Baker Tanks EarthCache
trudell: Baker Tanks is archived because answer to question 3 is not there is no longer available.
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The Baker Tanks are an example how erosion can benefit nature. There are several agents of erosion that wear on the surface of the earth. These include wind, ice, water and waves, however, water is usually the main agent. In the case of the Baker Tanks, water travelling along water channels (streams) have eroded the natural bedrock. Some of the water is retained in these depressions in the bedrock, providing a natural watering hole for wildlife that live in this area.
WATER EROSION
Water is considered the most important erosional agent, and erodes, most commonly, as running water in streams. Even small amounts of water (like raindrops) can cause erosion. Raindrops create “splash erosion” that moves very small particles of soil. As the raindrops collect, they turn into small rivulets and then into larger streams. This is called “sheet erosion”. The rate of water erosion is based on volume and velocity. Volume is based on the amount of rainfall, and velocity is based on the slope (or elevation difference) of the topography. As more little streams flow together, and the volume increases, the water can move larger particles of soil. The faster water moves (velocity), the larger the particles of soil it can carry, as well. This is called “critical erosion velocity”. Small particles of sand can be moved by streams flowing at speeds less than one mile per hour. The higher the velocity of the water flow, the larger the particles it can move, and thus, faster erosion can take place.
Streams erode their banks in three different ways:
1. Hydraulic action of the water itself, moves the sediments;
2. Water acts to corrode sediments by removing ions and dissolving them: and,
3. Soil particles being carried by the water flow, strike bedrock and erode it.
Streams can erode in three different places:
1. Lateral erosion takes place as the stream erodes and widens the sides of the stream channel;
2. Downcutting erosion causes the stream bed to deepen; and,
3. Headward erosion erodes the stream channel upslope .
BE VERY CAREFUL - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ACCESS OR DRINK THE WATER !!
To log your visit you must complete the following assignments:
1. The Baker Tanks have been formed by several types of water erosion, describe at least one type of water erosion that you believe has taken place at this location;
2. What type of erosion has occurred upstream of the actual tanks?;
3. As you approach the Baker Tanks from the north , you will see a sign shown below, what are the THREE words that have been deleted on this picture? The three words follow "we encourage you to ? ? ?" on the sign
It would also be nice (but not necessary), if you would take a picture of yourself with your GPS, in front of the tanks ( post this picture with your log, but please do not post your answers to the assignment, on the log)
Go ahead and log your visit... Email the answers to us. We will contact you, and delete your log, if you do not meet the requirements of this cache.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST OBTAIN A FREE PERMIT TO ACCESS THIS AREA.
The tanks are located within the Barry M. Goldwater Range (West). Permits are available free of charge in Yuma at the Marine Base Main Gate (MCAS) or in Ajo, AZ (call 520-387-6483), and must be carried while within the Range.
The easiest way to the site, is to turn off I-8 at Exit 37 near Tacna, and continue to proceed due south on 36E, passed the end of the pavement. A 4X4 is recommended, due to some areas of loose sand.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
RAWBL !!
Treasures
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