Falls of Floyd's Fork EarthCache
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Listed coords will get you to this gem of a falls
along the scenic Floyd's Fork. An approach from the bottom of the
falls reveals the different tiers of rock stratum.
Formation
Formation of a waterfall
Typically, a river flows over a large step in the rocks which may
have been formed by a fault line. Over a period of years, the edges
of this shelf will gradually break away and the waterfall will
steadily retreat upstream, creating a gorge of recession. Often,
the rock stratum just below the more resistant shelf will be of a
softer type, meaning undercutting, due to splashback, will occur
here to form a shallow cave-like formation known as a rock shelter
or plunge pool under and behind the waterfall. Eventually, the
outcropping, more resistant cap rock will collapse under pressure
to add blocks of rock to the base of the waterfall. These blocks of
rock are then broken down into smaller boulders by attrition as
they collide with each other, and they also erode the base of the
waterfall by abrasion, creating a deep plunge pool A waterfall is
usually a geological formation resulting from water, often in the
form of a stream, flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation
that forms a sudden break in elevation or nickpoint.
Some waterfalls form in mountain environments where the erosive
water force is high and stream courses may be subject to sudden and
catastrophic change. In such cases, the waterfall may not be the
end product of many years of water action over a region, but rather
the result of relatively sudden geological processes such as
landslides, faults or volcanic action.
This site illustrates the erosional qualities of
different types of rock stratum perfectly as you gaze up at the
falls from the bottom. Please note the separate levels as the water
"steps" toward the river.
To log this Earthcache please post a photo of yourself and the GPS
at the coords with the falls behind you.
You will also need to answer these questions via
Email.
1. Approximately how high is the total of all tiers on the falls
?
2. What is the width of the plunge pool at the first (highest)
drop ?
3. What direction does the water travel to enter Floyd's Fork
?
As always take nothing from the site and leave only your
footprints.
Jeepstaff &
Buddy.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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