Unity Bridge EarthCache
Hidden : 3/4/2010
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

At this Earthcache site you will get to interact with a significant natural bridge.

Natural bridges are a type of natural arch developed by many years of erosional forces carving and shaping bedrock. They are a lasting evidence of the power of erosive forces in nature.

What is astonishing about this local land bridge, is how the same bedrock that is so significantly chiseled by various forces, is so solid and strong that it is able to hold up in the form of a natural bridge with such a large span.

Unity Bridge Beginning

At one time, many years ago, the natural bridge here was solid rock. Water flowed down over the area at varying rates for many years.

Unity Bridge Early

Eventually the effects of erosion could begin to be seen. This water started to erode at one end of the bridge, taking more and more rock away. Eventually this end developed into a waterfall in the same way that we can see many waterfalls eroding rock today.

Unity Bridge Developing

On the other end, upstream, the flow of water found a point where a natural erosive swirl occurred. Possibly assisted by eddies and rock particles in the water, the erosive force of the turbulence chiseled away much rock. This effect continued to compound through the years.

Unity Bridge Today

Eventually, this flow of water broke through. As the water continued to work the new channel that had been cut, more and more erosion occurred, opening up the area we see today.

Carefully make your way toward N 38 56.762 W 94 24.023. Around this point you should be actually standing on the natural land bridge. From here you should be able to observe a sign that will point you in the direction of the opening of the natural bridge. Take the gently sloping trail pointed out by the sign to the earthcache coordinates listed.

While at the site, consider the various forces that have eroded the bedrock to create this sizeable natural bridge. Based on your observations at the site, which force do you believe had the greatest impact in creating this geological structure?

To claim credit for this cache, please use the send message link in the cache owner's profile to message the following to the cache owner (solid estimates are acceptable on items 1-3).

1) The width of the natural bridge in feet.

2) The height of the natural bridge in feet.

3) The depth of the natural bridge in feet.

4) The primary erosional force that formed this bridge.



A few notes. Pets are allowed in this area but MUST be kept on a leash at all times. If you are unfamiliar with this area, it is strongly suggested that you use the parking at the supplied parking waypoint - N 38° 56.812 W 094° 24.184. Also please attempt this cache only during daylight. As with all caches, but especially with this cache, terrain rating may increase after heavy rains.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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