There is no physical container at the cache site as this is an Earthcache!
Do not attempt this cache at night. Observations should be done during the day, with optimal lighting.
There is no reason to attempt to go to the island. All observations can be made from the coordinates at the top of this page.
Please be respectful of the area and it’s residents, big or small!
Always practice CITO!
For this EarthCache, we will be observing an island in the middle of the Russian river.
What is a River Island?
A river island is any kind of landmass within a river that sits above water.
It may be an Island, a sand bar, or a rock.
How are River Islands Formed?
Sand or other sediment can build in a portion of the river by currents when the river level is high. During the dry season, these can be exposed above the surface. Erosion of the river bed or river bank can reduce the water level, exposing a rock or landmass near the surface. An anabranch can also form and return to the main portion of the river downstream, forming an island between two channels of the river. A river island can range in size from a small boulder, or sand bar, to the sized of multiple square miles.
River Bifurcation
This occurs when a river flowing in a single stream separates into two or more separate streams (called distributaries) which continue downstream. Some rivers form complex networks of distributaries, especially in their deltas. If the streams eventually merge again or empty into the same body of water, then the bifurcation forms a river island. River bifurcation may be temporary or semi-permanent, depending on the strength of the material which separates the distributaries. For example, a mid-stream island of soil or silt in a delta is most likely temporary. A location where a river divides around a rock fin, e.g. a volcanically formed dike, or a mountain, may be more lasting. A bifurcation may also be man-made, for example when two streams are separated by a long bridge pier.
Definition of a River
A river is a natural flowing waterway, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river. When they flow into the ocean, where the ocean and river meet, is known as an estuary.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
Please answer the following questions, to your best ability, using the information above. When you feel you have them answered correctly, send me your answers via the Geocaching websites messaging feature, or through email. Any "Found It" logs without the requirements being sent in, will be deleted.
Please include the GC code of this cache and the number of people in your party in your message.
1) Estimate the length of the island. Can you see the entire island from where you're standing?
2) Does the island make the river bifurcate?
3) Estimate the distance between river's shore and the island.
4) Do you think this river island could become part of the mainland if the river's water level dropped?
5) Does this river flow into the ocean, making an estuary?
6) This IS a requirement!
Please post or send me a photo of yourself or a personal object as proof you were at the site. Your face does not have to be included within the picture.
I hope you enjoyed this EarthCache, and most of all, I hope you learned something new!
Sources: Wiki, geology.com, britannica.com, Nationalgeographic.org, Personal Knowledge of Earth Science and Geology