This EarthCache is located south
of Menomonie Wisconsin. Many people have been to this area, but few
actually know what exactly is happening here.
Welcome to the Weeping
Wall.
This wall actually 'weeps' year round..... but
why?
A spring is a point where groundwater flows out of the ground, and
is thus where the aquifer surface meets the ground surface.
Water issuing from an artesian spring rises to a higher elevation
than the top of the confined aquifer from which it issues. When
water issues from the ground it may form into a pool or flow
downhill, in surface streams. Sometimes a spring is termed a
seep.
Minerals become dissolved in the water as it moves through the
underground rocks. This may give the water flavor and even carbon
dioxide bubbles, depending upon the nature of the geology through
which it passes. This is why spring water is often bottled and sold
as mineral water, although the term is often the subject of
deceptive advertising. Springs that contain significant amounts of
minerals are sometimes called 'mineral springs'. Springs that
contain large amounts of dissolved sodium salts, mostly sodium
carbonate, are called 'soda springs'.
Although not evident in the winter (mainly because of the ice that
is present), there is evidence that minerals are present in this
spring water as well. The wall of the ravine is stained by
brilliant hues of orange and gold. This indicates that high levels
of iron are dissolved in the water.
The 'weeping' wall you see now is the product of erosion caused by
melting glaciers approximately 10 thousand years ago.
These erosional forced carved a distinctive channel into the
limestone. The ravine formed, exposed 'veins' of spring water that
continually 'weep' from the ravine wall.
Two characteristics of this water are very interesting, and you
might find them very surprising.
So, to receive credit for this
EarthCache, please do the following:
Previously I mentioned that two of the characteristics of the water
here are very interesting, please measure the temperature and the
pH of the water. (pH strips can be obtained at any pool supply
store or even pet stores.)
Is the water basic or acidic?
Why is it basic/acidic?
What is the temperature of the water?
Please e-mail this information to me when logging this
EarthCache.
also
When logging this EarthCache, please upload a picture of
yourself/team with your GPS clearly visible with the Weeping Wall
in the background.
Logs that do not meet these criteria, Will Be Deleted, No Exceptions!!
Please Note: The area to park to access this EarthCache
is very limited, be sure to pull off of the road as much as
possible.
Also, even though this EarthCache is for the entire family and
may be accessed year round, this area may be VERY icy during the
winter. Please use caution in this area during our colder months.
At no time should you be near the wall, the necessary information
to be gathered can be accessed WELL AWAY from the wall.
