Discover one of Ontario's natural wonders at .
Take in the outstanding view high above the Bay of Quinte as you enjoy a quiet picnic overlooking the lake and surrounding countryside. Bring along your camera to capture nature's beauty while contemplating the secrets hidden in this truly memorable place.
History:
The Mohawk Indians referred to this Lake as the Lake of the Gods, or in their Native tongue ONOKENOGA, as they believed that spirits dwelled with in the deep waters, Each spring they would gather and offer gifts to the spirits to ensure a bountiful crop for the upcoming year.
Today we know it as Lake on the Mountain.
Located some 60+ meters above the Bay of Quinte, Lake On the Mountain has a constant flow of fresh water,but has no visible source and defies all known geographical and geological theories.
Rumors of Under water volcanoes and meteorites crashes have been heard for years and years, but today the generally accepted reason for Lake on the Mountain is it is a collapsed Doline
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Doline
Sinkhole - Cenote
A doline, sink or sinkhole is a closed depression draining underground in karst areas. It can be cylindrical, conical, bowl- or dish-shaped. The diameter ranges from a few to many hundreds of meters.
The name doline comes from dolina, the Slovenian word meaning valley. So this was originally a colloquial Slovenian word which was used by the geologists to describe a geologic feature.
There are two different mechanisms for the forming of dolines:
- solution
The corrosive solution of limestone by rainwater is very high in the area fo crack, allowing the water to run into the rock. This normally forms the bowlshaped type of dolines.
The solution produces large amounts of clay (depending on the pureness of the limestone). This clay is water resistant and sometimes plugs the drainage, so little lakes of rain water can sometimes be found in dolines, a rare thing in waterless karst areas.
collapse
When a cave grows, there may be a point where the roof of a cavern is not stable enough. This results in (several) collapses that shape the roof like a dome. This process runs out, when the shape is able to hold the the weight of overlying rocks.
If the impact of this collapse reaches the surface, if the overlying layers are too thin. The ceiling collapses and a doline is formed. The doline is often a natural entrance to the cave.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Early settlers to the area thought that Lake on the Mountain was bottomless, but today they have estimated the approximate depth of the lake.
In order to log this earth cache please E-mail me the answers to the following 3 questions through my Geocaching Profile
1) Seeing that this Lake has no Visible source of fresh water, Can it sustain, life? Eg: Fish and Plants. What evidence do you see that supports your answer?
2)Using your best guess, Do you believe the DOLINE theory for this lake YES or NO and WHY ?
3) As the crow flies, what is the approximate distance from the WATERS EDGE at GZ to Plaque Glenore?
Although not required, pictures of you at Lake on the Mountain are always welcome.
Note the Coordinates for both Plaques only get you close, to avoid armchair or Internet cachers logging this Earthcache
Please remember to be respectful of the area, remove all litter, and leave no trace of your visit except great memories.
Also remember to CITO if possible.
Congratulations to SKYE53 on the FTF and for the very descriptive answers