Devon Falls: A Lesson in Sandstone EarthCache
Hidden : 6/21/2016
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Named in memory of local musician Devon Marshall, Devon Falls is a short walk from the end of Harvest Drive. The location features a viewing platform with a bench and an information sign about the falls and Devon.

Devon Falls is a tiered waterfall (also known as a cascading waterfall) that was created by rainfall runoff that flowed down the hill thanks to our friend, gravity. Eventually, over time, the rainfall carved a creek and then the waterfall you see here. The waterfall formed at this spot because the sandstone that makes up the lower portion of the waterfall is relatively soft and was eroded more quickly than the harder rock around it, which created the steps you can see here.

Some waterfalls become undercut, where the rock wall behind the falls is worn away. When this happens, after the water goes over the edge of the waterfall it falls freely to the ground instead of running down the rock face as can be seen in some waterfalls. The undercutting increases over time as the water splashes back onto the rock face slowly eroding it. After awhile, the undercutting of a waterfall may get to a point where you can walk behind the waterfall . When the water is flowing strongly, you can walk behind the waterfall at Devon Falls.



Please send me the answers to the following questions (email is preferred):

1. What is another name for sandstone? (answer on info board)

2. Is sandstone igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary? (answer on info board)

3. Sandstone is comprised primarily of the two most common elements on earth. What are they? (answer on info board)

4. How many steps do you see in the waterfall? (It is easier to see when there is water flowing but give it your best shot if it dries up in the summer. Hint, there is more than one.)

5. Describe the appearance of the sandstone layers you see here. (Colour, texture) Are you able to make out the individual grains of the rock from the platform?

6. At the bottom of Devon Falls you can see that undercutting is occurring. Why do you think undercutting is occurring here?

Thanks for doing my earth cache, I hope you enjoyed the waterfall and that you learned something new.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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