The River Bottoms EarthCache

Floodplains are flat lands around a creek or river. When the watershed (drainage area) of a river receives too much run off, the river floods and water runs onto the floodplains. Floodplains are caused by a meandor or bend in a river eroding sideways as it travels downstream. Floodplains consist of two main parts; the floodway and the flood fringe. The floodway is the channel of flowing flood water. The flood fringe is the area beyond the floodway that becomes covered with non-flowing flood water.

These naturally occuring areas are very important to river systems. They slow down the water letting silt settle out. Many floodplains are cleared of trees for farming. The soil is rich and crops do well in these areas when flooding does not occur. This floodplain however, remains forested.

Floodplains can support very abundant and diverse ecosystems, containing 100 times as many species as the river itself. Microscopic organisms and larger species thrive here, breeding rapidly. This attracts many species of birds.

At the given waypoint you will find more information about this Floodplain Forest. To log a find on this EC, you must visit the site and obtain the information to answer these questions:

1 - Based on what you have learned, would you say the given waypoint puts you in the floodway or the flood fringe?

2 - What is the reason this forested floodplain has been established?

3 - What type of trees are common to Illinois floodplains and why?

4 - What are some plants you will likely find in these areas?

5 - (optional) Post a picture of your favorite scenic view of the area.

Once you have the answers to the questions, submit them in an EMAIL to me through geocaching.com. Only then may you log this EC found. Please DO NOT post the answers in your found log. If I find that you have not sent me the correct answers (using your best judgment) or that you have posted answers in your log, I will reluctantly have to delete your find.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy this earthcache.