Peachtree Creek EarthCache
Hidden : 7/29/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

This is an Earthcache. It is located near the point of confluence of the two major tributaries that form Peachtree Creek. They are the North Fork Peachtree Creek and the South Fork Peachtree Creek.

Peachtree Creek is a major stream that flows entirely within the confines of the city of Atlanta. A stream is defined as a body of water flowing on the earth on a bed within banks. Streams may be defined by their size. In the US, a stream is classified as less than 60 feet wide. Streams are important as conduits in the water cycle and act as corridors for fish and wildlife migration. A stream is a core element of environmental geography.

After it forms at this confluence point at I-85, Peachtree Creek flows in a southwest direction across North Atlanta until it reaches the Chattahoochee River at I-75. For decades, the city of Atlanta has been shaped by the geological flow of this waterway. The history of Atlanta can be seen all along Peachtree Creek, from the mill roads to ferry crossings.

Peachtree Creek is the major tributary in Atlanta to the Chattahoochee River. It evolves as two main tributaries on the east side of Atlanta. The streams that create Peachtree Creek lie west of the Eastern Continental Divide. The Eastern Continental Divide separates the Chattahoochee River basin from the Ocmulgee River basin. Running from the western edge of the Eastern Continental Divide are the two main Peachtree Creek tributaries, the North Fork and South Fork.

Both of Peachtree Creek’s forks start about two miles outside of the I-285 perimeter highway. The South Fork of Peachtree Creek flows along the western edge of the Eastern Continental Divide. The North Fork of Peachtree Creek flows in parallel to the I-85 highway. Peachtree Creek drains into the Chattahoochee River as one of its major tributaries.

Peachtree Creek drains an 86.8 square mile urban basin in Metropolitan Atlanta. Peachtree Creek's water flow volumes peak more severely during storms due to the impervious land cover present in the urban area of Atlanta. At the location of this cache, you can see this urban development continuing to harden the natural land cover that once existed here. This is most evident where you are standing as you view the depth of the North Fork and South Fork waterways as they form Peachtree Creek.

Peachtree Creek is one of many aquifers in the southern Coastal Plain Province. These aquifers consist of alternating units of sand, clay, sandstone, dolomite, and limestone that dip gently and thicken to the southeast. Confining units between these aquifers are mostly silt and clay. At this confluence point that forms the Peachtree Creek, there is strong evidence of this clay and silt.

The creek has long been a water source to the city and at the same time a threat during heavy rains. As Atlanta has been developed, Peachtree Creek’s banks have been altered and squeezed. These man-made creek changes have resulted in the water of Peachtree Creek often leaving its banks after heavy rains in North Atlanta. The creek reached its highest official flood record ever in September 2004, following Hurricanes Frances and Ivan. The creek is constantly fighting back against the changes that man creates.

Due to it's propensity to flood, Peachtree Creek waterway is monitored closely by the United States Geological Survey. They monitor such parameters as the water volume discharge, water height, and water temperature real-time and post them on their National Water Information System website.

In order to obtain credit for this Earthcache, please answer the following questions and obtain a picture of yourself with your GPS and the creeks in the background at the location of this Earthcache.

E-mail me with the answers to these questions:
1) Name the two towns where the forks of the Peachtree Creek originate.
2) Name the other major stream that joins Peachtree Creek just before it flows into the Chattahoochee River.
3) Name the Atlanta road named after the ferry that used to be located across the Chattahoochee River near Peachtree Creek.
4) While standing at the cache location, estimate the height of the clay embankment in the "V" formed by the joining of the North Fork and South Fork of Peachtree Creek.

 Enjoy your visit to this EarthCache right in the heart of Atlanta!

Online reading:
Peachtree Creek Wiki
The Eastern Continental Divide in GA
USGS Site with Peachtree Creek real-time measurements



Silver Earthcache Master

FTF : emty and J9-ATL

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