Lake Herman EarthCache
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In order to count this Earthcache as a find, you must complete the following tasks and email the answers to me.
1. What is the elevation at ground zero?
2. Estimate the height of the moraine.
3. Describe the shape and size of Lake Herman.
This Earthcache is located at a scenic overview in Lake Herman State Park. The park is located on a peninsula that juts into Lake Herman. From this vantage point, you will get a good view of the entire park including glacial Lake Herman. A daily pass or state park sticker will be needed to enter the park. Lake Herman offers several campground sites, canoeing and kayaking, hiking trails, swimming areas, playgrounds, and fishing.
Lake Herman is an example of a kettle lake. A kettle is formed when a huge chunk of ice breaks off from a retreating glacier. When a block of glacial ice is stranded by the retreating glacier, it prevents sediments from being deposited. As the main ice sheet of the glacier continues to cut along the surface, it deposits sediments as it goes. Sediments usually gather around the stranded ice chunk. Sometimes, the ice piece may become covered by sediments, such as soil, sand, gravel, or boulders, from the till that was carried by the glacier. When the broken ice chunk melts, the sediments slump and a depression is left behind. If the bottom of the depression will hold water, a kettle lake is formed. The sizes of kettle lakes can vary greatly, but are usually pretty shallow. Kettle lakes in this area are found in the outwash plains of glaciers and near glacial moraines. A moraine is basically a build-up of glacial debris that is deposited by a retreating glacier. As a landform today, these glacial moraines will appear as ridges or hills. The hill you are standing on is an example of the glacial moraine that built up around the stranded ice block.
NOT A LOGGING REQUIREMENT: Feel free to post pictures of your group at the area or the area itself - I love looking at the pictures.
Additional Hints
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