Geological Significance of Pykes Creek
Pykes Creek Reservoir has geological and geomorphological significance. This area shows evidence of faulting, displays a variety of volcanic and sedimentary materials as well as changes in sea level and glacial activity. The geology of the area shows evidence of faulting, changes in sea level and glacial activity.
Permian glacial tillites outcrop can be observed in the cliffs above Korjamnunnip Creek below the reservoir. These are major exposures of the Permian rocks. The glacial pavements are good examples, although access is difficult as they are located in a restricted area high on a steep slope. The small exposure in the parking area provides safer viewing of Permian rocks.
Riparian land
is any land that is next to, or directly influences a body of water. It includes areas adjacent to creeks and rivers, gullies and dips which sometimes run water, wetlands or areas surrounding dams and lakes.
The role riparian zones play in protecting water quality is determined by characteristics including vegetation, slope, soils and land use. Riparian zones vary in width. These areas represent a unique habitat for the community of plants and animals.
A healthy riparian zone is a good mix of land species and aquatic vegetation.
Land Management of Farms.
By law fertilizer, pasture, effluent control, erosion control and farm access are all a major consideration for the landholder in regard to the Riparian Zone.
It is suggested that land holders:-
• Obtain soil tests and use these results to only apply fertiliser to pasture and crop that require it.
• Map land classes based on soil types, eroded/erosion prone areas, wet/low spots, water bodies and other natural features. This will show areas of the farm that may require specific management such as erosion.
• Fencing the tops and bottoms of hills allows easier management of the slopes. It helps control grazing (over and under) as cattle do not walk up and down the hill as much. This also helps control pugging, erosion and nutrient transfer.
In particular landholders are asked to
- Retain and improve existing frontage vegetation. Grow vegetation on the bank itself (smaller trees near the bottom) to aid in stabilising it, and providing shade shelter for aquatic life in the water.
- Allow snags to remain in streams to provide habitat.
- Riparian vegetation should include indigenous grasses, reeds and shrubs as well as trees.
- Riparian vegetation will also provide stock and surrounding pastures with shelter. This may improve production and sustainability of the surrounding land.
While kayaking towards GZ you will see such Riparian Zones. Take special notice of these areas and answer the following questions.
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At the listed co-ordinates you should be near a cliff that displays a variety of rock samples and shows distinctive layers.
Permian glacial tillite
Q1. What height from the high water level mark do you estimate this cliff to be? Describe what you see here include colours, layers, rock type, shapes (and texture if the water level is low enough to land and get close to the rocky shore line.)
Q2. There is a visible line across the cliff face what do you think this could be and why is it so white?
Q3. Further north at the stage 2 you will see another cliff face. What do you think has caused the most noticeable characteristic here?
Present – the riparian Zone
Q4.Here at stage 2 turn around to face the opposite direction. This side of Pykes looks completely different. Describe it
Q5. At stage 2 and 3 what suitable management ideas (visible evidence) can you see that the land holder has implemented to preserve and/or restore the Riparian zone on his farmland. (see reference above)
Thank you for visiting this Earth Cache. I hope you enjoyed learning about Pykes Creek Reservoir and also have the extra time to stay and enjoy the area.
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