Poteau River--Long Lake EarthCache

This earthcache is designed to show points of interest and be educational in how Oxbow Lakes and Abandoned Meanders are formed.

First

An oxbow is a crescent-shaped lake lying alongside a winding river. An Abandoned Meander is similar to the Oxbox but it does not have the crescent shape.

An oxbow usually forms where there is a bend in the river channel. The following things happen over a course of time.

On the inside of the loop (bend), the water travels more slowly, allowing silt to be deposited. The water on the outside of the loop, flows faster, which erodes the banks making the meander even wider.

Over time the loop of the meander widens until the neck vanishes altogether. The meander is then cut off from the river current, and an oxbow lake is formed. The lake will have a crecent shape to it.

An Abandoned Meander forms when the river changes its course. These body of waters are often referred to as Cut offs . A meander is formed when the moving water in a stream erodes the outer banks and widens its valley. The silt is deposited back in the middle of the stream and eventually forms a new bank, changing the course of the river channel. They are very similar to Oxbow Lakes and are often mistakenly called that but they do no have the crescent shape that the Oxbow has.

Long Lake and Terrell Lake were formed and cut off from the Poteau River. Terrell Lake and Long Lake are joined by a very small stream.

Second

The Poteau River is a 141 mile river and is the only river in Oklahoma that flows north. It is one of few in the world that flows north.

Standing at the posted cords looking East you can see the Poteau River in its North/South channel. A better view of the river will be when leaves fall, but you can still see it behind the tree line.

And thirdly

This is one of only a few areas where the Bald Cypress tree can be found growing and thriving in the wild. There is between 150 to 200 Bald Cypress trees around Long Lake.

To complete this earthcache you will need to visit the above cords. There is a pull off here and you will be standing above Long Lake and Terrell Lake. This will give you a good view of the cut off or abandoned meander.

After viewing the Abandoned Meander from this point you will need to drive to the following cords.

These cords will take you to the bridge that crosses over the end of Long Lake. Here you will see bald cypress trees growing in the water. Two on the west side of the bridge are 50 to 60' in height. This is the end of Long Lake.

To complete this earthcache you will need to physically visit both locations.

Using on-line research at Wikipedia email the answer to the following question:

1. What two types of action occur when an oxbow lake is being formed?

2. What is another name for Abandoned Meander?

3. After visiting both places do you think this is a cut off or an oxbow lake? And why do you think so?

Pictures are not required but you can add any that you wish to the gallery. Just do not post your answers on-line.

Go ahead and log your find, I will review your answers and notifiy you if they are incorrect and help you correct them.

Email your answers to my above profile email. Thank you for visiting my earthcache.