Norris Weir Dam EarthCache

WARNING: Even though you are visiting a site that is wheel-chair accessible, you are still near flowing water. Please observe all safety notices and warnings that are posted in the area.
At this earthcache you will see that a weir (rhymes with pier) is a small overflow-type dam used to maintain a minimum water level of a river or stream . When a river has plenty of water flow, a weir might actually be under the river surface and it serves little purpose. It’s when the river flow subsides that a Weir becomes invaluable. Weirs are used to create slow pools of water that provide dependable habitat for fish, especially trout. The enhanced water flow also provides more habitat for aquatic macro-invertebrates, which are the primary foods for trout.

In the case of this weir, Norris Dam (pictured above) which is located upstream controls the water flow. When Norris Dam releases water through it’s turbines to generate electricity, there is plenty of water flow. However, when Norris Dam isn’t generating electricity, no water is being released. Before the weir was built, the river would dry up when Norris didn’t release any water. Now thanks to the weir, there is always a dependable supply of water for the inhabitants of the river.

In addition to the enhanced water flow, there is another benefit from the Weir. When water spills over the top of the weir, the water is aerated (bubbled) and the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level of the water increases. Remember that even though fish live under water, they still need oxygen to survive, and water with inadequate oxygen content cannot sustain fish. “Thanks in large part to this weir, the Clinch River is now an excellent coldwater fishery.” excerpt from http://www.crctu.com/The_Clinch/Clinch.html

In addition to this link, there is an informational kiosk located at the Weir with information you will need to answer the questions below.
To get credit for this Earthcache you must complete the following requirements.
PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO Lostnspace9@gmail.com AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

1) What two actions were taken to maintain a constant flow of water?

2) There are several signs that list TWO THINGS that may not be used around the Weir. What are the two things?

3) What do you think happens to a fish that happens to swim over the top of the Weir? Hint: Stick around for a few minutes and you'll probably see one do just that!

4) (Optional) Lastly, when you log your visit please post a photo of something you find interesting with the weir in the background. Even you if you like, but that is not a requirement.

Do not post your answers to these questions when you log your visit. Any log entry with the answers, even if they are encrypted, will be deleted.

Nearby are several other points of interest you should consider, including the Norris Dam, the Grist Mill, and the Museum of Appalachia. These areas are all highly recommended.

Just a few weeks after this cache was developed, the local newspaper ran a story on this weir. To read the story, please click on this link: Knoxville News Sentinel

This cache has been approved by the Geological Society of America.

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