John Wesley Powell's Canoe

Origin
John Wesley Powell was a soldier, geologist and explorer of the American west, providing research for major educational institutions as well. He is famous for the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition, a three-month river trip down the Green and Colorado rivers, including the first known passage by Europeans through the Grand Canyon.

In his studies, he proposed that the land should be conserved because it was too arid to farm efficiently, except near the rivers. Irrigation and low-density farming would have been used on that land, but railroad companies disagreed. They wanted their large tracts of desert to have a high value, so they were able to buy legislation in favor of the false theory that “rain follows the plow”.

Effects
Splashing water against the canoe can create a river that spans throughout its surroundings. It will cut several feet deep into the ground and carve out the path ahead in preparation for their arrival. The carvings will remain after use. All other forms of water nearby the stream will quickly evaporate or be absorbed until no usable sources are left.