Type of Earthcache: Hydrologic Feature/Geological Phenomena - Hot Spring.
Hot Springs of Peninsular Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia is not volcanically active and we do not witness spectacular lava flows or experience breathtaking volcanic eruptions. Nor do we have geysers or fumaroles. But, as compensation, we do have hot springs (surprisingly many of them) that provide subtle evidence of planet Earth's hot interior.
Most hot springs in West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) are located along the west and east of the Triassic Main Range Granite, with some isolated ones occurring in close association with other granite bodies. These hot springs include the ones in Perak and Kampung Ulu Slim Hot Spring is one of them. They are thought to represent the last waning phases of primary mineralisation associated with the Upper Cretaceous to Tertiary granite invasions in West Malaysia.
Kampung Ulu Slim Hot Spring
The Kampung Ulu Slim Hot Spring is in limestone and hornfels assemblage, which is part of the Ordovician to Silurian Terolak Formation.
Mohd Anuar & Sukri, 1997 did a Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) survey and delineated a conductive zone which trends almost north-south. This conductive zone is attributed to fractures in the bedrock which acts as permeable layer (reservoir) for the hot water, which escapes to the surface through vertical fault planes in the rocks.
The hot spring is among the hottest in Peninsular Malaysia. The extremely high temperature of the hot spring is probably due to its rapid ascend to the surface along these fault planes. It is also possible that mixing with the surrounding groundwater is minimal. This enables the hot water to maintain its temperature since it is not being diluted by the groundwater to a great extent.
Kampung Ulu Slim Hot Spring
How to claim this EarthCache?
Field equipment required: A thermometer.
1. Note the temperature posted on the sign board nearby the hot spring.
2. Measure the temperature of the hot spring at its source (at the listed coordinates). Use the following standard protocol for measuring temperature:
i. Hold the thermometer by the end or by attached string.
ii. Place the end of the thermometer that has the bulb into the water so that the bulb is fully submerged.
iii. Leave the thermometer submerged in the water for 60 seconds. This will allow the thermometer to fully adjust to the new temperature. Especially when the water is hot, it will take some time for the thermometer to change and reflect the correct temperature.
iv. While the thermometer is still in the water, locate the red line on the thermometer, and find the highest point where it crosses the numbered black lines.
v. Record the temperature to the nearest degree.
3. Note what you see at the source of the hot spring. What do you observe on the surface of the rocks? What do you smell? What do you observe in the hot spring water?
Email me the following;
1. The text "GC7CJH7 Kampung Ulu Slim - Hot Spring" on the first line.
2. The answers to the following questions;
- The temperature you noted on the nearby sign board and the temperature you measured at the source of the hot spring. If there's a difference in temperature, explain why. Do not believe what the sign board says!
3. What is the colour of the rock where the hot water emerge?*
4. Estimate how close are you able to approach the source of the hot spring? Why?*
5. Optional task: Share your experiences and photos taken during your visit.*
References
* It is understood that finding the answers to an EarthCache can be challenging, and many people tend to shy away from these caches because of this. However, it is my opinion that geocaching is also meant to be a fun family experience that simply aims to introduce interesting and unique locations such as this one. Flexibility on logging requirements, however, can only be applied if it can be established that you have actually taken the time to visit the site. For this reason, a proper log describing your adventure accompanied by a good number of photos would be much appreciated.