This is a special type of geocache called an EarthCache. There is no container to find, but rather a location where you can learn an earth science lesson. To claim a find for this cache, please do the following:
- Read the lesson below.
- Visit the location and observe the geological forces in action. Be careful though, that bank is steep!
- Send me the answers to the questions listed at the end of the lesson. You can send the answers via e-mail or use the GC messaging feature. Be sure to submit your answers within a couple days of logging the EarthCache. Group answers are fine, just list the members of your party with your answers. Do not post the answers to the questions in your logs.
- Post a photo of yourself or a personal item at the waterfall overlook location. You can send this directly to me or attach it to your log.
Introduction
Nature is always changing, and one of the most powerful forces shaping the land around us is erosion. Erosion is the process by which natural forces, like water and wind, wear away rock and soil. At Wilkey Waterfall, located along the Wakarusa River just downstream from the Clinton Lake dam, we can see erosion in action. By observing the waterfall, the steep riverbank, and the nearby dam, we can better understand how water shapes the landscape over time.
Waterfalls and Erosion
Waterfalls form when a river flows over layers of rock with different hardness. Softer rock wears away more quickly than harder rock, creating a drop. At Wilkey Waterfall, the rushing water of the Wakarusa River has eroded softer layers of rock beneath harder layers, forming the cascade we see today. Over time, as erosion continues, the waterfall will slowly move upstream as more rock is worn away.
The Steep Riverbank
Just downstream from the waterfall, you may notice that the riverbank is steep and heavily eroded. This is because flowing water constantly removes soil and rock from the banks, especially after heavy rains. The roots of trees and plants can help slow down erosion by holding soil in place, but if too much soil is lost, entire sections of the riverbank can collapse in a process called mass wasting. This reshapes the land, changing the course of the river over time.
The Role of the Dam
The Clinton Lake dam, located upstream from Wilkey Waterfall, also plays a role in erosion. Dams slow down rivers, reducing the amount of sediment carried downstream. This can lead to increased erosion below the dam because the river water, now carrying less sediment, has more energy to erode the riverbed and banks. At the same time, the reservoir behind the dam traps sediment, changing how erosion and deposition happen in the area. The effects of the dam are a good example of how human structures can influence natural processes.
Conclusion
Wilkey Waterfall and its surrounding landscape provide a perfect example of how erosion continuously shapes the Earth. Whether through the gradual wearing away of rock at the waterfall, the collapsing riverbank, or the changes caused by the dam, erosion is a powerful force that constantly reshapes the land.
Questions to Answer:
1. What is one way that erosion is changing Wilkey Waterfall?
2. How do you think the presence of the Clinton Lake dam has affected the rate and pattern of erosion in the Wakarusa River, and what might this mean for the future of the landscape?
Don't forget to post a picture of yourself or a personal item!