Going with the Flow EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

Artemis&Apollo: We visited the site again today. Still no signage in which to consult and make this Earth Cache possible. So we, sadly, will Archive this one.

This location and surrounding area remains a very pretty spot to visit.

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Hidden : 9/27/2018
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


The Mississippi River is the chief river of the largest drainage system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, it rises in northern Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for 2,530 miles (4,070 km) to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi’s watershed drains all or parts of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains. The Mississippi ranks as the fourth longest and tenth largest river in the world. The river either borders or cuts through the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

In Minnesota, the river flows over 660 miles from its source at Lake Itasca through bogs and spruce forests in the glaciated northern region, across fertile agricultural fields in the central portion of the state, then southeastward through scenic bluff country. Along this course the river’s character varies dramatically, due to the geologic events.





Today the Vermillion River joins the Mississippi at Hastings, forming a large alluvial fan and diverting the channel of the Mississippi to the northeast. Alluvium accumulating on the floodplain near the confluence has formed a delta in the Mississippi that has been migrating down-stream for the last 9,500 years. Backwater lakes and sloughs, meandering secondary channels, and small terrace remnants characterize the floodplain at the southern end of the MNRRA (Mississippi National River and Recreation Area).



Orange rocks of the Jordan Sandstone below beige rocks of the Oneota Dolomite near Lock & Dam 2

The bluffs you see to the north consist of Jordan Sandstone and Oneota Dolomite. Jordan Sandstone only shows up very low on the north side of the Mississippi near Hastings. Here it shows as 10 to 20 feet of orange-yellow rocks. When unweathered it is gray, but here it’s been stained by iron in the water. It is most easily seen from the observation areas near Lock & Dam 2, which is the area in Jaycee Park. Located above the Jordan Sandstone you can see the overlying layer of Oneota Dolomite. It is primarily composed of sandstone. It is typically about 85 to 100 feet high.


The posted coordinates will bring you to a sign provided by the National Park Services located in beautiful Jaycee Park.

To get credit for this cache: E-mail me with the answers to these questions using the "Message This Owner" link located at the top of this cace page.

1. In it's natural state, the river once flowed across a large floodplain. How do you think this would have affected the trail where you are now standing?

2. Observing the river in front of you, what has caused the river to take a sharp turn to the east?

3. Estimate the total height of the bluffs on the north side of the river.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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