Getting More DIRT on the St Marys River Earthcache EarthCache
Hidden : 5/27/2016
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

The St. Marys River is one of the best-preserved and most unique blackwater river systems in America. The 125 mile long winding river forms the northeastern border between Florida and Georgia. The river’s headwaters originate within the Okefenokee Swamp and drain into the Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Atlantic Ocean. The waters of the St. Marys River have long been known for its outstanding quality.





The headwaters are located in Okefenokee Swamp and Charlton County, and the river flows south before turning north and east, emptying into Cumberland Sound and the Atlantic Ocean between St. Marys, Georgia and Fernandina Beach, Florida. · The St. Marys River serves as the border between Georgia and Florida. The Georgia portion of the basin drains approximately 765 square miles (of 1,300 total square miles).The approximate elevation is 75 feet (23 meters) above sea level.

The basin’s longleaf pine forests supplied naval stores—masts, turpentine and other forestry products—to the shipping and other industries until the early 1900’s when the last lumber mills closed due to the inability to effectively access profitable timber stands.

The fish populations in the St. Marys Basin are limited in productivity by acidic waters, low alkalinity, and extreme variation in flow.
· The blackbanded sunfish and the banded topminnow are two fish species found in the basin that are currently listed by the state as rare species.
· Wildlife in the basin includes deer, otter, beaver, raccoon, alligator, gopher tortoise, turkey and ribbon snakes. The middle portion of the river supports bear, panther, bobcat and the red-cockaded woodpecker.

The Trail Ridge is composed of sand that accumulated as beaches and offshore bars on the terraces of the Eastern Valley, and is characterized by thick sand sections at relatively high land surface elevations. Ridges are important water resource features because of their ability to absorb and store significant quantities of rainfall. Terraces are features of low relief that marked the location of the ocean bottom at times when the sea level stood higher than at present. When these areas were covered with seawater, they collected deposits of silt, mud, and organics. As the ocean receded to its present level, these features were eroded and partially masked, leaving the topography and soil types present today.


Several different types of soils and dirt's can be found along the banks of the river.

1. Histosols. Comprised of mostly peat, and are commonly found in the upper reaches of the river, in lower topographic features (swamp). This type of soil is identified by a thick surface layer that is very high in organic material.

2. Ultisols. Commonly known as red clay soils. The color results from the accumulation of iron oxide (rust) which is highly insoluble in water. These can be seen in cliffs overlooking the river.

3. Spodosols. These are poorly drained soils in depressions and along drainage ways. There’s usually standing water in these areas.

4. Entisols. Found in the floodplain regions along the river. These are quartz sand dominated with little organic content. They make great swimming areas along the river.

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To receive credit for this earth cache you must send me the answers via my profile to the following questions..


1) Based on the Four listed soil types, what type of soil do you think is at GZ?

2) In your opinion what is the clarity of the river at the time of your visit?

3) How many Wooden Steps lead down to the beach area?

4) Estimate the flow of this river at the time of your visit?

5) Just north-east of ground zero across the river there is a man made object hanging, what is this object?

6) Not required but a Photo of you at Ground Zero with the river in background..

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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