Banff Upper Hot Springs EarthCache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
One of the interesting features of the Rocky Mountains is the existence of the various hot springs. A hot spring is a flow of water from underground that is heated by the immense pressure of being underground and from the heat generated by the core of the planet. The water (in these hot springs) flow up the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault and emerge at the surface.
The water is also seasonal. During the summer months the melting snow and water will flow into the precipitation drains that lead into the network of water veins. This increases the pressure in the system, and the water will emerge at roughly 900 litres per minute with a minimum temperature of 27 degrees celsius.
During the winter, the snow and cold will prevent water from flowing into the system. When this happens, the flow slows down to about 500 litres per minute, but with a temperature of 47 degrees celsius.
Each hot springs has a different water content. The minerals that the water brings up with it are all unique to that particular hot spring, and are dependent upon what minerals are on the route to the surface. In the bath house, there is a one page pamphlet that has – on the back lower right hand corner – a section called “What’s in the water?” Please take one.
To log this cache:
1) From the viewing platform that overlooks the pool, on the far left side down near the pool deck is a sign that indicates the temperature of the pool. Please post what temperature it was reading during your visit.
2) Email to the owner – from the sheet mentioned above – what mineral and concentration is the most common mineral in the water?
3) Please feel free to post a photo of yourself at the site.
Thanks!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)