Mission Creek Delta EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

Geocaching HQ Admin: It has now been over 30 days since Geocaching HQ submitted the disabled log below and, unfortunately, the cache owner has not posted an Owner maintenance log and re-enabled this geocache. As a result, we are now archiving this cache page.

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Hidden : 10/8/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

This is a nice and easy cache to find - there are buses and parking nearby. Just imagine how this area looked many many years ago. 

To access the cache, please be respectful of private property.  There are tons of signs that distinguish private and public property near the cache site!

Mission Creek Delta

Mission Creek is Okanagan Lake’s single largest water source, contributing over 25% of the water towards the Okanagan Lake’s yearly intake.  While Mission Creek may be too small to be considered a river, this 43km stream has had a significant impact on the development of the Central Okanagan.  Not unlike larger, more famous rivers around the world (Nile, Mississippi), Mission Creek has also contributed towards the creation of one other significant feature – a large delta.


 
Deltas form when rivers carrying a significant amount of sediment reach a standing body of water, like a lake.  While Mission Creek runs throughout the year, significant snow melt in the mountains creates a large runoff in the spring months, when 85% of its water contribution occurs.  Due to the tremendous flow occurring during these few months, it is not uncommon for Mission Creek to run brown with heavy sediment from high in the mountains. 


 
Mission Creek loses its forward energy upon meeting Okanagan Lake, which results in the deposit of thousands of tons of sediment yearly.  Over time, these deposits help form the classic delta shapes common to large rivers around the world.  Mission Creek’s delta has an additional feature not uncommon to many deltas, in that a large sand bar has been created down the centre of the creek mouth.  As years pass, the sand bar becomes larger; forcing the creek to divert its flow around the mid-channel sandbar, causing the river to expand outwards as it attempts to discover lower paths of resistance.  During summer, fall, and winter months, when Okanagan Lake continues to drain without replenishment, the mid-channel sandbar appears to rise out of the lake, becoming a large spit of land which is inaccessible during late spring when Okanagan Lake reaches full pool.
 
Deltas are usually classified as wave or tide deltas.  Despite yearly changes in water levels at Okanagan Lake, it is the dominant southern breeze which most influences the shape of the Mission Creek delta.   Varying wave angles change how the delta forms and can cause erosion that further changes shoreline structure.  Mission Creeks’ delta has a distinct appearance in that it looks like its creek mouth is being forced north and west, due in no small part to the natural forces in play around the delta.



 
To log this Earthcache you will need to e-mail the answers to the following questions: 1. Overtime, what do you think will happen to this delta, and how will that change the shoreline and lake geography? 2. What man made additions have been put near the edge of the delta? Why are they there? If you have visited other famous deltas around the world, please let us know in your log! You might also consider posting a picture of yourself near the mouth of the creek!

Congratulations Incrediblegoi for First to Find!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Nobir nyy, unir sha!

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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