Uhthoff Aggregate Quarry EarthCache
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-- THIS IS AN EARTHCACHE, READ BELOW FOR LOGGING REQUIREMENTS --
Since the turn of the last century, this quarry has traded hands by many companies looking to make a quick dollar on the quarry of limestone at this location.
The Uhthoff quarry (run by Nelson Aggregate Company) produces dolostone-limestone products for a variety of purposes. It's primary product is crushed stone for use in road and railway foundations. Large stones are quarried and put down as a base, followed by smaller stones, then pebbles to create a surface that is easily paved over and stable. These varying size rocks are called "Aggregate" products. Aggregates are used not just for foundations of roads and rails, but for pavement, concrete and other construction products.
Another product of the mine is "aglime" - or agricultural lime. Pulverized limestone mixed in with farm soil will reduce the acidity of the soil; raising its pH (parts Hydrogen - relative acidity) value. This is a problem where farm soil has been heavily fertilized with nitrates; increasing the acidity of the soil. Aglime products were also used to bring life back to Sudbury area lakes after years of acid rain had turned them into lifeless pools.
Historically, Limestone bluffs such as these were a popular place for poineers since the limestone can be made into an easy building material - quicklime. Limestone (calcium Carbonate) is heated to 1000 degrees C, releasing Carbon Dioxide - producing quicklime (Calcium Oxide). Quicklime is them "Slaked" by blending in water (calcium hydroxide) to produce a Lime Putty. Left to open air, Lime putty will absorb Carbon dioxide from the air and revert back to Limestone. With enoough quicklime, a house could be constructed using boulders with Lime putty as mortar.
TO LOG THIS CACHE:
- Take a picture of yourself at the plaques overlooking the quarry. Add this to your found log
- Limestone is considered a ALKALI-CARBONATE ROCK. collect a few of the limestone pebbles on the rail trail home. Fill a clear glass or bottle with some white vinegar and drop the stone in. Take a picture of the reaction. Why is this happening? Add this picture to your found log, and email me a brief explaination!
If you are a traveller on the road and not going to be near your kitchen for a while, might i suggest a stop at a fish and chip stand on your way home?
Click the logo to visit the COG website!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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Treasures
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