An earthcache provides an earth science lesson through a visit to a unique site. The description and tasks combine to teach a lesson and highlight what is unique or interesting about the location. There are no containers or log books at the posted coordinates or waypoints.
Before logging this as found, cachers must first read the lesson, perform the required tasks and then answer the questions below. Answers can be submitted through the message center. Terrain may be less accessible in spring when the ice melts.
ANATOMY OF A STREAM
A mixture of flows and depth provide a variety of habitats to support fish and invertebrate life. Pools are deep with slow water. Riffles are shallow with fast, turbulent water running over rocks. Runs are deep with fast water and little or no turbulence.
When a stream meets up with a huge fallen log, or a set of boulders, the water pours over the top. The vertical force of the water falling down on the other side will carve out a pool in the stream. Pools are favorite places for trout to hang out, and since the water in them flows a little slower, some other animals do well here, including mollusks (like clams and snails) and worms. One of the benefits to slow-moving water is that organic debris settles out into it. Another advantage is that you don't have to relocate to another area if the stream level starts to lower.
Where there are pools, there are riffles. These are shallow places where water runs fast and is agitated by rocks. Only animals that cling very well, such as net-winged midges, caddisflies, stoneflies, some mayflies, dace, and sculpins can spend much time here, and plant life is restricted to diatoms and small algae. Riffles are a good place for mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies to live because they offer plenty of cobbly gravel to hide in.
Close to any pool or riffle is likely to be a run, which merely describes a main body of water that runs smoothly downstream. Fishes, like minnows, too small to compete for pools often end up in runs.
Source
To log this earthcache as found, send me the answers to the questions listed below as they are listed on the info board at GZ. Answers can be submitted through the message center.
1. What is returned to the water that bubbles over the rocks in the creek?
2. What two things do the deep pools reduce regarding the water flow?
3. What fish spawn in riffles in this creek?
4. What kinds of fish rest in pools due to the deeper, cooler water?
5. REQUIRED: Post a photo of yourself or a personal item (written username, GPS, etc) around GZ demonstrating you visited the site. DO NOT POST PICTURES CONTAINING ANSWERS ON THE INFO BOARD. If you do, your log will be deleted. Logs without a photo will also be deleted and will not count as a find unless you message me the photo privately.