10 North Carolina 50 StateStar Alluvium Earthcache EarthCache

You are standing in the streambed one of the few streams that flow nearly year round in the Uwharrie National Forest.  Most streams in this forest are seasonal and only flow following rains.  This valley drains from two of the highest ridgelines in the forest.  Water falls on the ground and seeps into the soil.  Slowly, it moves through the soil until it comes in contact with this stream bed and forms this stream.

When too much water falls on the land, it becomes runoff and reaches this stream and the banks overflow.  Loose soil and rock along the edges and bottom are picked up and moved through erosion.  Faster water generally carries larger pieces and more pieces.  Slower water carries smaller and fewer pieces.  When water slows down, it drops the material it picks up, larger first, smaller and smaller as the water slows.  Water moves faster in a straight section and slower in a curve.  These dropped pieces are called sediments.

Your job is to examine the stream bed in several locations: the bottom of the stream in the center, at the edges of a straight section and the edges for a curve (both inside and outside sections of the curve).  Look at the sediments in all sections of the stream.  After you have examined the stream, email your answers to the following questions:

1) First line should be 10 North Carolina 50 StateStar Alluvium Earthcache

2) Where is the stream the fastest?  Slowest?

3) Describe the sediments in different parts of the river.  Where are the largest pieces?  The smallest?

4) Examine the sediments and the rocks in the stream bed. Are the sediments the same or different from the rock and why do you suppose so?

This Geoart is part of a nationwide project;
THE USA 50 STATE STAR GEOART
celebrating every state in the USA !

Our Goal is to have a "50 STATE STAR" in each state of the USA.
Look for the states that proudly display the "STAR" !

North Carolina Fun Fact:  The lowest elevation in North Carolina is sea level at the coast.
 

Some things to remember when doing this series

* This is a forest; home to many animals, wild and domestic. Please respect it.
* This artwork has 51 caches.
* Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks.
* Carry out what you take in. Don’t leave any trash behind.
* This is a hiking series.  You can access the trail from either trailhead but you will have at least a 1.5 mile hike to the series..
* Cell phone coverage in the Uwharries is spotty, your results may vary.
* Most important of all --> Have fun! <--
* Be sure to bring your camera for various plants, animals and rock formations found in this forest.
* There are extreme slopes! Night cache at your own peril.