wide array of birds, reptiles and small mammals. Black bears are occasionally seen around the canyon as well. The dominant species of the region is the pinyon/juniper forest.
In order to claim this cache you must take a short walk down the Warner Point Nature Trail. Go to the scenic overlook (a breath-taking view of the Uncompahgre Valley and San Juan Mountain Range...take your camera) at coordinates N38 33.762 W107 44.629. Email me a description of two erosional features on the rock relevant to the narrative of this EarthCache.
The remaining hike to Warner Point is approximately 1.4 miles round trip with some steep grades, but definitely worth the trip if you are up for it. (approx. 3 terrain)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Bar vf purzvpny rebfvba naq gur bgure vf zrpunavpny rebfvba.
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