Tombstone EarthCache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(not chosen)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
The coords will take you to a small pull-off and sign along Highway
77. This is a really cool geological feature that will take your
eyes to a moment to see; then it will be so obvious. Pictures just
can’t do this justice. Come see!
Tombstone Rows
This "Tombstone topography," which looks like rows of
tombstones in a field, results from differential weathering and
erosion of alternating layers of hard and soft limestone that dip
steeply into the ground. "Tombstone" formations document uplifts
from prehistoric times. Such geologic evidence of the earth's
development is present at only two other sites in the U.S.: the
Grand Canyon and South Dakota's Black Hills.
Strike and dip refer to the orientation or attitude of a geologic
feature. The strike of a stratum or planar feature is a line
representing the intersection of that feature with the horizontal.
Strike is usually given as a compass bearing (N25°E for example) in
terms of east or west of north. The dip gives the angle below the
horizontal of a tilted stratum or feature.
To get credit for this cache, do the
following:
1. Take a picture with your GPS in front of the
White Cross with the Tombstones behind you.
2. Email the answers to both of these questions:
a. What is the general direction, or strike, of these rows?
b. What is the estimated Dip of these tombstones in
degrees?
I have upped the terrain a little as getting on and off Highway 77
should be done with caution. It is rarely very busy, but caution
should be exercised.
Natural Tombstones
CONGRATS to mgoose
and JandA for FTF!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)