This is an Earthcache. There is no physical cache to find. Logging an EarthCache requires that geocachers undertake an educational task relating to the specific Earth Science at the site. If you don't want to answer the question, don't log this EarthCache.
We've received so many thoughtful, interesting answers to the following question, we'd like you to share your answer with everyone. Please answer the following question in your log. No need to email your answer. We'll see it in your post.
What type of lake do you think this is?
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Ocean Pond
Geologists don't seem to agree on the origin of Ocean Pond. Read the descriptions of the following types of lakes in Florida. Go to Ground Zero and make your observations of the various characteristics. Determine how you think it was formed? Very briefly explain your reasoning.
Florida has almost 8,000 lakes that are larger than ten acres in size. Five types of lake origins have been identified in Florida:
Solution (sinkhole) lakes - The most common origin of lake formation in Florida is by karst erosion, a chemical process that takes place when underground limestone is dissolved by carbon dioxide enriched water. Most solution lakes are a result of sinkhole activity and therefore are circular, steeply sided and deeper than other Florida lakes. Solution lakes primarily occur in clusters. Examples are the connected lakes of Lakes Harris, Griffin, Eustis, and Yale in nearby Lake County.
Depression lakes - Some lakes are natural depressions in the ancient limestone bedrock that were formed by wave action or water currents as sea levels rose and fell over millions of years. Generally, these lakes are shallow bowl-shaped water bodies that are only a few meters deep. Depression lakes are generally elongated. Lake Okeechobee is an example of a depression lake.
Coastal dune lakes - Coastal dune lakes are the result of long shore currents that deposit sediments along a coastal inlet or bay. Eventually, water in the inlet or bay is cut off from the sea and a saltwater waterbody is created. As the lake becomes increasingly landlocked and saltwater intrusion ceases, a freshwater lake is formed. The Panhandle has many coastal dune lakes.
Fluvial lakes - These are the least common origin of Florida lakes. Fluvial lakes are usually caused when a river changes its course and leaves an oxbow lake.
Extraterrestrial influenced lakes - Some of Florida’s lakes may have been formed by meteorites slamming into Earth, and the resulting crater filling with water. These lakes are usually round, and you would expect this type of lake to have an elevated rim around it where the dirt was pushed up by the meteorite.
Ocean Pond is a bowl-shaped, 1,760-acre natural lake, approximately 2 miles in diameter. Fishermen have indicated that it's about 40 to 60 feet deep in the center. One of its most unique characteristics is that it is almost perfectly round. This has led some geologists to believe it was formed by a meteorite.
This part of Florida is known geologically as the Northern Highlands and is comprised of gently sloping plateaus. The changing sea levels during the Ice Age, influenced the formation of bedrock and the surface topography, including the possible formation of this as a depression lake.
What do you think? Please post photos of your visit in your log if you can (not required).
Sources: floridiannature.com, Google Maps
