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West Creek is a 9 mile tributary of the Cuyahoga River and
encompasses a 14 square mile watershed. West Creek has 10,000 years
of history beginning with post-glacial remnants.
Erosion is the process of moving or displacing solids (for
example: soil, rock, or other materials) by agents such as wind,
water, ice, or downward movement of organic material such as soil
due to gravity’s force on the material. (An example of this was the
new canyon formed on the north slope of Mt. St. Helens when it
erupted in May 1980 due to the rockslide of rock and ice.) Think
how long it took in this spot alone to cause this much erosion.
Think about how much time and water it took to create what you are
looking at today.
The rate of erosion depends on many factors including how much
and the intensity of rain, the type and texture of the soil, the
gradient of the slope, and how fast the water is moving in the
stream. Other factors would include sediment like small rocks would
increase the rate of erosion.
Here at the posted coordinates you will see massive evidence of
erosion from West Creek. Walk closer to the edge (be very careful
as the water may have eroded support under the edge) and observe
the erosive powers of water as it has dislodged a large amount of
soil and sediment in this spot. It has eroded the soil down to the
Bedford shale. The Bedford Shale is well exposed in Northern,
Central, and Southern Ohio and has been used as a source of clay
for making bricks and ceramic products. You can see that the water
has eroded down to the shale in both directions. If you are able -
notice how the pattern in which the shale is formed. You can see
the thin individual layers. Notice the texture and the color in
this location. You will see that it starts out wide and the deeper
the creek gets – the more narrow it gets at the bottom levels. This
is caused by the amount and intensity of the creek water levels
moving towards the Cuyahoga River. You can also observe spots where
the shale has given way due to the erosive powers of the creek.
Requirements to log this cache:
1. Estimate how many feet down has the water from the creek eroded
down to the shale bed in the deepest spot.
2. Observe a “mini gorge” on the edge of the creek. Explain how you
think that “gorge” was created and why.
3. Describe the exposed shale that you see here at this location
after the water has eroded the soil.
4. Post a photo of you and/or your group with the creek and erosion
visible from any angle in your online log.
Email me the answers to 1, 2, and 3 using my profile.
Each Cacher that logs a find is required to submit answers to
the questions above (failure to comply will result in a deletion of
your log). The only exception to this are young kids that are
caching with their parents (who have their own account, but not
computer privileges). Per Earthcache guidelines, each cacher is to
learn from their visit/experience. That means each cacher must
perform the necessary task(s) or requirements to log the cache and
earn your smiley.
Any logs that do not meet the above posted requirements will be
deleted at the discretion of the cache owner. All logging
requirements must be completed within 48 hours of logging the cache
online or your log will be deleted unless you have prior permission
from the cache owner.