The most common form of erosion is through the flow of water. Erosion can occur when heavy rains fall onto local roads and parking lots. The water collects on those impervious surfaces and run off at a rapid rate, causing erosion to occur to the surrounding land. To prevent this erosion from happening, erosion control methods have to be implemented. One common form of erosion control is called a bioswale.
What is a bioswale?
A bioswale is a designed channel that utilizes plants and landforms to slow stormwater run-off from parking lots, roads and other impervious surfaces. Bioswales also treat stormwater by filtering contaminants from it. Bioswales benefit the environment and the surrounding community in a number of ways:
-Decrease drainage problems and flooding by reducing the amount of stormwater run-off
-Decrease erosion from stormwater run-off by controlling the velocity of the runoff as it enters local waterways
-Encourages localized infiltration of stormwater into the soil
-Plants in a bioswale provide habitat and food for local wildlifdfe
-Promotes an increase in biodiversity and growth of microorganism populations necessary for stream health
This earthcache is located at a bioswale in Coldstream Park in Lexington, KY. The earthcache coordinates will take you to an informational sign located beside the bioswale.
To claim credit for this earthcache, please answer the following questions. The answers can be found on the informational sign at the earthcache location. You will also be required to answer a couple questions based on your observations at the earthcache site:
1) How much water was this bioswale built to hold?
2) Estimate the length, width and depth of the bioswale.
3) In your opinion, what is the main cause of erosion in this area? Why?
OPTIONAL: Post a photo of yourself and your GPSr with the bioswale in the background.
Please email or message me your answers and observations. Thanks for visiting my earthcache.
Approval given to place this cache by Michael C. Downs of LFUCG Parks and Rec Department. Approval code LT01e.
Information for this earthcache taken from www.britannica.com and the informational sign at the earthcache location.
Congratulations to Papasuth for first to find!