GCMK1Y Hanging Rock EarthCache (Earthcache) in Rhode Island, United States created by WaldenRun (via Earthcache Master)

This cache has been archived.

geoaware: This EarthCache has been archived because it no longer meets the EarthCache guidelines. If you wish to update this EarthCache, please reference the guidelines at www.earthcache.org. Once you have updated your listing, please email the EarthCache Approver at earthcache@geosociety.org.

GCMK1Y ▼

A cache by WaldenRun (via Earthcache Master) Message this owner

Hidden : 1/23/2005

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

Within the boundaries of the Norman Bird Sanctuary are 450 acres of some of the most beautiful and diverse geological formations in all of Rhode Island. Admired by artists, nature lovers, and geologists, Hanging Rock Ridge is 250 million years old.

The Rhode Island Formation is a sedimentary bedrock that fills the entire Naragansett Bay. The section you will hike onto is the Purgatory Formation. While the Purgatory Formation was still deep within the earth, strong forces were pushing/pulling the conglomerate bedrock. The stresses strecthed the boulders, cobbles, pebbles, and sand so much that fractures, or joints. occurred. See if you can find some of the elongated pebbles that even a geologist will find curious. Ten to twelve thousand years ago, an Ice Age glacier, the Wisconsin Ice Sheet, scraped soil away and exposed this ridge. If you look closely, you may see some glacial scratches on the rocks. The glacier also plucked away the end of the ridge, leaving the sheer cliff you see today.

The Sanctuary has had a good experience hosting the physical cache that is on their property. They were kind enough to endorse this EarthCache as well. They simply ask that you enter at the main gate and pay the fee that helps them care for this special place. Their trails can be used to properly naviagte to both Hanging Rock and the Norman Bird Sanctuary Cache. Visiting both caches will provide an excellent tour of the Sanctuary.

To record your visit, please sign the register at the entrance desk and note that you will be hiking to the EarthCache.