Amherst Pointe EarthCache
Hidden : 3/17/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Amherst Pointe Earthcache

Lake Erie's wetlands.
Lake Erie (one of the Great Lakes) in its current form is less than 4,000 years old. This is young geologically speaking. The lake has an extensive coastal wetland system (see dark green areas on map) which have developed behind large sand spits and at river and creek mouths. Over half are wetland complexes, consisting mostly of marshes with some swamp and bog components. The coastal wetlands of Lake Erie support the largest diversity of plant and wildlife species in the Great Lakes.

Geology of coastal wetlands.
Geology plays a critical role in understanding wetland dynamics. Three characteristics make wetlands unique -- vegetation, soils, and hydrology. The vegetation is dominated by plants adapted to wet conditions (many of which are rooted); the soils are developed in water-saturated materials; and the areas are either saturated, periodically flooded, or contain permanently standing water.

In Great Lakes coastal wetlands, the water table is tied to lake levels. Three types of water level fluctuations occur on the Great Lakes: (1) Short-term fluctuations (i.e. storm surges) are measured in minutes, hours or days; (2) Seasonal fluctuations (i.e. evaporation, precipitation, watershed runoff and groundwater flow) follow a regular seasonal cycle; and (3) Long-term fluctuations (i.e. climate variation) reflect changes in water levels over years or decades.

Amherst Pointe wetland.
The wetland at Amherst Pointe is in the form of a marsh. Marshes are defined as wetlands frequently or continually inundated (filled) with water, characterized by vegetation (plants, etc) adapted to saturated soil conditions. Another feature of the Amherst Pointe wetland is the presence of a dike. A dike (also known as a levee or embankment) is an elongated naturally occurring ridge or artificially constructed fill or wall, which regulates water levels. Dikes are built to prevent water from entering areas, or at least controlling them, so that the area becomes habitable. This allows for better management of waterfowl (especially true for all the migratory birds in the area) and other fauna (plants, etc.).

Parking is available at the end of Erie Ave. Enjoy the scenery and view!

In order to log this Earthcache, you must email Team Wiji (see profile for email) the answers to the following questions:

1. At the posted coordinates, you will be standing on the dike barrier. Examine the composition and construction of the dike. Based on your observations, would you classify this dike as naturally occurring or man-made?

2. What is the level of the water in the marsh wetland? This can be estimated by looking at the black metal pole standing vertically in the water. This pole has a red stripe and a white stripe painted on it to aid in measuring the water level. Where is the water level in relation to these stripes?

3. OPTIONAL - Take a photo of your GPSr or yourself/team with the wetland in the background. You may include this photo in your log.

++ Congratulations to RayQix and pocketsfullofcache on the FTF!! ++

This cache placed and maintained by a South Western Ontario Geocacher Member This cache placed and maintained by an Ontario Geocaching Association Member

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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