Moss Island Earthcache EarthCache
EarthSciSD: Sadly, the signage does not appear to be fixed any time soon. Going to let this one go. Thank you to all that have visited.
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5/3/2021: The signage needed to answer the questions is in disrepair. For the time being please submit a picture of your keys with the sign as proof of visiting. One per group is fine. Logs without pic will be deleted. The trail to the signage is level after one crosses the canal lock (climbing many stairs is necessary to navigate the lock. The trail to the potholes is rocky and not recommended for small children. Can be slippery when wet.
The ancestral Adirondack Mountains were formed from gneiss (pronounced "nice"), which originated under water on the Precambrian continental shelf. Magma bubbled up as continental plates collided and uplifted the surrounding landscape to form mountains that were larger than the present Himalayan Mountains and include some of the oldest known rocks in North America. These mountains eroded over millions of years and the surrounding landscape flooded. Dolomite and other limestone layers formed by primitive life forms were deposited over these rocks and made a drainage divide or dam. This dolomite now contains clear six-sided quartz crystals known locally as "Herkimer Diamonds." Moss Island has been designated a National Natural Landmark due to the unique geology and large concentration of potholes on the eastern end of the island. These were formed when the last of the ice age glaciers retreated north at the end of the latest ice age. The meltwater from the continental glacier flowed over the dolomite dam creating a waterfall the rivaled the Niagara Falls. This waterfall in turn eroded the potholes now seen on Moss Island. Of additional interest on the island is the local plant life. Botany of the eastern end of the island includes plants that are adapted to the thin acidic soil manufactured by the abundant moss. Various heaths, including blueberries are found as well as lilies like the Yellow Clintonia. There are native orchids, including the rare Moccasin Flower, which is protected by New York State law. Hemlock is also found in abundance on the eastern side of the island. The south access to the island is obtained by crossing over Lock 17 on the Barge Canal. This lock is one of the highest lift locks in the world. Additionally, rock climbing is a popular sport here. Permits are required and can be obtained at the county clerks office on Main Street n Little Falls. My contact on Moss Island has asked geocachers for help maintaining trails on the island. Vandals frequently take trail markers and spray graffiti, and if any such activity is witnessed it would be appreciated if it were reported to the person operating the lock. To log this cache as found email me the answers to the following after reading the interpretive signs at the posted coords: 1)How long ago was this land under seawater on the edge of the Grenville Continental shelf? 2) What is the name of the company that quarried the "Burnt Rocks" on the north side of the river east of Little Falls. 3) What is the name of the lake that formed from the retreating glacier. Also state what that lake is called today. Access to the signage is available year round during the hours of 7:00AM to dusk. It is possible that the parking lot near the lock will not be plowed in the winter, however the island can still be accessed at the west end near the hydroelectric power plant. The trail to the potholes can be quite slick when wet, and can be outright dangerous in the winter. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO TO THE POTHOLES IN THE WINTER. Likewise sturdy footwear is a must, and this trail is not recommended for small children, as you are required to scramble over boulders to reach them. Nevertheless, the area is unique, and is worth visiting.
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