Logging the Cache
Your task is to answer a few simple questions:
- Describe what you see/did. Is the pool full/empty? If you swam what was the temperature (estimate). Did you taste the water – if so how did it taste?
- Name two minerals present in the water here
- Briefly describe how a mineral spring occurs and what happens to the water
Once you complete the Earthcache requirements you can post your find without delay, as per the guidelines. You will also need to verify your find by sending me an email providing answers to the questions. This can be through the message centre or via gemmasiemensma@gmail.com
Barmedman Mineral Pool
Minerals such as magnesium have muscle-soothing properties and by submerging yourself in mineral pools, your body absorbs the surrounding magnesium (and other minerals) which in turn relaxes your muscles, soothes joint aches and significantly reduces the chance of future cramping. Mineral pools can be found all over the world – even here in Barmedman.
The Barmedman Mineral Pool commenced in 1951 by locals for the benefit of the community. The pool has a surface are of 0.4 ha (1 acre) set amidst 7 acres of picturesque reserve including lawns and shady trees.
Gold was discovered in 1872 and Barmedman became a thriving gold town. Ironically water caused the closure of the mines, as shafts had reached depths of up to 300 feet before the water problems became acute. Flooding of drives and chambers increased to such an extent that the plumbing was useless and the workings were abandoned.
The water it was later found came from an underground stream (or spring).
In this image you can see that the rain water (A) soaks down into the ground (B) until it meets a layer of rock or clay that it cannot go through, it then collects and begins to spread sideways (C). Depending on the exact geology the water can eventually find its way back to surface forming a spring.
Mineral springs are naturally occurring springs that produce hard water, water that contains dissolved minerals. Salts, sulfur compounds, and gases are among the substances that can be dissolved in the spring water during its passage underground. In this they are unlike sweet springs, which produce soft water with no noticeable dissolved gasses. The dissolved minerals may alter the water's taste.
In 1974 the water from the mineral pool underwent as assay test to determine the mineral content per ppm (parts per million):
Potassium chloride – 150ppm
Sodium chloride – 17,550ppm
Magnesium chloride - 3,370ppm
Magnesium sulphate - 2,880ppm
Calcium sulphate – 1,360ppm
Calcium bicarbonate – 305ppm
TOTAL: 25,615ppm dissolved solids
For comparison seawater contains approximately 36,000ppm dissolved solids.
Therefore this water is said to have therapeutic properties due to the high mineral content. So if you are in the area between the end of October and April, be sure to bring your bathers for a swim!
Sources:
The Barmedman Guide (brochure & sign)
https://www.quora.com/Is-there-water-underground
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_spring