The Overhanging Bluffs of the Guadalupe EarthCache
The Overhanging Bluffs of the Guadalupe
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(not chosen)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This area and along the road either direction from here you will see the Limestone Bluffs of the Guadalupe River. Many of these bluffs overhang the river and sometimes these overhangs fall into the river.
Remeber that much of the property along either side of the river is private property so please do not cross any No Trespassing signs in the area.
A bluff is a steep cliff, or wall of rock or soil. Most bluffs border a river or its flood plain. Bluffs may form along a river where it meanders, or curves from side to side. Water on the outside of the curve flows faster. This erodes, or wears away, the lower part of a river bank. No longer supported, the upper part of the bank breaks off, leaving a high, steep wall. Erosion also produces bluffs along the edges of a flood plain. Over thousands of years, a meandering river gradually shifts from side to side across its flood plain. Where the meanders, or loops, of the river reach valley walls, the water may carve bluffs. (nationalgeographic.com) The Guadalupe River is a spring fed river that starts in Western Kerr County. The Upper Guadalupe River is known for its crystal clear water, bald cypress lined banks and the Limestone Bluffs that line the river. In the meandering Upper Guadalupe River the Limestone Bluffs are plentiful aong the meanders or turns of the river. In some locations, such as when you look to the South from the Cache Location, the cliffs overhang the river due to the strength of the rock overhead being stronger than the force that gravity is putting on the overhanging rock.
These overhanging bluffs can be dangerous to be around, especially during high winds or rainstorms. The rocks and soil above the river can become loosened during these times and will fall into the river below. Please do not approach these overhanging bluffs!!
To log this Earthcache you must answer the following questions:
1. How high would you estimate the bluffs to the South of the Cache Location are?
2. How high do you estimate the overhang to be above the river?
3. Of the overhangs South of the Cache Location or the overhang directly across the river from the Additional Waypoint? , which do you think is eroding faster and why
4. Which of the two overhangs do you think will fall into the river first and why?
Please stay along the road at both of these locations since the riverbanks and land along them are private property.
Also watch out for wildlife running across the road while going to the Cache Location. While we were headed there we saw numerous types of deer, antelope, birds, and other wildlife.
Thank You and enjoy your drive along the Guadalupe River both going to and from this Earthcache.
This Earthcache page made with information from the following websites:
Texas Parks and Wildlife: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/pwd_rp_t3200_1047/17_c_tx_guadalupe.phtml
Texas State Historical Association: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rng01
National Geographic http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/bluff/?ar_a=1
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)