Origin - Karst Spring
Posted by: 
graylling
N 50° 50.609 W 115° 25.625
11U E 610739 N 5633598
The origin of Karst Spring that eventually flows down to Watridge Lake.
Waymark Code: WM4ZM0
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 10/18/2008
Views: 18
This Karst Spring is the origin as well as the name of a short stream that flows downhill to Watridge Lake.
The spring drains from passageways between limestone layers of Shark Ridge creating a karst formation. Snow and rain water seep into cracks and dissolve the rock, creating tunnels from which the stream begins. When the seeping water eventually finds an outlet, tiny underground streams start to flow. Over time, as water volume and speed increases, extensive dissolution of the rock leads to the development of subterranean channels. These conduits range in size from slightly enlarged cracks to tunnels many meters in diameter and many kilometers in length. Karst springs occur where the groundwater flow discharges from the conduit. Some Karst springs are "cave springs", with large openings discharging very large volumes of water. This particular one discharges an incredible amount of water for such a small hole.
It is a nice day hike up to the spring where a viewing platform sits right above the spring with a plaque that gives information on the origins of Karst Spring.
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
Parking Coordinates: Not listed
Trailhead Coordinates: Not listed
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