Where's the creek? EarthCache

Logging Requirements

In order to log this EarthCache, send me your answers to the following questions either through email or messaging from my profile page.

1: Is there any water in the creek at the time of your visit. If so, please estimate how deep it is and describe the flow.

2: If you can see the creek bed, describe it's make up. Is it sand, gravel, rock, etc?

3: Based on your observation of the creek bed, do you think water can easily infiltrate the ground here or is it more likely to run off? Please give a reason for your answer.

4: Based on your observations and what you have learned, do you think that Mud Creek is an ephemeral creek? Why or why not?

5: Post a pic of you or a personal item with the creek in the background.

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Why Here?

The posted coord should put you in the middle of a bridge over Mud Creek along the Salado Creek Greenway Trail. The Salado Creek Greenway features multi-use recreational trails made from asphalt and concrete.

All of your observations can be made from the posted coordinates on TOP of the bridge. If there is flooding, please don't put your safety in danger and make your observations from a nearby SAFE location.

Ephemeral Creek

An ephemeral creek is a creek that flows only in direct response to precipitation, meaning it's dry most of the time and only has water during and shortly after rainfall events.

Runoff from rainfall is the primary source of water for these streams, and they are not fed by groundwater or other long-term sources.

Ephemeral streams are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions where precipitation is scarce. They are located above the water table year-round.

Water Runoff

Runoff water, also known as stormwater runoff or overland flow, is precipitation that flows across the land surface instead of infiltrating into the ground, eventually reaching streams, rivers, lakes, or the ocean.

Runoff occurs when water, whether from rain, snowmelt, or irrigation, accumulates faster than the ground can absorb it.

Water infiltration

Water infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil, moving downward through the soil profile and replenishing groundwater. It's a key part of the hydrological cycle, influencing soil moisture, plant growth, and groundwater resources.

What's the difference?

The difference between runoff and infiltration depends on:
- Intensity and duration of rainfall
- The amount of water already in the soil
- The type of soil
- Slope of the land
- Nature of the vegetative cover

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