Pontarfynach - River Capture at The Devil's Bridge EarthCache
Pontarfynach - River Capture at The Devil's Bridge
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Coords above are just for the general area and not for any of the items to be observed.
Visit a spectacular tourist site and see a classic example of an important geological feature. You can even catch the steam train from Aberystwyth to do this one! Easy access. Free parking is available at N 52° 22.633 W 003° 50.948.
Pontarfynach (or Devil’s Bridge) is a deep gorge where over the centuries 3 bridges have been built one above another. The difficulty of building here led to the legend that it was built by the devil in exchange for the first soul that crossed the bridge. The formation of the gorge is an example of the geological process called RIVER CAPTURE. From the coordinates you can look over the topmost of the 3 bridges and see the deep gorge cut by the sudden increase in water that tumbled into the Afon Rheidol when headward erosion of the river cut back into another river and “stole” the water. This was the second occasion that water flowing from Plumlumon had changed course because of natural erosion. At an earlier geological time, the same process of RIVER CAPTURE had diverted the water flow down the Afon Ystwyth. (This can be seen at the gorge beneath another of Dodo’s caches at Camau Lleidr) One result of these sequential captures is an abandoned high level valley (now with no water in it!) between Devil’s Bridge heading south towards the Ystwyth. Visit the bridge to see the sights and then use a map to answer these questions about RIVER CAPTURE. (As usual, photographs of the general area are always appreciated but not essential)
1) Look from the bridge to the South East. Below you the power of the additonal water has carved the rocks into a swirling pool known as the Devil's Punchbowl. Estimate the diameter of the larger of the pools. (If you can see adults on the viewing platform below, compare the diameter to their height and assume they are 5 feet tall.) If at the time of your visit the foliage is too dense, then I will allow you to skip this question.
2) Using a map, find the coastal town where the “captured river” originally entered the sea before it was diverted by the Ystwyth and the Rheidol.
In addition, to prove you have been there,
a) what is the missing word from a nearby memorial stone. “Erected by the Cardiganshire County Council 1901 ????? Surveyor”
b) The red letterbox on the side of the hotel was cast in the reign of King George. But what is the name of the foundry that cast it? W.V. ????? & Co. London.
There is no need to wait for a reply from us before logging your find. Please send an email or use the message system with your answers to Dodo The Saxon who will retrospectively check your answers.
Congratulation to ants tr7v8 for FTF ! October 2008
Congratulation to SeekingSalters STF October 2008
Congratulation to Sadie's Mob for TTF October 2008
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[1 -] Ab pyhr [2 -] Sbyybj gur Grvsv -Lbh ner trggvat jnez! [a –] Abegu bs gur oevqtr. [b -] Ab pyhr arrqrq!
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