Ancient River EarthCache
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Questions: To get credit for this EarthCache, you will need to answer the following questions via e-mail response to the cache owner. Note, answers posted on geocaching.com will be deleted. Also be sure to post a picture of your favorite part of the trail incorporating yourself, your GPS, and/or call symbol that you use when hiking. (Picture Optional)
- What generalized rock formation is located in the area of this earth cache?
- How many different kinds of rock formations are mentioned to go from PA border down the river to Havre de Grace?
- How many bald eagles have been counted in the area during the winter months?
- What crossed the wetlands that disrupted them, and how was the issue addressed? (NOTE FOR THIS QUESTION THE SIGN WAS HIT BY A TREE. I WILL ACCEPT NO ANSWER FOR THIS QUESTION UNTIL IT'S REPAIRED.)
- What are the primary goals of the critical area land & resources regulations?
- What percentage of Maryland makes up the bay’s “first line of defense”? How many counties does that encompass?
- What aquatic mammals inhabit the river?
Cache Description
You currently stand at one of the world’s oldest 2 major river systems: the Susquehanna. This river is estimated to have formed between 543-248 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era. The river is so old that it is believed to have predated the formation of the Appalachian mountains over 300 million years ago, and therefore may have formed prior to the breakup of the super-continent Pangea as well as the formation of the Atlantic Ocean.
Before you lies the conclusion of a long journey that began in upstate New York, in Cooperstown, and flows to this region ending in Havre de Grace. From start to finish this river flows approximately 444 miles (715km). Including its watershed the Susquehanna is the 16th largest river in the world and the largest river east of the Mississippi.
The river is divided into two sections or branches. The main branch is known as the “North Branch”, and its headwaters flow from Cooperstown. The smaller of the two branches, which finds its source in western Pennsylvania, is known as the “Western Branch”. However, some consider the Western Branch to be a primary tributary to the Susquehanna. These branches merge at Northumberland in Central Pennsylvania.
As you hike along the trail, you’ll see large outcrops of rock in the hillsides beside the trail that expose nearly vertical layers of gray crystalline rock called gneiss. Geologists believe that these rocks originated when a thick accumulation of ancient sediments and volcanic ash were metamorphosed and re-crystallized forming the granite-like gneiss. This process, occurring about 400 million years ago, could not have happened without an immense amount of head pressure deep within the earth’s crust.
Prior to the end of the last Ice Age the Susquehanna was much longer. About 14,000 years ago, meltwater from glaciers in Pennsylvania/New York made the Susquehanna River larger and more vigorous than it is today. The melted water also carved a deep gorge through the hard rocks. Due to rising waters at the conclusion of the Pleistocene Era, the lower river valley flooded giving way to the formation of the Chesapeake Bay.
Alongside the trail, within the flood plains of the river, you will observe naturally occurring non-tidal wetlands, which are freshwater inland areas that are not subject to tidal influences. These wetlands serve a variety of useful purposes. They allow many species of wildlife to have a safe haven for breeding, migrating or wintering. Furthermore, wetlands trap sediments and filter pollution caused by runoff. Wetlands also help prevent floods by trapping, storing and slowly releasing water into the river.
Surrounding the river is one of the most biologically diverse deciduous ecosystems in North America. Several different species of trees and plants are located here, including red oak, black oak, birch and red maple. These trees provide shelter and food for the different species of wildlife living in their midst, including river otters, raccoons, screech owls and wood peckers.
Waypoints Starting point: N39 37.405 W 76 09.868
Forrest and Wildlife: N39 37.772 W 76 09.621
Wetlands: N39 37.619 W 76 09.560
Critical Area Program: N39 37.978 W76 09.673
Eagles: N39 38.233 W76 09.727
Geology: N39 38.749 W76 09.862
Sources:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources signs
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Susquehanna_River
http://nywea.org/clearwaters/09-1-spring/04-Historical.pdf
 Kid Friendly  Poison Plant Alert  Dogs Allowed
 Bicycles permitted on paths  Scenic View  Ticks  More than .5 mile from Trailhead
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