Mount Hope Mudslide Earthcache

Over 450 million years ago this location was part of an ocean floor. Sediments of clay formed from decaying ocean life, compressed forming the bedrock you see before you today. Despite being referenced as "Bedrock", clay is really a false bedrock due to one of it's major properties, it's permeable by water. Clay's ability to soften and allow water to penetrate makes it susceptible to landslides. Despite being a horrible media for building, humans have weakened the location by cutting into it building roads. Building houses on top increasing weight.

In the last year 2 road closing mudslides have occurred and with Cincinnati's record setting rain fall there is no sign of this stopping. The first mudslide of 2011 wiped away the top soil which allowed for woody vegetation to grow. Now striped from the surface additional per-cautions will have to occur. Already a barrier wall covers a portion of the area but on January 27th 2012 that wall become nothing more than part of the mudslide. The city has plans to add large rocks above and below to help prevent the road from washing out.

Using the readings above and information at the cache site to answer the questions.

1. Why is clay a false bedrock?

2. What conditions might have triggered this mudslide?

3. What Non-Native plant also assisted in the triggering of this slide and why?

4. What methods could you apply to prevent future slides?

5. Between Purcell Ave. and Mt Hope Ave. How many different mudslide paths are evident?

6. Include a photo of yourself at the site. (optional)