Peat Domes EarthCache
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Located on the Hoyt Post Memorial Trail in Forest Part which is an extension of Parker Mills County Park . Park at either Parker Mills or Gallup Park and follow Gallup Trail to the Hoyt Post Memorial Trail. Please do not leave the boardwalk.
Although this park is open all year long, the best time to visit this earthcache is in the spring.
Placed with permission of Washtenaw County Parks.
When groundwater flowing through aquifers meets the surface of the earth, it is called a spring. Aquifers are layers of rocks that are either porous or have cracks in them that allow water to flow through them. Water enters the aquifers through cracks or other openings in the layers of rock above the aquifer. The rate of flow (how much water comes out in a given length of time) of a spring will depend on how much water is entering the aquifer. Since most of the source water for an aquifer comes from either rain or snow melt, a spring can run dry in a drought. Water may travel a short distance or a long distance depending on the geography of the land. Springs can take many different forms when they come to the surface of the earth. Spring water forced to the surface by elevated sources (i.e. rain water enters aquifer at a higher elevation) is called an artesian well. Parker Mill park has many artesian wells.
The Hoyt Post Trail travels through a floodplain. A floodplain is an area that is covered with water when a nearby creek or river overflows its banks. Both Fleming Creek (which the Hoyt Post Trail follows) and the Huron River flood this area. Each cycle leaves rich sediments which build up over time. These soils, known as alluvium, support a rich plant life. It is these plants which help form peat. Peat is comprised of partially decayed plant matter.
When the artesian wells come up under the peat, the water gently pushes the peat up. The peat here also has plants and trees growing on it. The plants and tree roots form a fabric that helps contain the water, allowing the peat formation to create a dome (kind of like a giant mud-filled balloon).
The posted coordinates lead you to the top of a peat dome.
To get credit for this earthcache, email me (do not post) your answers to the following:
1. How deep is the mud here? This can be found on a nearby sign.
2. Estimate the height this peat dome rises above the surrounding flood plain. DO NOT LEAVE THE BOARDWALK, just estimate.
3. Count how many artesian wells are on this peat dome. Look carefully, some may be hiding.
4. Do you think that your answers to questions 2 and 3 would change with the seasons and recent rainfall (or lack thereof)? Why? And if so, how? Extra credit if you come back and verify your answer.
5. Take a picture of you and/or your party and post with your log. Make sure not to include the sign in your picture.
Thanks for visiting.
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