A cache by GeoJoe-prosrocket Message this owner

Hidden : 11/6/2013

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

This is an easy Earth Cache.
Can we make a difference?
Let's hope so!

GeoJoe-prosrockets is proud to say that I have earned GSA's highest level:

This earth cache can be done from either direction of travel; up or down the mountain. Starting in Walhalla, you will come to the 3 earth caches and starting point, past the 2 small pull-off points and ending at the final location of the last earth cache.
If you are coming down the mountain, just follow everything in the opposite direction.

The 3 Earth Caches leading up to this cache will help you understand better why this is happening.
Although you do NOT have to do them first (or even at all), it is recommended.

“Issaquena Fall” Earth Cache --- GC1JNZZ
“Cheohee Road Falls” Earth Cache --- GC4PH65
“Moody Springs” Earth Cache --- GC1M0C2

“Moody Springs” Earth cache is your starting point and first reference point
The reference points, start point and end point are all established, paved or gravel pull-off areas on the side of Hwy 107. Please only use these areas for the safety of you, passing by cars and the environment.
Please take a moment to look around at these areas and notice the differences. Thank You!

So you have now finished the drive to this nice pull off and have looked at the view and road sides as you have made the drive. Did you notice a drastic difference in the landscape?

There is now something that is eating at me, at the earth and hopefully now at you too.

What is causing the earth to change and look the way it does?

-Plate-tectonics and molten rock? These are solid or liquid rock moving under the surface that causes many different changes in the earth. Earthquakes (like in California) are the shifting of rocks push together that cause the earth to raise or separate, shake, and move created structures. Molten Rock or “Lava” is very hot liquid rock coming out of the earth, cooling down, and causing changes in the face of the earth.
For more info on this topic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics

-Major Storms: Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Floods do a lot of damage, but it is usually extensive damage in a smaller area. They look worse to the environment than they really are, because what we mostly see is damage to man-made structures which will be address below.

-Erosion? Erosion is the moving and shaping of rocks and minerals due to items rubbing against each other. The best example of this is when you take a piece of sand paper to a block of wood. Do you see all of the small bits of wood coming off and flying around? You may have made a small pile of wood dust in front of you, but imagine this on a GRAND scale.
For more info on this topic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosion

-Mankind? Humans are constantly chopping down trees, moving dirt and creating structures; some of which, ironically, are done so we can enjoy and preserve the outdoors. Drilling, underground mining and strip mining for resources also create massive damage to the earth.

The real answer is all of the above which the interaction of the last 2 and the domino effect it creates (one causes the other to get worse which cause the other to get worse and back and forth) being the biggest we can see.

As you drove up you noticed the level of damage lessen. There were steep slopes and sharp edges as you started and less drastic of changes later.
Did you also notice the large objects where helping to stop this?

Most Earth Caches tell you about the area and why it was happening, I have now pointed out the problem and I am asking you to come up with solutions!

It is always fun to take a picture at the cache to prove you were there, I always like pictures, but they will in no way help you get credit for this cache. Your task is easier, you answer using your own eyes and brain to answer this; the provided links in the description may help if you get stuck.

For this log to count please send an e-mail to me with the answers to the first 4 questions (do not post them)
AND post in your log the answer to the last question.

Remember, do not post these answers:

-Name two natural causes of erosion

-Using the lesson learned at “Cheohee Rd Falls” Earth Cache or from what you saw. On your drive, name two natural objects and one man-made object you saw that where helping to stop erosion and why.

-Using the lesson learned at “Issaquena Falls” Earth Cache or from what you saw. Why is the first part of the ride so different then the second part?

-Using the lesson learned at “Moody Springs” Earth Cache or from what you saw. Does underground water flow have an effect on erosion?

Please post in your log the answer to this question.

What do you, personally, think you can do to help stop erosion?

Thank you and I hope you enjoyed this different Earth Cache!

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