Summer Snow EarthCache

This earthcache is best to be done in the summer when the distinction between the snow and salt is greatest and climbing the stairs is easier. Also, try to plan visiting when the center is open. They have great information in the center, a transparent model of the plant to view the inner workings, and even samples of the product. It is not a requirement to visit this EC during those times as the information needed can be attained other ways.

This area always reminded me of snow in the summer.  No matter the weather, the snow was always here.  Really though, the great piles white you see before you is salt, but not the salt we typically think of when we hear the word.  This type of salt is called sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄, also spelled sodium sulfate).  Production of sodium sulphate in this area began in 1948. 

There are presently 21 major sodium sulphate deposits in Saskatchewan, with more than 500,000 tonnes of sodium sulphate deposits in each.  The Chaplain Lake deposit is the most prolific of the deposits.  The sodium sulphate is in thinly bedded layers covering about 47km² with a very high purity of the product produced (averaging 99.32% Na₂SO₄). 

These salt beds formed from ‘alkali’ or salty lakes.  Warm weather produces a dense brine that is pumped from Chaplin Lake into five large reservoirs.  The majority of the water used in the brining process comes from the local spring runoff and precipitation; however, a secondary source is diverted water from the Wood River.  Diversion of the water is jointly managed by Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals, and Ducks Unlimited.  As the brine temperature drops in the autumn, fractional crystallization takes place, sodium sulphate precipitates and settles to the bottom of the reservoir as “mirabilite” or “glauber’s salt” (chemical formula is Na₂SO₄ • 10H₂O).  This salt is removed from the reservoir and stockpiled during winter.  Processing includes melting the salt, removing impurities and evaporating away the moisture.  This produces anhydrous (or lacking water) crystals (nearly pure Na₂SO₄) that are recovered and stored for shipment. The anhydrous sodium sulphate is called thenardite.

1. Name three uses for sodium sulphate (answers in the information center if it is open, or google can provide the answers).  
2. Besides being a source of sodium sulphate, the lake is also essential to the area for another reason.  What is it?
3. From the upper level of the vantage point, you can see at least a few of the evaporation ponds. You should be able to determine (in general) what the borders of the ponds are made from. If this plant were to be built today, do you think they would use the same material? If not, what would be more likely used?
4. From the upper level of this vantage point, what is the name of the viewer? How much does it cost for a view? 

Material amalgamated from various sources including: Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals Inc.; Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan-University of Regina; Chaplain Tourism and Nature Center. Photograph credit Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals Inc. unless otherwise noted.