This Earth Cache features a geological landmark of inanimate nature that provides insights into the evolution of the Earth and the origin of life.
Park in the Falls of Truim parking lot, just off the A9 with signs to Crubenmore and Dalwhinnie; it is on the left. From the parking lot, walk a short distance back along the road towards the A9 and take the turning to the left for Crubenbeg. After a short distance, turn right through a cattle gate onto a path signposted to the Falls of Truim. From here you can see the whirlpool pots close up.
A strudel pot, also known as a strudel hole, is a funnel-shaped cavity eroded by flowing water in solid rock. These holes are created by circular, turbulent water flows in the bedrock. This erosion process takes place everywhere in nature where water flows in torrents, gorges or ravines.
The bedrock consists of slate, which was formed by metamorphosis at high temperatures and pressure. Boulders, small stones and sand carried along by the Truim River further erode these cavities. The resulting eddies encourage the erosion process, which leads to the formation of whirlpools.
Depending on the water level, you may discover several whirlpools at the given coordinates. To log this earthcache, go to the coordinates given in the listing and answer the following questions:
1) What influenced the formation of the whirlpool pots?
2) How many swirl pots can be seen from the bridge and what size (length x width) is the largest swirl pot?
3) Do you think the strudel pots will get bigger or smaller in the future? Give reasons for this statement
4) Send your answers to our profile. You do not have to wait for a log release. If something is wrong, we will contact you. Please remember to take a photo with your GPS, talisman or of/with yourself.