The Myosotis Water Fall
EarthCache
There are many different
types of waterfalls, for the purposes of this Earthcache we will
stick to some of the more prominent waterfall
classifications. Simply put, a waterfall is a course of water
that drops vertically, meaning, it flows over the edge of a cliff
or down a slope.
The classification a
waterfall is given is based upon how the water moves through its
course, how much water is flowing, what the surface beneath the
water is and the various geologic processes that worked to create
it. So what was the geologic setting that helped create this
area?
This area is actually
part of the Catskill Delta that underlies the Allegheny Plateau.
During one of the many mountain building events to affect the New
York area, enormous amounts of sediments were eroded from the
rising mountains into the nearby shallow inland sea that existed
during Devonian times (~400mya). As the erosion continued and
the sediments continued to flow, the shallow sea was filled in and
the corresponding shorelines migrated with this
deposition. Overtime these sediments were buried and
subjected to various temperatures and pressures forming the record
of rocks we enjoy today.
In the preserve you can observe rocks
of the Hamilton and Onondaga Groups.
The Onondaga Limestone
represents a high energy, shallow water environment and it is
very rich in fossils. As we move up in time we see the change
in depositional environments in the later part of the Middle
Devonian and we enter into the Hamilton Group. As we
move our way up through the Hamilton Group we will see
alternating (interbedded) shales, sandstones and
siltstones. The sandstone, representing a shore or near
shore depositional environment, is more resistant to
weathering and often forms cliffs. The shales and
siltstones form in deeper water settings and are more easily
eroded. The fact that the various rocks are interbedded
demonstrates the changes that fluctuated over
time.
It is these changes in
environment and, therefore rock type, which helped to form the
shape of the falls we see today.
The Edmund Niles Huyck
Preserve and Biological Research Station, was originally 500 acres
(established in 1931) that were essentially left undisturbed since
the late 1800s. Since 1967 an additional 1500 acres have been added
to the preserve. Among the natural treasures found on the Preserve
are hardwood stands more than 200 years old, Lake Myosotis, Lincoln
Pond and the dramatic Rensselaerville Falls.
The Preserve, one of the
oldest individual biological research stations in the United
States.
Block: Water descends from a relatively wide
stream or river and
drops over a ledge forming what appears to be a "sheet" of
water. Ideally, it is observably wider than it is
tall.
Cascade: Water descends a series of
rock steps. There may be separate waterfalls falling consecutively
and in close proximity so generally they can be seen
together.
Chute: A
violent section of water that is forced through a narrow
passage due to cliff walls or large rocks. Depending on the
descent angle, they may be classified as rapids not a
waterfall. Very common in canyons where the water is
wall-to-wall.
Fan: Water falls through a relatively narrow
crest and spreads out and becomes wider as it
descends.
Horsetail: Descending water maintains some
contact with bedrock.
Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing
contact with the bedrock surface.
Punchbowl: Water falls through a constricted area and
descends down into a pool of water. The water "punches"
through and falls into a "bowl".
Parallel:
When falls are side-by-side and
fall similar to each other. There can be two or more falls
and can be from the same watercourse or from more than one
watercourse. Twin falls are also side-by-side but do not have
to be similar in type.
Ribbon:
Water descends in a narrow
strip significantly taller than it is wide.
Talus
: Water flowing over a chaotic
mix (30 degree slope or greater) of rock debris on a slope
usually found at the base of a cliff or steep incline.
Veil: Water falls over rocks (usually large
rocks) creating a thin layer of water that just barely covers
its surface.
Now, how to earn your
smiley. Using the classifications you have been given
above, go to the IP:
1) Determine which type of
waterfall you are looking at (EMAIL the answer)
2) Take a photo of your GPS
with the waterfall in the background and post it with your
log.
Enjoy your time in the preserve –
the waterfall is just the beginning!