Munsungan Falls EarthCache
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This is a series of waterfalls formed on the Munsungan Stream just upstream from where joins Millinocket Stream forming the Aroostook River. The falls are a classic example of a falls developed across folds.
Munsungan Falls is located in the northern part of Maine in an area called the North Maine Woods. The falls is a series of drops as it flows over a number of ledges formed from steeply folded bedrock. While the falls is not the largest in Maine it is interesting because it was formed near the end of the most recent glacial period.
What makes this fall special other than its beautiful setting is that it is a classic example of a falls formed as the water crosses a series of ledge drops formed when the bedrock was folded long ago. The bedrock in this area is dipping upstream at a very high angle. If you look to the north you will find a number of mountains and rounded hills while to the south the land is very flat. This waterfall represents the edge of the mountains.
To log this Earthcache: You must visit the area and answer an earth science question. There is no container or logbook for you to sign just a beautiful natural feature to observe. You must post a photo of yourself and your GPS with the falls in the background and then send an email with the number of ledge drops that you find with the estimated height of each drop. As you look at the drops try to think of an explanation of why the drops have formed the way them have in this location. By looking at the slope of the hills to the north and the rock outcrop along the edge of the stream you should be able to figure on how this falls has formed. Please make sure to include the name of the earthcache in your email.
If you enjoy this earthcache you may want to check the Maine Geological Survey located at (visit link)
They have developed a number of information sheets or field localities giving a great deal of information about geologic features. They also have a number of books and maps about Maine’s natural history/ geology that you might find interesting.
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