Due to the glaciation that occurred in this region there are several seep springs at Saint-Gaudens NHS. These can be seen from the Blow-Me-Down Trail, as they cross under the trail in several locations. Seep springs occur when groundwater is forced onto the open landscape due to an encounter with a hard surface. For example, as water infiltrates into the ground it filters through dirt and rock layers until it hits a surface it can’t penetrate; when this happens the water moves horizontally and can exit to the surface as a seep spring. This type of seep spring is often reliant on rainwater to keep it flowing and originates around the bases of hills. Glaciation was responsible for forming these seeps by depositing lighter, more penetrable, materials on top of exposed granite bedrock. This bedrock layer causes the water to move horizontally as it infiltrates the ground. |
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Last updated: February 26, 2015