You will enjoy a nice feature at Lake Atalanta Park while learning about this Earthcache.
This earthcache is located at a wonderful large park, so feel free to pack a lunch! This Earthcache is Wheelchair accessible. Permission has been granted for this Earthcache.
Karst Landscapes and Features
A Karst landscape is one where water has over time dissolved the bedrock (usually limestone). When rain falls through the atmosphere, the rain drops can pick up carbon dioxide. When the rain water soaks into the ground, the water + carbon dioxide combination creates a weak acid (similar to in soda beverages). This acid solution soaks into cracks in the rock and slowly dissolves away bedrock. The cracks slowly get larger and larger, creating caves over thousands of years. .
The Rogers area is rich with Karst topography. The area has many disappearing streams, sinkholes, cave systems, underground streams, springs and cold streams. A disappearing stream is when a stream disappears into the surface of the earth through cracks in the bedrock. The stream can then continue to flow underground in some cases. A sinkhole is when a cave collapses. A sinkhole can create an opening to allow water to directly enter the underground system. As the water travels through the small cracks and fissures n the earth, it often works as a natural water filter, leaving the water very clean and pure when it resurfaces. A disappearing stream can resurface in a spring. The water will be cold because it has been cooled down as it travelled through the earth.
Post a Photo and Share your Visit!!!
And to demonstrate the educational value of this site, please email the answers to the following questions.
1. Early town founders in the area used the feature for their water supply. Based on the information above, why would this water have been preferable when compared to water from a pond or lake?
2. You should be able to bend down and put your hand in the spring water, where it flows under the sidewalk. What is the general temperature of the water (Hot, Warm, Cool, Cold)?
3. Why is the water's temperature constant?