Sandusky River Meander EarthCache

Logging this Earthcache

Log the find and then send me a message or email with the answers to the following questions. Do not post answers to the questions in your log or it will be deleted.

1. Uniformitarianism can be summarized as what simple statement?
2. Name two key geological processes involved in the creation of a meander.
3. What is the stage number of meander development of this meander (based upon the graphic provided in this webpage)?
4. Using your GPS, take an elevation reading at the published coordinates and at the ridge waypoint. Report these numbers and difference between the two.
5. At the published coordinates, which compass direction is the river flowing?
6. Given what you know about uniformitarianism, what prediction can you make of the road located on the ridge by the cut bank?
7. Not required. Please post a picture of yourself at the published location with your GPS in your log.

The Sandusky River is one of Ohio's longest rivers that flow into the Sandusky Bay is one of over 60 tributaries that empty into Lake Erie. This 150-mile river passes through five counties and passes through several communities including Fremont, Tiffin, and Upper Sandusky. A notable feature of the Sandusky River is the numerous meanders it contains. This Earthcache will explore one of the beautiful meanders along this scenic river.

Uniformitarianism

To understand how this beautiful landscape was created, one must understand the concept of uniformitarianism. This geological concept can be summarized as, "the present is the key to the past." All of the geological processes that are taking place today are the same ones that have taken place for millions of years. Studying the geological processes that occur today can also help scientists make predictions about the future.

Meander

A meander is the most common type of stream formation and is characterized by a bend in the river flow pattern. Two key geological processes involved in creating a meander are erosion and deposition. Erosion of the riverbed occurs as the moving water loosens, dissolves, and carries away soil, rock, and sediment. Deposition occurs when these materials settle in areas where the water moves more slowly. The meander's size and shape are under a contain state of change. This is due to continually changing rates of water flow upstream and the sediment load that it carries. These changes affect erosion and deposition, which in turn affect the size and shape of the meander.

Features Of A Meander

The reach is the straight part of the stream. In the reach, the water has the highest velocity in the middle of the channel just below the surface where there is minimal turbulence. As water moves from the reach into the bend, the high velocity area shifts to the outside of the bend where the cut bank is located. As the water moves through the cut bank, it spins like a corkscrew called a helicoidal flow. This secondary water flow contributes to the erosion of the cut bank and the deeper stream depth found in the cut bank. This deeper stream area is called a pool. Conversely, low velocity water flow occurs on the inside of the bend called a point bar. As the water moves past the point bar, the slow current allows fine sediment to settle to the bottom creating a shallow area in the streambed. The eroded material from the pool tends to settle in the riffle - the shallow area that connects one meander to the next. The thalweg is an imaginary line that follows the deepest points along the entire river channel.

Stages of Meander Development

A stream is a dynamic landform that can change dramatically over time. Meanders are an excellent example of this geological change. The exact causes of meanders are highly debated. But once a bend in the river starts to form, a meander will continue to develop over time. A young stream typically has a straight and deep channel often with white water. As the stream channel ages, erosion and deposition cause the bend to become tighter and tighter over time. As the bend becomes tighter, the rate of erosion at the cut bank also increases, causing a positive feedback loop. Eventually, the bend becomes so tight, that it cuts itself off forming an oxbow lake. This often occurs during times of great flooding where the water will take the path of least resistance.

The Meander at Collier (Howard) State Nature Preserve

Collier (Howard) State Nature Preserve is home to one of the most beautiful meanders along the Sandusky State Scenic River. Your journey begins at the parking coordinates (N 41° 00.246 W 083° 12.116). From there, you will walk east just a bit and enter the Loop Trail. The trail will take you along the top of the ridge, then down into the floodplain. The trail then splits. Turn to the LEFT,which takes you WEST. Continue on the trail until you reach another fork in the trail very close to the river (N 41° 00.363 W 083° 12.169). Take the small trail on of LEFT (going SOUTH WEST) until you reach the riverside (N 41° 00.364 W 083° 12.195). Proceed at your own risk! Only get at close to the riverbank as safety allows. Be extra careful during times of seasonal flooding. At this waypoint, TAKE AN ELEVATION READING using your GPS or smart phone. Although not required, please TAKE A PICTURE OF YOURSELF with your GPS and the meander in the background and post it in your log. While you are there, what kinds of evidence do you see of erosion and deposition? After taking your measurements and observations, proceed back to the parking coordinates. From there, you can walk drive to the ridge (N 41° 00.243 W 083° 12.325). There is room to park along side the road (N 41° 00.243 W 083° 12.254). At the ridge waypoint, TAKE AN ELEVATION READING using your GPS or smart phone. Again, only get at close to the ridge as safety allows! Do NOT take unnecessary risks!

I would especially like to thank Dr. Amy Berger, Dr. Elizabeth Blades Skinner, and Dr. Karen A. Lemke for their assistance in the creating this Earthcache.

General Notes

1. This Earthcache may not be available during times of seasonal flooding.
2. Proceed at your own risk. Many areas can be very slippery.
3. Stay on the trail on all times.
4. Visit this Earthcache during daylight hours only.
5. Protect yourself against mosquitoes and ticks.
6. This Earthcache has been created with the permission from the Northwest District Preserve Manager.

Goals of this Earthcache

1. To understand how to use latitude and longitude to find specific locations along a meander.
2. To know and understand the basic principals of uniformitarianism.
3. To know and understand how erosion and deposition change the landscape over time.
4. To use know and understand how a meander develops over time.
5. To use GPS technology to make field measurements with respect to land elevation.

Objectives

1. Participants will know and understand how to use latitude and longitude to find locations, read maps and diagrams, make field measurements and observations, and use GPS technology.
2. Participants will know and understand the principal of uniformitarianism as it applies to meander development.
3. Participants will know and understand the natural processes that take place in a flowing river.
4. Participants will know and understand how erosion and deposition change the landscape over time.

Ohio Educational Science Standards

1. Earth's surface has specific characteristics and landforms that can be identified.
2. The surface of the Earth changes due to erosion and deposition.

Ohio Educational Social Studies Standards

1. Latitude and longitude can be used to identify absolute location.