Lithification is the process in which sediments
compact under pressure, expel connate fluids, and gradually become
solid rock. Essentially, lithification is a process of porosity
destruction through compaction and cementation. Lithification
includes all the processes which convert unconsolidated sediments
into sedimentary rocks.
At the location of this earthcache you will see examples of
Siltstone, Osito
Shale, and mudstone. The Ridge Basin basin contains 45,000
plus feet of tilted Miocene strata. This particular for mation is
known as the "Peace Valley Formation." The listed coordinates are
near the Ridge Basin Syncline, and the Micoene
trough The rock layers plunge Northward at a downward
angle of 20 to 25 degrees.
As an added bonus you get to see a "wet weather waterfall."
which are only active during the rainy season, or after a heavy
single rainfall. Waterfalls are classified by their
characteristics.
- Block: Water descends from a relatively wide stream or
river.
- Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps.
- Cataract: A large waterfall.
- Fan: Water spreads horizontally as it descends while
- remaining in contact with bedrock.
- Horsetail: Descending water maintains some contact with
bedrock.
- Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the
bedrock surface.
- Punchbowl: Water descends in a constricted form, then spreads
out in a wider pool.
- Segmented: Distinctly separate flows of water form as it
descends.
- Tiered:Water drops in a series of distinct steps or falls.
- Multi-step: A series of waterfalls one after another of roughly
the same size each with its own sunken plunge pool.
Earthcache finding requirements
- As you face North, near the creek bed look to your right (East)
and look for the thickest layer of rock, closest to the creek
bottom. Measure the thickness, and email me this privately.
- After measuring the thickest rock layer, look closely at its
rock composition. Email me privately and describe the size of the
grains within this rock layer. Does the rock layer contain course,
medium or fine grain material?
