Yes, it’s winter and the Gorge Trail is closed. But let’s reflect on one of the amazing features of Enfield Glen in this little video clip.
Notice the rock slot that the creek shoots through here in the Upper Gorge.
What might have caused this?
For a clue, follow the straight edge of the pool that this “Flume” empties into; and notice that a big crack continues in the same line up the cliff ahead.
The rock of the Upper Gorge is criss-crossed by fractures like this one, called “joints,” and water is forced to pass where these big cracks direct it.
Over time, flowing water loosened and cleared out rock between two narrowly parallel joints to create the Flume slot below.
In fact, the entire Upper Gorge is ruled by joints.
Notice the rock slot that the creek shoots through here in the Upper Gorge.
What might have caused this?
For a clue, follow the straight edge of the pool that this “Flume” empties into; and notice that a big crack continues in the same line up the cliff ahead.
The rock of the Upper Gorge is criss-crossed by fractures like this one, called “joints,” and water is forced to pass where these big cracks direct it.
Over time, flowing water loosened and cleared out rock between two narrowly parallel joints to create the Flume slot below.
In fact, the entire Upper Gorge is ruled by joints.