From Bluffs to Beaches EarthCache
Hidden : 8/1/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

From Bluffs to Beaches Earthcache

Lake Huron.
Lake Huron was formed by melting ice as the continental glaciers retreated toward the end of the last ice age. It is the 2nd largest of the 5 Great Lakes, and the 5th largest lake in the world. The shores of Lake Huron have been shaped by wind and waves and the geology of the shoreline. The shoreline’s high energy waves, resulting from its exposure to predominantly westerly winds, have created many of the coastal features we see today.

Bluff Erosion.
The wind and waves are ever-present on Lake Huron. Importantly, prevailing Northwest winds create waves that erode the bluffs (very steep and broad hills or small cliffs) located to the North. Lake Huron’s bluffs are composed of glacial till (that’s the clay, silt and sand material left behind by glaciers). As the bluff's erode, the waves sort this material out: clay and silt, because they’re such small light particles of soil, get suspended in the water causing the water to turn brown. These light soil particles eventually get deposited offshore. The sand, which is made up of larger, heavier particles drop out of the water column and stay along the shoreline forming our beaches. These beaches rely on bluff erosion and shore processes to exist. Without erosion, these beaches would disappear!

Grand Bend to Kettle Point.
Sand from the bluffs moves south with the lake's long shore currents. This eroded sand is deposited between Grand Bend (posted coordinates) and Kettle Point, a headland to the south (which blocks the sand from travelling further). The eroded sand found here may have arrived from as far away as 80 km! Just south of Grand Bend, the continuous sand deposition has formed impressive dunes (hills of sand built either by wind or water flow) along the shoreline. Check out the earthcache in Port Franks to learn more about dunes!

The Power of Sand Deposition.
The Ausable River (a 40mile long river) once outletted at Grand Bend, but decades of sediment deposits by the currents of Lake Huron, plugged the mouth and forced the river to move south to find an outlet. This caused the gradual formation of the “Grand Bend” in the river, and resulted in the town's name. An additional reference point is provided which brings you to a plaque at this 'bend'. Note: It is not necessary to visit this reference point to log this earthcache.


The posted coordinates will bring you to the top of a pavillion in the heart of Grand Bend. From this vantage point, you have a great view of Lake Huron and it's shoreline.

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

1. What are the 3 erosional materials which are carried by Lake Huron? Which one of these materials is predominantly located here?

2. Characterize the waves on the lake on the day of your visit? Describe their colour, size and speed.

3. Examine the shoreline both to the left and right of your location. Specifically, look at elevation changes and direction of the curve in the shoreline. Do these geologic features help to explain why eroded sand is deposited in this area?

4. -OPTIONAL- Post a photo of your team and/or your GPSr from the top of the pavillion with the lake/beach in the background. You may post this photo with your log.

++ Congratulations to masterninja50 on the FTF!! ++

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This cache was placed and is maintained by an essexcountygeocachers.org member.

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