Mantle Rock EarthCache
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Mantle Rock is located in Livingston County, KY. This natural arch is the center pieces of the preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy. This area is not only replete with biological diversity, but with historical & archaeological significance as well.
WEATHERING AGENTS
No matter the type of arch found in Kentucky, each are shaped by the process of weathering. Weathering can be thought of as the destruction of the rock. The primary agent is water, which seeps into cracks and dissolves the iron oxide in the sandstone and the calcium carbonate in limestone. Iron oxide acts to hold or c"ement" the adjorning rock togeter and its removal results in this breakdown. Similar to water, plant roots find their way into crevices and split the rock. The wind works to remove the broken rock from the area.
LIGHTHOUSE ARCHES
Also known as ridge top arches or rock shelter arches, the vast majority of the arches in Kentucky are known as lighthouse arches which form at the ridgetop meeting of two valleys. A lighthouse arch is formed in the following manner:
1) The ridgetop is weathered over time.
2) Vertical cracks are created by the freezing and thawing of water in the formation.
3) Water runs into these cracks and erodes away the sides of the ridgetops. leaving a narrow ridge.
4) The newly exposed and softer sandstone is weathered away, forming rock shelters on both sides of the ridge.
6) Erosion continues within the areas of the rocks shelters until both meet, forming the arch.
Numerous bluffs, shelters, and honeycomb formations embellish this area, which is also known for its extensive faulting and abundant fluorite deposits.
BIODIVERSITY
Visitors will find a visit in any season to be a rewarding experience. Rich wildflowers carpet the cliffs in springtime; a small babbling stream adds to the tranquility. Fragile sandstone glades are interspersed throughout the upland forest community. These areas are some of the best examples in Kentucky of this rare community type.
Kentucky's only known occurrence of June grass (Koeleria cristata) thrives here along with other characteristic glade species such as: prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), rush foil (Crotonopsis elliptica), hairy lipfern (Cheilanthes lanosa), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), pinweed (Lechea tenufolia), poverty grass (Danthonia spicata). Scattered deep soil pockets are dominated by: gnarled and stunted post oak (Quercus stellata), Blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica), farkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), and red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).
Forest and grassland wildlife species are plentiful at Mantle Rock. These include: grassland and forest guilds of songbirds, deer, turkey, and squirrels.
ARCHEOLOGICAL HISTORY
During the harsh winter of 1838-39, many Cherokee Native Americans being expelled along the "Trail of Tears" were delayed by treacherous river conditions on the Ohio. They sought shelter under Mantle Rock and other nearby rock shelters.
From Salem, KY (US 60), take Hwy 133 north two miles past Joy. On the south side of Hwy 133 is the historical plaque marking the entrance.
In order to receive credit:
A. Take a photo of the finder with their GPSr visible in their hand with Mantle Rock showing in the background.
B. Send me an e-mail with answers to the following:
Determine the height of the arch, its length spanning across, and the width of the arch itself.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
<<<------- Reflect Upon it <<<-------
Treasures
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