Sulphur Spring Earthcache
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Please Note: There is no cache container at the coordinates.
You must answer the two questions at the end of this description to meet the requirements for logging this EARTHCACHE; otherwise, your log will be deleted.
Thank you to Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority near Hanover, Ontario for supporting this Earthcache project. S.V.C.A. encourages visitors to explore this site to witness this natural occurring spring. There is no entry fee to the Conservation Authority; however, a donation of $5.00 is greatly appreciated.
Coordinates at the “Sulphur Spring” sign (View Photo in Gallery)
N 44 06.977 W 081 00.189
When approaching this portion of the Saugeen River, you will notice a “sulphur” smell in the air. The source of the smell is from a natural, overflowing sulphur spring located along the Sulphur Spring Trail on the Conservation property. The water from this spring flows approximately one kilometre before it joins the South Saugeen River. At that point the smell dissipates as it gets diluted with the existing water flow in the South Saugeen River. The Saugeen River then makes its way through the countryside, towns, and farmland before it empties into Lake Huron approximately 100 km downstream.
Why the Sulphur Smell:
The sulphur spring is tapping water from the Salina formation, rocks which are composed of alternating sequences of carbonate (limestone) and evaporites (like Salt and Gypsum). The water passes through the Salina formation and dissolves some of the gypsum (which is a sulphate mineral – chemical composition CaSO4) producing extremely high sulphate concentrations in the groundwater. In fact, the water coming out of the stream is actually near total saturation with respect to sulphates, based on some conductivity measurements.
The spring was formed during or very shortly after the recession of the last glaciers some 10,000 years ago. In short, ordinary groundwater, likely recharging the aquifer very far away, flows through the sulphate rich Salina formation and dissolves the sulphates which creates the “sulphur” smell as it hits the open air.
Coordinates at the Spring (View Photo in Gallery)
N 44 07.150 W 080 59.919
A Question of Depth:
The depth of the spring is anyone’s guess, as I am unaware of anyone having sounded out the bottom. Beware....it's DEEP!
Plants Along the Trail to the Spring:
If visiting this area in the spring, there is an abundance of wild flowers growing along the trail. Look for trilliums, trout lilies, jack-in-the pulpits, wake robins, and blood root, just to name a few.
The flora at the spring is fascinating.....very rare indeed. There are several kinds of mosses, and aqua-coloured algae.
In the summer, observe the grapevine, milkweed, tall white aster, New England aster, and goldenrod.
A Note about the Saugeen River:
The Saugeen River is located in southern Ontario, Canada, beginning its journey in the Dundalk highlands and flowing generally north-west about 200 km before exiting into Lake Huron. The river is navigable for some distance, and was once an important barge route. Today the river is best known for its fishing and as a canoe route. The Saugeen River has five major tributaries.
Communities on this river and its tributaries include:
Priceville
Durham
Hanover
Mount Forest
Chesley
Teeswater
Paisley
Southampton
Walkerton
The river's name comes from an Ojibwa language word Sahkum, meaning outlet.
In order to log this Earthcache, you must e-mail me the answers to the following questions:
• What is the amount of water flow from this natural sulphur spring?
• What is the year-round temperature of the spring water?
You may include a photo of your party with your log as well but it is not necessary or required in order to log this cache.
PLEASE NOTE: The quality of this water is not tested, so consumption is NOT recommended.
Because this is an open well, stay behind the fence, hold on to your children, and pets must be on a leash.
Credits & Reference Material:
1. The Management & Team at the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.
2. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
3. “SULPHUR SPRING TRAIL DEVELOPMENT & IMPROVEMENTS”
“FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOUNDATION”
www.fef.ca
Interior Grey Bruce Chapter help support trail maintenance.
4.”The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario”, T. Dickinson, D. Metsger, J. Bull, R. Dickinson
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)