ProvidencePosse-Stop1

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=Stop 1 - Canyon One =  1. A physical geography: All the canyons have a similar physical geography: rugged, deeply cut canyons, gullies, and rills formed out of the original plateau as a result of the aggressive erosion and transportation of sediments. Canyon one is the deepest of all the canyons and has deeply cut **ridges** with the steepest slope. The **valley** in between the ridges is made up of sediments that are washed up easily from the steep canyons. In this canyon you can clearly see the almost lavender purple coloring on the sides of the canyon walls along with variations of white, red, and brown. The unique, purple color is actually caused by the impact of manganese oxides present in the soil, while the brown/red coloring is caused by the presence of iron oxides in the soil, and the white coloration is the result of carbonates, such as gypsum and other salts. There is a sparse vegetation cover on top of the canyon that grew up on the thin A horizon with their roots exposed. There are also some shrubs that grew on the wall of the canyon, while the vegetation at the foot of the canyon and the valley is relatively more dense due to the constant deposition of sediments and low relief/slope. On this day when we visited the canyon it had been raining and we could clearly see the fresh deposition of sediments, but while this canyon is the deepest we saw, it only hinted at the fresh deposition we would soon see.

2. Soil Characteristics:


 * Color: Reddish yellow( 75YR,6/8)
 * Texture: Sand
 * Soil moisture content: 1.1%
 * Organic content: less than 1%
 * pH: 5.8

3. GPS points: 32*04'10.41"N 84*54'45.50"W


 * = [[image:stop1-1.jpg width="728" height="486" align="center"]]

Note the **Toe** on which Nico stands on and the **Slump terrace** on top right which shows a Slump mass-wasting process has occured at this location. The the whole block of land at the right had sunk down as the sand at the bottom eroded and lost stability as a result of sidewall erosion. ||


 * = [[image:stop1-2.jpg align="center"]]

Note the valley on which we stand; as a result of constant deposition, a well-developed soil is being formed at the base of the canyon. The vegetation is an indication of stability and soil profile development which could lead to a new habitat formation at the valley. ||

//**QUESTION**: "What is the cause of the purple, red/brown and white coloration in the soil and sediment of Providence Canyon? In the case of the purple and red/brown, what process may have caused this coloring to emerge?//

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