Biological Weathering EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

rainbowtree: DO NOT post a log to this cache, even backdated. Your log will be immediately deleted.
A special thank you to those who completed all the requirements as requested -and- added A B C to your log.

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Hidden : 12/3/2008
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

There is adequate space to safely pull off to the side of the road in order to observe this rock and take a photo.

EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:



1. MESSAGE :-) or EMAIL …. Explain the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering.

2. MESSAGE :-) or EMAIL …. This rock is an excellent example of biological weathering in action. Give examples of the ways biological weathering is shaping this rock.

3. DISCOVERY …. There are thousands of acres of National Forest, State Parks/Forests, and State Gamelands in the surrounding areas. Find another example of biological weathering. Post the coordinates. Do NOT duplicate finds.

OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in finding and creating this earthcache by adding A B C to your log.

A. Post a picture at or near the posted coords. This picture is your log signature verifying that you were at the earthcache.

B. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.

C. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you ... prose / story / poem / picture. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.


SOIL FORMATION



The formation of soil happens over an extended period of time, often more than 1000 years. Soil is formed from the weathering (breaking down) of rocks and minerals. The surface rocks break down into smaller pieces and is then mixed with organic matter (decaying plants and animals). Over time this creates a thin layer of soil and continues until the soil is fully formed. The soil then supports a large variety of different plants.

WEATHERING

Weathering is the breaking down of rock into smaller fragments. All rock weathers over time. Grains of sediment fall out. Cracks develop on the surface and deep inside. Weathering causes rocks to fracture, buckle, and crumble into soil and sediment. There are two types of weathering - mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical weathering breaks apart rocks without changing their chemical composition. Each fragment and particle weathered away by a mechanical process retains the same characteristics as the original rock. Mechanical weathering can be caused by growing plants, expanding ice, lightning, and expansion and contraction with heating and cooling. These physical processes create enough force to break rocks into smaller pieces.

Chemical weathering occurs when water, air, and other substances react with the minerals in rock. In chemical weathering, the composition of the rock changes.

BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING

Living organisms contribute to mechanical weathering through the growth of roots or the burrowing of animals. Tree roots grow into cracks and joints, increasing the surface area for continual weathering by plants, wind, and water. Plants give off organic acids as part of their life and decay processes. These acids help to break down rocks chemically. Decaying remains of dead animals in soil may form organic acids which, when dissolved in water, cause chemical weathering.

VASCULAR PLANTS (larger and grow out from the rocks)
Plant roots and seedlings sprouting in a crevice exert physical pressure as well as providing a pathway for water and chemical infiltration. The evidence that some soil is present is found in the plants which appear to be growing "out" of the rock. In reality, these plants have roots that are growing in soil that is located in the cracks of the rock.

NONVASCULAR PLANTS (smaller and cover surface of rocks)
Lichens and mosses grow on essentially bare rock surfaces and create a more humid chemical microenvironment. The attachment of these organisms to the rock surface enhances physical as well as chemical breakdown of the surface microlayer of the rock.

ANIMALS
Burrowing animals and insects disturb the soil layer adjacent to the bedrock surface thus further increasing water and acid infiltration and exposure to oxidation processes.

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