Long shore drift is what is known as the movement of water currents along the shoreline. Long shore drift moves or transfers material(s) via currents along the shoreline of the lake. The long shore drift along the shoreline in this area is usually from the west.
This earthcache is based on features found at both the east beach of Port Stanley at the foot of Main Street as well as at the West Beach This street will lead you towards Little Beach.
1,) Please describe the texture of the Little Beach beach cover material, i.e.:a) sand; b) gravel, c) small pebbles, d) grassy.
2.) Estimate the distance of the beach from the water's edge to the bluff or private property to the north of the beach area at Littttle Beach?
3.) Did you observe beach grasses growing on East Beach? Were there any visible dunes observed at Little Beach?
4.) What indications are there that indicate whether this beach is eroding or growing in size from deposition from sand movement in the lake? Did you observe a U shaped area possibly washed out near the northwest corner appearing to have been washed out near the northwest corner of Little Beach. Would this be an indication of erosion or deposition? Note, erosion is when wave action removes or eats away at local features. Deposition is when sand, gravel, etc. is no longer carried by water currents and drops to the lake or river/stream bottom.+
It is now time to take a look a the Main Beach on the west side of the harbour.
5.) In connection with long shore drift occuring on the north shore of Lake Erie in this area what is occurring in this area of the lakeshore? Do you see signs of deposition or erosion in the area of the east end of the beach area?
6.) Has the long shore driftt pattern been affected at the inner end of the west pier on the beach side of the pier? Describe what you have been able to observe indicating what is taking place in the area. Compare where the beach meets the lake water on this side of the harbour compared to Little Beach on the east side of the harbour. Estimate/determine how much to the lakeward the beachfront is located at the Main Beach compared to Little Beach. What structures in the area would have a major effect on long shore drift along Main Beach, especially over many years of shipping activity.
7.) Is Main Beach a.groomed beach, i,e, is Main Beach graded during the summer season? What evidence, if any, did you find to support your answer?
8.) Describe the texture of Main Beach: a) gravel, b) pebbles/stoney, c) grassy, d) sandy?
9.) What, if any, do you see in the way of dunes and if there are dunes in the area how are they protected from human traffic in the area? Note: Describe the dune grasses near the northwest corner of Mackies and near the southeast corner of the publc parking area across the street.
10) Final Question, describe the height of the dune at the northwest corner of Mackies. Does this dune area have dune grasses growing from it. Further, does this dune have sand ridges, if so, how deep are the ridges and what longitudinal direction do the ridges run on the dune. What is your estimate of the height of this particular dune? Would you please state in your own words what caused this dune to develop as it has over the years at this location.