DLA2015 Napanee Plain Alvar
Nature Reserve
Before we get into the description and Geological lesson
Please be aware this Earth Cache MUST be enjoyed from
the road Side, access to this Alvar is Restricted
DO NOT OPEN OR CROSS THE FENCE PLEASE
So, Just what is an Alvar?
An alvar is a biological environment based on a limestone plain with thin or no soil and, as a result,
sparse grassland vegetation. Often flooded in the spring, and affected by drought in midsummer,
alvars support a distinctive group of prairie-like plants. Most alvars occur either in northern Europe
or around the Great Lakes in North America. This stressed habitat supports a community of rare plants and animals,
including species more commonly found on prairie grasslands Lichen and mosses are common species.
Trees and bushes are absent or severely stunted.
You will find an abundance of Cedar trees in this area, as they need very little soil to grow and have very shallow roots.
The problem with Cedar trees is they absorb a great deal of water, which robs the land and water sources of their water supply.
The Term "DOLOSTONE" is on the sign at GZ, let me explain what that is.
Dolostone or dolomite rock is a sedimentary carbonate rock that contains a high percentage of the mineral dolomite,
CaMg(CO3)2.
The term is now used for magnesium deficient dolostones or magnesium rich limestones.
Technically, dolostone has a stoichiometric ratio of nearly equal amounts of magnesium and calcium.
Most dolostones formed as a magnesium replacement of limestone or lime mud prior to lithification.
It is resistant to erosion and can either contain bedded layers or be unbedded. It is less soluble than limestone in weakly acidic groundwater,
but it can still develop solution features over time. Dolostone can act as an oil and natural gas reservoir.
The term dolostone was introduced to avoid confusion with the mineral dolomite.
.The process of conversion of calcite to dolomite is known as dolomitization and any intermediate product is known as "dolomitic limestone."
The "dolomite problem" refers to the vast worldwide depositions of dolostone in past geologic record eluding a unified explanation for their formation.
In order to claim this Earth Cache you will need to visit 2 locations that are only 1400 meters apart
Please send me the answers to the following questions Via my Geocaching profile.
Site #1 or Posted coordinate Questions
1) From GZ, Can you see any exposed Limestone/Dolostone (If so, what is the soil depth around the exposed parts)
2) Is there evidence that the soil is over 3" deep in some locations?
3) Are there any Deciduous trees visible from GZ (Explain why or why not)
Now head over to Second Location
4)Although this location is just 1400 meters from the Napanee Alvar
What evidence do you see that supports that this IS NOT an Alvar?
Remember with all my Earth Caches, the idea is to learn a bit of Geological history and have fun
It IS NOT to cause you grief trying to give perfect scientific answers
Just do your best.
This Geocache is being hid for the DLA2015 MEGA Event GC5FPJB,
Do not seek until 9am on Saturday August 22nd, 2015