Welcome to Matter Park. Permission has been graciously granted by our local department of recreation for this cache. As a reminder - observe the dawn to dusk rules and if you find a piece of trash on the ground pick it up and dispose of it properly. There are plenty of trash containers in the park. Let's keep it clean for everyone.This park has numerous trails to run, jog, and/or walk. There is also a large playground area for kids to run and play at this park.
The posted coordinates will take you to a "Cutbank" along Matter Park Creek in Marion, Indiana. This Earth Cache IS handicap accessible via the stone bridge just to the west of the posted coordinates. There is ample parking nearby, as well as playgrounds and restrooms.
The word "Erosion" is derived from the Latin "erosio", meaning "to gnaw away". In general terms soil erosion implies the physical removal of topsoil by various agents including rain, water flowing over and through the soil profile, wind, ice or gravitational pull.
Erosion is a natural geological process in which the breakdown of rocks under sea and on land occurs due to natural forces. Erosion is a complex and highly important natural phenomenon.
It is due to erosion that the earth has shaped itself over the years. Not only is this phenomenon responsible for the formation of mountains, valleys and canyons, it has also played a part in determining the course of the human civilization. Easter Island is an example of this.
Erosion can be caused due to various natural components. Based on their cause there are the following types of erosion:
1. Erosion due to water
2. Erosion due to wind
3. Erosion due to gravity
4. Erosion due to soil
5. Erosion due to glaciers
WATER EROSION - from rain or another source exposes water-sensitive areas which can decay, or the force of very hard droplets which can also erode hard sedimentary surfaces. As water builds up run off picks up soil exposing roots and rock underneath which can lead to destabilization.
WIND EROSION - Excessive amounts of of wind can cause top soil or sand to be blown away and expose other soils and rock underneath.
GRAVITY EROSION - Mass movement of soil occurs on steep slopes under the influence of gravity. The process involves the transfer of slope forming materials from higher grounds due to its own weight.
SOIL EROSION - A result of gravity pushing down on soil that may rest on hills, as well as water, wind and glacial melting, which can cause soil to wash away and tree roots to be exposed.
EROSION DUE to GLACIERS - Snow and ice will melt causing water to run down hills and mountains - this water has the tendency to cause stream-ways and ditches.
A Cut Bank, like to one you will see here, is an erosional feature of streams. Cut banks are found in abundance along mature or meandering streams and are located on the outside of a stream bend, known as a meander. They are shaped much like a small cliff, and are formed by the erosion of soil as the stream collides with the river bank. As opposed to a point bar which is an area of deposition, a cut bank is an area of erosion. Typically, cut banks are vertical and often expose the roots of nearby plant life, which actually help to prevent excessive erosion. During periods of high rainfall and higher-than average water levels, trees and poorly placed buildings can fall into the stream due to mass wasting events. Not only can cut banks be steep and unstable, but like you see here, they can also be the area of a stream where the water is flowing the fastest. This is known as an area of high-energy, where material eroded here is deposited downstream.
In the photo above, you will notice the exposed roots of the large tree, which are a result of bank erosion. The flow of water here, like the old rule of water "takes the path of least resistance", and tends to erode soil and forgives major erosion from the creek bed, or bedrock which is limestone and sandstone along this stream.
I expect the required logging information for this earthcache to be sent to me within three days or the "Found It" log will be in jeopardy of deletion. To log this cache, please email me, the answers to the following questions:
1. Do you see evidence that the tree(s) along the bank here are helping and/or promoting erosion?
2. While standing at the posted coordinates, what type or types of major erosion do you see?
3. What proof of the type or types of the erosion do you see?
4. Do you think that this type or types of erosion at this location can be stopped?
5. Do you see evidence of bank instability on either side of the creek?
6. (optional) Take a photo of yourself with the stream and cutback in the background.
