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Bill Kappel, a hydrogeologist for the U.S. Geological Survey in Ithaca, will lead a "Loop-the-Lake Tour of Cayuga Lake" on Saturday, May 10, starting at the Finger Lakes Institute on South Main Street. The Oswego River Basin, an area of 5,100 square miles, drains seven of the 11 Finger Lakes in addition to Onondaga Lake, Cross Lake and Oneida Lake. This field trip will circle Cayuga Lake, exploring representative natural and constructed physical features of that basin. On stops between Seneca Falls on the north and Ithaca on the south, Kappel will explain the geology, hydrology and topography of the area, including how the last Ice Age, which occurred about 14,000 years ago, continues to impact how water resources are managed today. The role of the basin's lowlands in its drainage and flow will also be examined, along with how the many Finger Lakes gorges were formed. Participants will also take a gorge tour, stop at a lock along the New York State Barge Canal, and visit wetlands to emphasize the role geology, physical structures, land uses and low gradients play in the basin’s water quality and quantity. Those planning to take the trip are encouraged to read "Managing the Water Resources of the Owsego River Basin in Central New York," published by the USGS (Bill Kappel) and FLLOWPA (Betsy Landre), beforehand. Participants will also receive information packets on the various features and characteristics of the Cayuga Lake watershed and Oswego River Basin. This field trip is free and open to the public. Although transportation is provided to and from the Finger Lakes Institute in Geneva, those taking part may arrange a meeting place to join the caravan. Registration is requested by calling (315) 781-4382 or e-mailing FLI.
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