During the Earth's water cycle, rain and other surface water percolate through the surface. As the water descends, it is heated by the rocks and underlying magma. Generally, the Earth's temperature increases three to five degrees for every 300 feet of depth. The heated water then begins to rise. It will follow cracks to the surface and it can pick up all kinds of minerals like sulfur, silica, calcium, and potassium along the way up. Each spring retains different minerals. If the water retains heat, it emerges in the form of hot springs.
There are several locations in Colorado where the hot water makes it to the surface. At this location, there are specifically two springs of note. Steamboat Spring is unique because it was a geyser type spring that made a chugging sound. It was this noise that the first settlers and trappers believed sounded similar to a Steamboat, hence the name. Unfortunately for us in the 21st Century, David Moffat built his railroad practically on top of the spring, and since that time, the chugging noise has fallen silent.
To get credit for this EarthCache, first, to go the posted coordinates and answer the following questions for Steamboat Spring:
1 – What year did James Crawford stake his claim?
2 – According to the sign, what is the temperature of the water?
And, at Black Sulphur Spring (N 40° 29.329, W 106° 50.504), answer these questions:
1 – What word does the sign use to describe the color of the water and what causes it to be that color?
2 – What is the temperature of the water in this spring?
Please direct message me with your answers! (Do not post them in your log!)
It's not required to claim credit, but I would love to see photos included in logs!
Have fun and happy caching!
Additional Waypoints
SS2BP6Z - Black Sulphur Spring
N 40° 29.329 W 106° 50.504
Steamboat Spring
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