Niagara Wine Country Earthcache EarthCache
Niagara Wine Country Earthcache
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If you’ve ever driven along the Niagara escarpment near Lockport, NY, you might have noticed that there are many wineries. You also might have noticed that they are all located between the escarpment and Lake Ontario and most are located near or next to the escarpment. The location of these wineries is not random, but is actually due to the geologic setting. The reason behind this is that the escarpment, in combination with Lake Ontario, creates a micro climate. Bodies of water are known for their ability to moderate temperature. During times when there are cold temperatures, the lake retains warmer temperatures and warms the air in the area. This also happens during the summer, when the lake retains cooler temperatures and cools the surrounding air.
Micro-climate environment air from Lake Ontario interacts with the Escarpment. As the air blows southward off Lake Ontario, it is stopped by the escarpment and moves back toward the lake. This creates a climate directly next to the escarpment that is perfect for growing grapes for wine. Not only is the temperature moderated but the movement of air also helps to stop the formation of frost.
The soil in which the grapes are grown also affects the taste of the wine. The resistant caprock of the Niagara Escarpment is the Lockport Dolostone. Weathering of the Dolostone increases the calcium content of soils below the escarpment, increasing their lime content which results in a drier tasty wine. Many soils in this area also have high clay content from the lake sediments deposited by glacial Lake Iroquois. At this site you can see the escarpment to the south, flat-lying areas surrounding you and to the north (toward Lake Ontario), and one of the many vineyards in this area.
You will get a larger picture of this wine region if you drive around, but this location gives you a look at all of the factors discussed above. Stop for a tasting at one of the many wineries and see if you can taste the geology!
In order to get credit for this cache, take a picture of yourself with your GPS at the cache site, and also answer the following question:
From this location estimate how far you are from the Escarpment?
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