This is an earthcache. There is no container to find or log book to sign. Read the entire cache page to understand the requirements of claiming a find on this cache. An earthcache is a special type of geocache that focuses on the impacts of earth sciences at a particular location; in this instance, here, at the Grand Haven Channel. After reading the cache page, you will be required to submit answers to a few questions as well as a photo to verify you physically visited the location during your visit. Both parts are a requirement of this cache.
This cache cannot be completed from Grand Haven State Park located on the south side of the channel. You will need to visit the north side of the channel to answer the questions and take the required photo. Be aware this is an approximate 15-20 minute drive from the state park. Do not attempt to log this cache with answers or photos from the prior earthcache available at GHSP. This is a different experience that requires different answers and a different photo.
Welcome to the Grand Haven Channel, an important location for Michigan's water cycle. This is the location where the Grand River flows into Lake Michigan. Along the north side of the channel is the Fisheman's Pier. To begin your lesson, walk down Fisherman's Pier to where the waves meet the beach north of the pier. Be sure to obey the posted signs regarding the property boundaries.
The sand at this location was created by longshore drift. Longshore drift is a process that creates deposits due to the force of prevailing winds affecting the direction of the waves carrying it. Depending on the prevailing winds, waves crash into the beach at an angle and not always straight on. Waves carry sediment, or small pieces of solid matter, that are deposited on the shoreline when the wave reaches land. Depending on how much sediment is being carried, the speed of the wind and waves, and the direction it hits will determine the quanitity and location of the sand being deposited.
Over time, longshore drifts can cause sand to build up excessively. This can change the course of the nature flow of water, blocking channels for fish and other aquatic species, as well as restricting the transportation of barges, boats, and other watercraft. Since longshore drift can be so damaging to the ecosystem and economy, engineers are tasked with ways to prevent or slow the effects of longshore drift. Observe the waves coming into shore and look for engineered solutions on-hand to answer the following questions.
To get credit for this earthcache, please provide answers to the following questions in an email or geocaching message. Please do not post your answers in your log. Team logging is acceptable as long as the person submitting the answers for your team identifies who they are submitting answers for AND each person is present in the required photo.
1. Observe the waves crashing into the beach north of fisherman's pier. On the day of your visit, are the waves hitting the beach straight on, or do they appear to be coming at an angle? (hint: try to line yourself up with the water line and see the angle of the waves). The answer my vary depending on the prevailing wind and time of year.
2. Considering the information presented in the description above and your observations made for question 1, what effects could you foresee happening if longshore drift was left uncontrolled at this location?
3. There are three main engineered features at this location meant to prevent longshore drift. Describe some of what you see that you believe engineers have designed and installed here and give a very basic assessment of whether or not you believe the engineered installations are preventing the expansion of longshore drift.
Once you have finished your observations at the beach area, proceed to the provided secondary waypoint (near the parking lot) and look for a large black sign.
At this location there is a black wooden sign commemorating the engineering improvements done by the United States Army Corps of Engineers that this earthcache highlighted. As a requirement of this earthcache, you will need to post a photo at this sign in one of two acceptable manners.
a. Post a "selfie" with the black wooden sign with one of the red lighthouses in the background with your found log.
b. Post a photo of a signature item or something that distinguishes you (trackable, signature card, name tag, keys, pet, etc.) with the black wooden sign and one of the red lighthouses visible in the background with your found log.
Failure to provide BOTH the observations and photo are required to claim a find on this cache. If this is unclear, feel free to send a message to the cache owner for clarification.
You do not need to wait for a response back from the CO to claim a find on this cache, however, you are responsible for providing the required photo and answers in a timely manner. Logs without the required information provided in 24 hours may be subject to removal per Geocaching Earthcache guidelines.