A Fen in my Kettle Soup EarthCache
Hidden : 9/12/2015
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

A Fen in my Kettle Soup Earthcache

This Earthcache is accessible via the trails of Ott Biological Preserve. During the summer months, mosquito repellent is strongly encouraged!

Ott Biological Preserve.
The Ott Biological Preserve covers approximately 300 acres of natural habitats that have been shaped extensively by glaciation. The advance and retreat of glaciers during the last ice age has shaped the land which we see today. The Ott Biological Preserve is a unique area where one can see the results of glaciation, from higher elevation sandy eskers to the lower elevation kettle lakes and wetlands. There is a 70ft elevation change from the lowest to highest point in the preserve!

Spring-Fed Kettle Lake.
Within the boundaries of the preserve are two spring-fed kettle lakes, Hall Lake and Brigham Lake. Kettle lake depressions are formed in a variety of ways but most commonly by the burial and subsequent melting of isolated blocks of ice covered by glacial deposits. Importantly, the glacial soil deposits in this area are coarse-textured which allow for groundwater to easily permeate to the surface. This groundwater often forms broad seeps or local springs which keep the water levels in these lakes relatively constant. The groundwater is rich in both calcium and magnesium bicarbonates as a result of flowing through the surrounding limestone bedrock and/or coarse glacial deposits. This creates an alkaline pH, high-nutrient system required for the development of fens.

Prairie Fen.
In general, fens, are peat-forming wetlands that receive nutrients from sources other than precipitation: usually from upslope sources through drainage from surrounding mineral soils and from groundwater movement. A Prairie fen is a geologically and biologically unique wetland found only in the glaciated Midwest. In Michigan, prairie fens occur in the southern three to four tier of counties, primarily in the glacial interlobate region. They are distinguished from other fens by a tallgrass prairie flora and fauna component. This wetland community is dominated by sedges and grasses.

There are two types of soils that are common in prairie fens, peat, and marl. Peat is a spongy dark mat that will have some give when walked on or jumped on – it is partially decomposed plant matter built up over thousands of years. Because groundwater brings in mineral deposits through neighboring hillsides that contain sand and gravel deposits left behind by glaciers, fens often also contain marl, formed of light-grey colored calcium carbonate.

 At the posted coordinates, you will be standing on a small bridge with overlooks Brigham Lake.

In order to log this Earthcache, you must email team wiji (see profile for email) the answers to the following questions:

1. Observe Brigham lake, taking notice how the area is a combination of lake water and prairie fen. Is the prairie fen primarily located in the center of the lake or along the edges? Estimate the percentage of lake is open water vs. prairie fen?

2. Take a closer look at the water/soil below the bridge where you stand. Can you identify evidence that supports the fact you are looking at a spring-fed kettle lake with prairie fen? (Do you notice any flow in the water? What color is the soil under the water - Is it peat or marl?)

3. OPTIONAL - Take a photo of your GPSr or yourself/team standing on the bridge with the lake in the background. You may include this photo in your log.

++ Congratulations to rj_toot on the FTF!! ++

This cache placed and maintained by an Ontario Geocaching Association Member

Additional Hints (No hints available.)

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