In this wash, which is accessible by 4WD vehicles, off-road
motorcycles, or ATVs, you will see an amazing collection of
concretions which are sometimes spherical, but often oddly-shaped
rocks comprised of mineral matter different from the surrounding
substrate, which is sedimentary in nature.
Concretions are hard, compact accumulations of mineral matter
that grow inside sedimentary rocks such as shale and sandstone.They
are often comprised of a carbonate mineral such as calcite.
However, they can be composed of other sedimentary minerals
including ankerite, barite, dolomite, gypsum, pyrite, and
siderite.
Concretions get their start when an appreciable amount of
cementing material precipitates around an often-organic nucleus.
This nucleus could be a piece of shell or fossil, or even a leaf or
tooth. The process could be likened to how a pearl gets its start
around a grain of sand in an oyster.
Ground water moves these hard masses into place.
In this location, the concretions range in size from very small
to cannonball size and larger. In other locations, concretions can
be huge and weigh several hundred pounds.
The hardness of the concretions varies and some show more
erosion than others which is what leads to the creation of very odd
shapes.
The etymology of the word "concretion" is from the Latin "con,"
which means "together," and "cresco," which means "to grow."
Concretions often protrude from weathered cliffsides, as you will
see at this location. In other areas, concretions are found along
bedding planes or randomly distributed over mudhills. Sometimes
they are found perched perilously on soft pedestals.
Access to the area is off S-22 near N 33° 16.017 W 116° 01.168.
There are many twists and turns in the canyon and sometimes the
correct route can be difficult to follow. Near N 33° 16.111 W 116°
02.446, bear left into the canyon.
I hope you enjoy your visit to this location. Do not disturb the
concretions or take any samples.
To log this Earthcache, count the number of concretions in a 3'
square area near where the coordinates lead you. Also, if possible,
take a picture of one of the oddest-shaped concretions in the area
with your GPSr in the picture.