ZAWN FORMATION: Typically, in granite areas such as Cornwall, igneous rocks are subjected to both geological and geomorphological processes. After initial intrusion of the `hot` rock from below it cools and splits causing both vertical and horizontal joints. Over time these joints are exploited by erosion from above often with water penetration playing a significant breakdown of the minerals and subsequent further weakening of the joints. On coasts this often leads to the formation of headlands and bays where hydraulic wave action can literally explode these joints leading to undercutting of cliffs and the formation of sea caves. If the sea cave becomes deep enough and the overlaying rock produces enough downward force on the weakened cave roof, it may lead to its collapse. If the whole area collapses it will eventually form a coastal inlet but if just an inland section falls, basically `punching a hole` through the cliff top, then we are left with a hole in the cave roof. Continued wave action on the collapsed debris subsequently widens the remaining cave entrance using hydraulic `venturi` effect in conjunction with debris in the seawater, to further erode the hole and the area inside. We now have a Collapsed Sea Cave or ZAWN.
The example found at the Devil` Frying Pan is fantastic and if you go there on a stormy day and high tide you will experience the waves crashing through the cave and exploding onto the rocks inside. It`s a wonderful thing to see.
PLEASE NOTE: I CANNOT ACCEPT JOINT ANSWERS FROM GROUPS OF GEOCACHERS NOR JOINT PHOTOS AS I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO SORT OUT WHO HAS SENT WHAT FOR WHOM!. IF YOU WANT TO LOG MY EARTHCACHE PLEASE EXTEND ME THE COURTESY OF MESSENGING ME YOUR OWN ANSWERS INDIVIDUALLY AND ADD A PHOTO TO YOUR OWN LOG(optional. THANK YOU
To log your visit you must complete a task:
1. Optional - but please take a photo of the Zawn from the public footpath above, somewhere in the vicinity of N 49° 59.102 W 005° 10.904, looking down and towards the cave with you holding your GPSr in the foreground and upload it to your log.
2. MESSAGE me the answers to the following questions. Do not put them on the `logged it` page. Metric or Imperial is acceptable.
a. Estimate the diameter and depth of the Zawn.
b. Estimate the size of the cave entrance (height & width).
c. Estimate the length of the cave from the sea into the Zawn itself.
WARNING: DO NOT be tempted to climb down in the Zawn itself. There is no footpath and the cliffs are very dangerous. Remain on the Public Footpath at all times. You have been warned!
Parking for the Earthcache is best in Cadgwith although it is very limited. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the spectacular views or enjoy a pint and great pub food at the Cadgwith Cove Inn.
Enjoy the area and why not `nab` the nearby Devil`s Frying Pan traditional cache at the same time.
Estimated centre of Devil`s Frying Pan Zawn: N 49° 59.090 W 005° 10.827
YOU MUST LOG AT THE SAME TIME AS SENDING ME YOUR ANSWERS VIA A GEOCACHING MESSAGE. If you can`t do both at the same time then wait until you can, otherwise I will just delete your LOG and you will have to do it all again as I DO NOT have the time to chase after you. AND be warned, I do check every one! Unfortunately, a few geocacher`s try to log the earthcache without completing the task and so I will maintain the right as the earthcache owner to delete any logs that do not fulfill the requirements or I entries that I believe to be false. I will ONLY contact you if there is a problem AND I will delete any logs for which I don`t receive answers or LOGS that I believe to be false.
This is No 4 in Snake Plissken`s Lizard Peninsula Earthcache Series!
SNAKE PLISSKEN -