Urban Vernal Pond - Earthcache EarthCache
Urban Vernal Pond - Earthcache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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This is an earthcache, so there is NO container to find. Instead, you will learn your 'geology lesson' for the day.
After you have answered the questions below, submit them to my profile. PLEASE submit your answers sooon, so that I will NOT need to delete your log-THANKs Enter via new Kroger parking lot-easy access to pond there
Questions:
1- Was there any water in the Vernal Pond when you visited?
2- If yes, about what depth?
3- If there is no water--What does the area of the pond look like, any plants growing?
4- What wildlife is present, and if you can not see any, can you hear any?
5- Question #5 is in the text below.
6- Is the 'hard pan'-- bedrock or clay? read text
7- Post a pic if U can!
Please send your answers to my profile--DO NOT delay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! West end of new Kroger parking is easy access to EC !!
EARTHCACHES are not meant to be difficult--just do your best--remember this is a game--& just 4 fun!
This earthcache is on a vacant lot next to Kroger's, please park there. There is easy access - simply follow the sidewalk/path to GZ and observe then answer questions.
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WHAT IS A VERNAL POND?
Vernal ponds are simply small isolated wetlands. They experience cyclic periods of water then drying. They usually fill with water in the spring and fall and drying in the summer. This vernal pond does not have any connection to a stream nor is there any drainage exit for the water. This is also a characteristic of this type of pond.
From visual observation this vernal pond seems to be only about three feet deep in the spring and fall which is typical of vernal ponds. (Question #5) Many ponds of this type that I have seen are bigger than this one which is only about __ feet in length and __ feet wide.
The water collects in a vernal pond because there is a hard pan layer of either bedrock or a soil type that is impervious to water and close to the surface, where water can collect easily in a depression. This area of West Tennessee has a deep layer of clay that in this case holds the water. Such clay is usually hard when it is dray and sticky when it is wet holding the spring and fall rains in this pond. A large portion of West Tennessee is a part of the ancient flood plain of the Mississippi River. You can see samples of this deep clay layer in road cuts in the area.
Vernal Ponds which are moist depression in a wooded area provide breeding grounds for anphibians and invertabrates like frogs and salamanders which do well because there is enough water for them but not enough water for fish which would eat them.
FTF: tnicemgr
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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Treasures
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