Rockport Bluffs EarthCache
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The coords will bring you a southern Indiana icon: the Rockport Bluffs. These sandstone bluffs can be seen and recognized for a long ways by motorists of the Natcher Bridge as well as river travelers. Over years the bluffs were transformed along the ancient Ohio River with identations as well as overhangs going into the bluffs.
Geology
From a geologic standpoint, the Ohio River is young. The river formed on a piecemeal basis beginning between 2.5 and 3 million years ago. The earliest Ice Ages occurred at this time and dammed portions of north-flowing rivers. The Teays River was the largest of these rivers. The modern Ohio River flows within segments of the ancient Teays. The ancient rivers were rearranged or consumed by glaciers and lakes.
[edit] Upper Ohio River
The upper Ohio River formed when one of the glacial lakes overflowed into a south-flowing tributary of the Teays River. Prior to that event, the north-flowing Steubenville River (no longer in existence) ended between New Martinsville and Paden City, West Virginia. Likewise, the south-flowing Marietta River (no longer in existence) ended between the present-day cities. The overflowing lake carved through the separating hill and connected the rivers.
The resulting floodwaters enlarged the small Marietta valley to a size more typical of a large river. The new large river subsequently drained glacial lakes and melting glaciers at the end of several Ice Ages. The valley grew with each major Ice Age.
Many small rivers were altered or abandoned after the upper Ohio River formed. Valleys of some abandoned rivers can still be seen on satellite and aerial images of the hills of Ohio and West Virginia between Marietta, Ohio, and Huntington, West Virginia. As testimony to the major changes that occurred, such valleys are found on hilltops.[clarification needed]
[edit] Middle Ohio River
The middle Ohio River formed in a manner similar to formation of the upper Ohio River. A north-flowing river was temporarily dammed southwest of present-day Louisville, Kentucky, creating a large lake until the dam burst. A new route was carved to the Mississippi River. Eventually the upper and middle sections combined to form what is essentially the modern Ohio River.
As the river levels changed, it's currents eroded the landscape it encountered. The bluffs and the erosion features here are some of the results.
To log this as a find, just email me the answers to these questions:
1. In the overhang at the top of the steps at the coords, what is the height and depth of the overhang at it's largest place?
2. From the road, what is the estimated height of the bluff at this spot? ( from the road level to the area where the trees start growing above you)
3. On an inlay carved plaque set into the bluff above you, what was the year of the recorded river crest stated by Ferryman R.V. Miller?
Please do not post any of the answers in your log.
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Treasures
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