Red Rock Escarpment Overlook EarthCache
Hidden : 1/8/2008
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


This Earthcache is located on State Highway 159 at an overlook within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. There is no fee required to use this part of the Conservation Area. Please be aware that the desert tortoise is protected by law. If you are fortunate enough to see one, please view and photograph it from a distance.

The sandstone of the escarpment before you was deposited as red sand dunes about 150-180 million years ago in the Jurassic Period. Over time, these dunes were buried, compacted, and lithified (turned to rock). Underground water moving through the dunes by way of fault fractures leached away much of the hematite, or red iron oxide, from the sandstone and left behind calcium carbonate. These dunes became what is today known as the Aztec Sandstone. Darker red bands in the rock are the unleached remnants of the original color.

The dark gray limestone and shales of the Bonanza King Formation were laid down in the sea bottoms between 200-400 million years ago. About 95 million years ago, this older material faulted and was thrust over the Aztec Sandstone in what is known as the Keystone Thrust Fault.

To receive credit for this Earthcache, send me an email with the answer to the following question:

1.) How many tan and orange bands do you see in the Aztec Sandstone in the wall to the west?

Take a picture with you at the overlook. Post your picture with your log when you log your find.

The above information was compiled from the following sources:

About Geology: Thrust Fault. Online at (visit link)

Red Rock Geology. Sunset Cities Website: (visit link)

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