Chee Dale is a limestone gorge flanked by high cliffs,
sometime overhanging with the feeling that you are being pushed
into the centre of the gorge.
The path at one point is made of stepping stones. The feeling is of
dampness with the water dripping down from the mossy walls. Above
the dale is Chee Tor.
The limestone within the gorge forms either by direct
crystallization from water (usually seawater) or by accumulation of
shell and shell fragments. In the first case, it carries a record
of the chemical composition of seawater and it provides evidence of
how that composition has changed with time. In the second case, the
limestone provides a record of the evolution of many important
fossils. The rock usually forms in shallow water less than 20 m (70
ft) deep and thus also provides important geological information on
the variation in sea level in the past.
The graph below shows the change in sea level over the millions of
years.It would of been about 100 million years ago when the area of
Chee Dale was last submerged by water.
The landforms of the gorge are generally the result of mildly
acidic water acting on soluble bedrock. The carbonic acid that
causes these features is formed as rain passes through the
atmosphere picking up CO2, which dissolves in the water. Once the
rain reaches the ground, it may pass through soil that may provide
further CO2 to form a weak carbonic acid solution: H2O + CO2 =
H2CO3 (the acid).
This mildly acidic water begins to dissolve the surface along with
any fractures or bedding planes in the bedrock. Over time, these
fractures enlarge as the bedrock continues to dissolve. Openings in
the rock increase in size, and an underground drainage system
begins to develop, allowing more water to pass through the area,
and accelerating the formation of underground features.
Above the dale is Chee Tor, a very striking and picturesque
area, its steep whiteness spattered with tenacious foliage. On top
of Chee Tor are faint reminders of the fields and circular huts of
a prehistoric settlement. At its foot is a variety of plant life.
The chattering of Jackdaws often dulls the chattering of the
Wye.
Chee Dale can be accessed from the Monsal Trail at either end of
the gorge. Parking at either Miller's Dale to the East or Wye Dale
Car Park to the West.
The valley is well wooded in places and meadow land in other
parts, giving it some contrast in scenery.
If you do venture into Chee Dale when the sun is shining through
the thick green canopy of trees, and ducks are bobbing about in the
river or nesting in the thick butterbur, then you will find
yourself in paradise.
There are a multitude of wild flowers, ferns and interesting
flora to be found in Chee Dale, as well as a variety of song birds
and birds of prey to look out for. The High level paths are
considered dangerous but the view from the high road climbing
Topley Pike is awe-inspiring. The cliffs give considerable sport to
rock climbers.
To Log this earth cache please answer the following questions by
e-mail (Not in your log)
1-What is the mineral that the limestone largely
comprises?
2-What is this type of landscape commonly known as?
3-Estimate the approx height of the cliffs?
If you can post a picture of you or your GPSr at the site
that would be great. (Optional)
If you don't get a reply to your
email to me please log the cache as sometimes I forget to reply due
to working shifts. I have a memory like a
sieve.