Wequiock Falls EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

gotta run: Following up on logging requirements on this cache has taken all the joy out of this one for us. No more logs will be accepted on this cache, regardless of the date supposedly logged, period.

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Hidden : 6/26/2008
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


Wequiock Falls is one of two waterfalls in the Brown County Park system. No climbing is necessary, but is optional.


The Falls in Winter
Photo Thanks to Rsplash40

This EarthCache has been approved by Doug Hartman of the Brown County Parks department. However, we are required to note that: "Brown County assumes no liability for the information provided in this EarthCache."

As with any waterfall, the area is inherently hazardous. The steps to approach the falls can be very slippery and the gorge area itself is prone to collapse and falling rocks. Please use your good judgment and do not undertake any activity which current conditions or your physical abilities do not permit. No pets are allowed and great care should be taken if children are brought to the site. Do not climb over fences or up rock walls. The Park Department forbids passing the western edge of the plunge pool.

As an EarthCache, there is NO container at this site, and NO natural materials should be removed from the park.

Additionally, there are specific logging requirements that must be followed in order to log the cache. Failure to follow the logging directions will result in your log being deleted.

Wequiock
DNR Photo of Wequiock Falls

About the Falls:

Wequiock Falls is part of the Niagara Escarpment.

Originally, water from Wequiock Creek would have flowed directly over the escarpment.

Like other waterfalls, Wequiock Falls was formed by the erosion of soft rocks that lie under an upper layer of more erosion-resistant rocks. At Wequiock Falls, a layer of hard rock 3 to 4 meters thick overlies the softer rocks of the Maquoketa Formation. When viewing the falls, the harder rock is much lighter than the underlying rock.

Waterfall

Seepage and splashback continues to erode the underlying rock and cause the falls to retreat. Steven Dutch, professor of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, reports that “in 11,000 years, Wequiock Falls has retreated about 200 meters, an average rate of a meter per 55 years. In the same time, Niagara Falls…has retreated 11 kilometers, an average of a meter per year or 55 times faster.” (Today, the retreat of Niagara Falls has been slowed due to flow control mechanisms put in place.)

Wequiock Falls usually freezes in the winter, and often dries to a trickle in the summer.

IMPORTANT: Logging Requirements:

There are two tasks you must complete to log this cache.

Task 1

The listed coordinates to this cache will take you to the bridge on the eastern edge of the falls. Although you cannot see the falls from this bridge, you can see the beginning of the Wequiock Gorge to the west.

You must post at least one photo that includes your GPSr that meets at least one of the following conditions:

1. A photo overlooking the gorge to the east from the listed coordinates (the bridge). This may be the safest choice at certain times of the year, and also makes this EarthCache handicapped-accessible and/or kid-friendly,

2. A photo of the waterfall from any point along the fence that spans the gorge, or from along Bay Settlement road if it is safe to access, or

3. A photo of the falls from within the gorge itself, but not beyond the western edge of the plunge pool.

Again, your photo MUST include your GPSr.

Task 2

Email us the answers to the following questions by clicking on THIS LINK through the geocaching site. One question you will need to research on-site, and one will require some Internet research.

1. What is the approximate width of the falls? (Measure either from the bridge or plunge pool area.)

2. What type of rock composes the upper layer at Wequiock Falls? (Hint: look for information on the Falls itself or on the Niagara Escarpment.)

Special thanks to:

Lostby7 for advice in getting this cache submitted and published.

Badbird for taking the time to place—and replace—physical caches at the falls several times.

Steven Dutch, professor of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, for making great information about the falls publicly available.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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