PLEASE NOTE: There have been a proliferation of cache logs received recently where answers to the earthcache questions are never sent. This will no longer be permitted. I reserve the right to delete all logs not meeting this basic earthcache requirement. Effective 8/12/20, all cachers must submit an email or a message with answers to the questions below, ideally before, but within seven days of logging this cache as a find. I understand there are times when access to the internet is limited. When that is the case, I will be happy to work with you on timelines if needed.
These magnificent chalk formations, rising as high as 70 feet, were created during the Cretaceous period of geologic history when the area was covered by the Niobrara Seaway. The seaway extended from the present Gulf of Mexico north through Alaska. The placid, semitropical sea averaged 500 ft. deep.
Eighty million years ago the Monument Rocks formations were thick, oozy ocean bottom. They formed as the tiny shells of microscopic organisms and the remains of enormous clams, turtles, fish, sharks, and reptiles piled up, decayed and calcified. The ooze was perfectly suited for engulfing and preserving their remains. Many fossils, including fish bones, turtles, oyster shells, swimming reptiles, birds, coral, dinosaurs and sharks teeth have been discovered at the site and can be seen at the nearby Keystone Gallery, the Fick Fossil and History Museum in Oakley, and at the Sternberg Museum in Hays.
The slow uplift of the Rocky Mountains at the end of the Cretaceous period caused the seaway to drain. Sedimentary material was then deposited in the area during the Tertiary period. During the Pleistocene period, glaciers and torrential rains formed most of today’s rivers and streams. It was at this time the chalk beds, including nearby Castle Rock were cut out of the remaining seabed by the Smoky Hill river. Harder layers within the chalk have protected the underlying rock from more rapid erosion, but the monuments continue to weather and erode to this day.
Monument Rocks was chosen by the U.S. Department of the Interior as the first national natural landmark in the 1960’s. On January 29, 2008, Monument Rocks and Castle Rock were jointly named as one of the Original 8 Wonders of Kansas.
The formations are situated on private property, and the landowners generously share this wonder of nature with the public. Please treat the site with respect and remember you are a guest here. The land owner insists no climbing occur on the rocks, and open fires are not allowed. Please do not dig for fossils. The Monument Rocks area is undeveloped, and as such there are no restroom facilities or running water at the site. There is no fee to visit the Monument Rocks area.
The unpaved county roads to Monument Rocks should not be traveled in wet or snowy conditions as your vehicle may become stuck. The roads are easily traveled by car when dry.
In order to log this cache as a find, please send me an email or message with answers to the following questions:
A. Proceed to the area of N 38 47.570 W 100 45.740 (the formations to the south and on the other side of the road from the posted coordinates) and answer the following question:
What is the elevation at this location?
B. Explore the different formations on each side of the road. Answer the following question: What evidence do you notice that indicates erosion is occurring here?
Although not required, feel free to post photos. I love looking at them!
EarthCaches are for those who want to learn more
about our planet.
The treasure you find is in the lessons you learn.
I would like to thank the landowner for granting permission for this EarthCache.
References:
http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Extension/smoky/SH_factsheet1.pdf
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-monumentrocks.html
http://www.washburn.edu/cas/art/cyoho/archive/KStravel/bigrocks/pyramids.html
http://www.keystonegallery.com/fossils/geology_of_western_kansas.html
This EarthCache was approved by the Geological Society of America
www.earthcache.org
Congratulations to Pullings for being First to Find!
