Geothermal Hanmer EarthCache
Hidden : 2/1/2010
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


A hot spring is a spring that is produced by the emergence of
geothermally heated groundwater from the Earth's crust.

Geothermal pools.

The water issuing from a hot spring is heated by geothermal heat,
i.e., heat from the Earth's interior. In general, the temperature
of rocks within the earth increases with depth. The rate of
temperature increase with depth is known as the geothermal
gradient. If water percolates deeply enough into the crust, it will
be heated as it comes into contact with hot rocks. The water from
hot springs in non-volcanic areas is heated in this manner.

In active volcanic zones water may be heated by coming into contact
with magma (molten rock). The high temperature gradient near magma
may cause water to be heated enough that it boils or becomes
superheated. If the water becomes so hot that it builds steam
pressure and erupts in a jet above the surface of the Earth, it is
called a geyser. If the water only reaches the surface in the form
of steam, it is called a fumarole. If the water is mixed with mud
and clay, it is called a mud pot.

Therapy and tourist attractions.

Because heated water can hold more dissolved solids, warm and
especially hot springs also often have a very high mineral content,
containing everything from simple calcium to lithium, and even
radium. Because of both the folklore and the claimed medical value
some of these springs have, they are often popular tourist
destinations such as the one you are currently at.

Hanmer Springs.

The Hanmer Springs Thermal Springs are low temperature springs
produced as a result of the fractured rock bed along the Hanmer
Fault. The thermal water originates from rainwater that fell 180
years ago, which seeped down through fractured rock in the Hanmer
Mountains to a depth of about two kilometers below the Hanmer
plains.

Heat radiating from the Earth's core raises the temperature of the
rainwater in the underground reservoir. This heated water then
rises to the surface through a series of interconnecting fractures
in the greywacke rock.
 
The Gasometer
A gasometer is a large container where natural gas or town gas
is stored near atmospheric pressure at ambient temperatures. The
volume of the container follows the quantity of stored gas, with
pressure coming from the weight of a movable cap.

So whats your task?:
1. Cachers need to find the temperature of Hanmer's hottest geothermal pool. The
temperature on the signboard within the pools, not the one off the
website!! (Yes they are different.)
2. As you enter the complex you will see Hanmers old
gasometer used to heat the Queen Mary complex. Your task is to read
the sign on the gasometer and find the date (year) it was shut
down, and what position it now sits.
( You do not have to send me the answers in order to log the cache I trust cachers enough that they will fulfill all the requirements.)
3. Take a picture of your GPSr at the geothermal pools, and
upload it with your log.

The easiest way to obtain this information is by paying and going
to the hot pools. The prices for this are $14.00 for adults and
$7.00 for children. (Open from 10:00AM-9:00PM 7 days.)
More info on pricing can be found at:
(visit link)
Alternatively if your not willing to spend the money to enter the
pools the information should be easily obtained on the sign boards
outside the entrance to the thermal pools, or at the information
desk inside.
Google should not be used to complete this cache!! It defeats the
purpose and the fun of the game for others!

Good luck and enjoy the peace at tranquility that is Hanmer
Springs.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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