Buck Creek Oxbow Lake EarthCache
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An oxbow lake is U shaped formation of a body of water that originated from the bends of a river, creek, or other body of water. Originally, this oxbow lake was part of Buck Creek but was cut off thousands of years ago. Most likely during a storm or flood the creek here left its banks and cut a new channel where you currently see Buck Creek flowing today a short distance away.
What is the process behind an oxbow lake formation?
Water in a river, stream, or creek has a different flow rate on it’s banks as it meanders. The water will flow the fastest on the outside bends and slower on the interior bends. As the water moves it erodes soil, rock, and other debris. This erosion occurs on the outer bank of the bend and deposits the eroded material on the inside bank. Over time this can be a significant amount of material. This natural process of eroding the outer banks and depositing that material on the inner banks will cause the river or stream to meander even further. After a period of time – it will get to a point where there is only a small piece of land between the bends of the river, stream, or creek.
Typically during a flood that small strip of land will totally be cut and an island area will be created. Water will always follow the path of least resistance and will now flow in a straighter line. The former location where the river, stream, or creek once flowed is then cut off. Eventually, over time – the oxbox lake will be filled in by organic material. Evidence of the oxbow lake can be seen especially after large amounts of rain has fallen in the area.
This oxbow lake is part of Linus C. Palmer Park – a Kent County Park located in the City of Wyoming. Palmer Park includes the L. E. Kaufman golf course and is over 300 acres in size. It has several great hiking trails throughout the park and at the north end has a boardwalk that stretches to the Buck Creek Nature Preserve.
Access to the listed coordinates is from a paved trail and a very pleasant walk from nearby parking.
To log this cache:
1) Measure the distance between the oxbow lake and where Buck Creek sits today. You will have to hike a short distance to the creek from here.
2) Take your photo at the oxbow lake and the location where you measure at Buck Creek and post it with your log.
3) Email me using my profile the distance between the oxbow lake and Buck Creek.
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