A Meaningful Little Tryst EarthCache
A Meaningful Little Tryst
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A waterfall, narrowly defined, is a stream of water that descends freely over a precipice. It is formed when a stream flows from a resistant rock (harder – often igneous) to one that is more readily eroded (softer – more easily erodible rock) by the stream. Often a plunge pool is created where the water collects. If enough water moves over the hard rock, it can undercut it and break it away. In many cases, the soft rock below the hard rock will recede, so that much of the hard rock at the upper level of the waterfall becomes an overhang.
This EarchCache will take you to a location to observe all of this. Clay County’s first official recreation park, Tryst Falls, was officially dedicated in 1972.
1.) Go to Coordinates N 39 22.364 W 094 16.445.
From this location, take a look at the creek just before the falls. Are you able to notice anything interesting with regard to the grooves that appear in the bed of the creek and the way the water shifts as it makes its way into the chute of the falls? This is a good vantage point to estimate the width of the falls. You only need to estimate the width, not measure it.
2.) Go to Coordinates N 39 22.354 W 094 16.443.
You should be standing in a spot that is high enough that your eye level is at or above the top of the falls. This spot will give you a good view of the falls. You will probably note the volume has increased in comparison to the previous coordinates where you were. Notice how the naturally developed overhang of this particular waterfall impact the acoustics of the area, dulling or amplifying the sound of the falls depending on where you stand.
If you look to your left, you will note a rock formation that looks out of place. The layers make it look as if it were on its side. What you are looking at is a tall rock pinnacle that at one time stood below the falls. Water eventually eroded the pinnacle until, in 1883, high water dislodged it. While water chisels the landscape in many subtle ways and over great stretches of time, this is a readily seen example of water as a powerful shaper of the Earth.
The spot where you are standing is a great spot to take note of how tall the waterfall is. Make note of your estimate of how far the water falls from the top of the falls before meeting the water below.
3.) Go to Coordinates N 39 22.351 W 094 16.455.
This point gives you a good view of the falls from head on. Having viewed the waterfall from multiple angles, take note of the type of waterfall Tryst Falls is. There is a short list of general waterfall types below.
Please take a picture of yourself standing at this location with the falls in the background as evidence you were here. As an alternative, you may have someone take a picture of you from this general area with you standing at the first set of coordinates.
To claim credit for this EarthCache complete the following four tasks:
Send me
1) Your estimate of the width of the falls.
2) Your estimate of the height of the falls.
3) Your determination of what type of waterfall this is. Do NOT post any of this information in your log.
Post
4) A picture of yourself and your gps at point 3 with Tryst Falls in the background on your log. [If you have some form of internet photo posting phobia, feel free to email a picture instead. I will be happy to honor it. I will not sell it to tabloids.]
Note:
Be careful to watch your step at this site. There are several places where crevices could be accidentally stepped into if one is not careful. If you have any concerns about your ability, or the ability of anyone in your party, to properly navigate this area, do not do this EarthCache.
Also Note:
GPS coordinates will be read slightly different by different receivers on different days, depending on conditions. Please use logic in your effort to complete this EarthCache. If the coordinates seem to take you to a spot that is unsafe in your opinion (for example, the water), do not go there. Go to where it seems most logical and do your best with the tasks. The coordinates were taken on two different days (both clear), with two GPSrs on each day. Even so, do not follow them blindly. Be aware that at no time should you be in the water at Tryst Falls or Williams Creek.
Finally Note:
This is an Earthcache, not an exam. Treat it as such. Enjoy yourself and maybe discover or learn something. Do not stress if you just aren't sure your estimates are up to snuff. If you actually go to the site and do the steps as outlined, they will have acceptable snuffage.
Thanks for visiting Tryst Falls.
Types of waterfalls (this list is NOT exhaustive):
Block – Water descends from a wide stream or river creating a “water sheet” effect as it plunges below.
Cascade – Water descends down small steps or stages.
Cataract – Very large, very powerful, and rushes directly down with force.
Fan – Water remains in contact with the bedrock. It begins through a relatively narrow opening and spreads horizontally as it descends.
Horsetail – Water maintains contact with the bedrock surface for the majority of the descent.
Multi-step - A water stream with a series of waterfalls, each having a similar size, and each having a distinct sunken plunge pool.
Plunge – Water falls vertically having no contact with the bedrock as it descends.
Punchbowl – Water moves through a constricted area and then plunges into a pool below.
Segmented – Water falls in different sections due to a single watercourse being segmented by pieces of land.
Tiered – Water drops in a series of distinct steps.
FTF - Carolea60!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)