Soils of RI #12: Matunuck Traditional Cache
SearchNSeekNEnjoy: I am archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note. The cache owner should retrieve any remaining cache contents at their earliest convenience.
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SearchNSeekNEnjoy
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Soils of RI #12: Matunuck
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is the 12th in a series of caches honoring the 58 different types of soils found within the State of Rhode Island. Soils were a major factor in the settling and early farming of RI, and soils continue to influence our industry, recreation, wildlife, and homes. As you complete this series, please take note of how the soil is determined in-part by the landscape position (summit, sideslope, drainageway), which in turn affects the vegetation.
This cache is located on the southwestern side of Arnold Neck. A small extension of Greenwich Bay extends between Arnold Neck and the rest of Warwick. This sheltered cove is the perfect spot for the development of Matunuck soils. Matunuck soils are wetland soils that have formed in shallow, grassy peat that is underlain by sandy marine or glacial outwash deposits. Matunuck soils are similar to other tidal soils, such as Ipswich, Pawcatuck, Westbrook, and Sandyhook. Matunuck soils have 8 – 16” of peat at the surface; the other tidal soils have more or less than this range.
Matunuck soils are flooded twice daily by tidal waters. This regular tidal flooding causes only salt-tolerant vegetation to grow, such as saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and salt marsh hay (Spartina patens). Salt marshes are important areas for flood control, denitrification, and pollution retention. In addition, salt marshes provide important habitat for wildlife and are nursery grounds for a variety of shellfish and fish species.
Matunuck soils are obviously hydric soils and are classified as coastal wetlands. Historically, these areas were often used as pasture and hayed. These soils are poorly suited to building, even if they are drained. Draining these soils often results in a collpase of the marsh peat and the potential for a dramatic decrease in soil pH (increasing acidity of the soil).
Due to tidal flooding, the cache itself is not located in the marsh, but rather in the adjacent dune. Take some time to admire the marsh, take in a view of the bay, and do some bird watching. Little ones might also like seeing the Amtrak go by! Should be an easy find for those of you who have been following this series... easy hide on easy terrain. Be sure to note the attributes!
High fives to Stewj for the FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Abg n qvssvphyg uvqr, ohg n yvggyr obhyqre guna gur Aneentnafrgg pnpur.