Geo-Eco-Rest Area Earthcache
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NOTE 5/2015 - USE SOUTHBOUND REST AREA INSTEAD UNTIL THIS REST AREA RE-OPENS!
As an earthcache, there is no “box” or “container” to discover. Rather, with this cache, you discover something about the geology of the area. For more info, consult www.earthcache.org
NOTE 5/2015 - USE SOUTHBOUND REST AREA INSTEAD UNTIL THIS REST AREA RE-OPENS!
This earthcache is located at the EASTBOUND I-71 Rest Area. This earthcache is within steps of the Automobile parking area. THE WEST BOUND REST AREA USES THE SAME BUILDING METHODS, so you can feel free to fulfill the logging requirements from that rest area as well!
Logging Requirements:
Send the answers to #1-#4 to me through my geocaching profile. DO NOT post the answers to any logging requirements on this site.
1.List the name “GC26AZB Geo-Eco Rest Area Earthcache” in the first line of your email. Also, list the number of people in your group.
2.List the type(s) of geological substances (soil, natural rock, clay—think bricks, etc.) that are used in the construction of this facility.
3.On the face of the building, there are "rocks" used. Are they typical "concrete" materials, or are they made of natural geo-substances that were once part of Ohio's landscape (and if so, are they igneous or sedimentary? (see descriptions below).
4.How is this rest area conserving energy resources in its intentional use of the geological substances you listed in #2 (see description below and make observations)?
5. (optional) Post a picture of yourself and/or your GPS with your log that shows the rest area building behind you. If you are adverse to pictures, you may tell me how many picnic tables are located in the picnic area of the rest area.
I will only respond if you have incomplete logging requirements. Go ahead and log your cache
Congrads to City Slicker OH and FolboterJAF for co-FTF (First to Finish logging requirements).
Geology:
Did you know that using our geological resources can be eco-friendly?
Throughout the centuries mankind has used the soil and rocks that surround him to create habitation for himself. River Rock houses, brick (made from clay soil) houses, and even “soddies” (houses built with a wooden frame then covered with thick layers of grass and soil), have been used to provide insulation and protection from the elements. In recent times, society has moved away from natural resources and have built dwellings that depend on vast amounts of energy to light and heat them, largely because most of the heat leaves the building through “leaks” in the lackluster wooden and stucco construction material used. (Though one could argue the point that even plaster sheet-rock, stucco, and concrete block are all geologically derived substances!)
Fortunately, in recent years, states, regions, and towns have begun to encourage a reversal of this trend. Especially in public places (like rest areas), attempts are being made to conserve and create energy effectively. Thus, some rest areas are equipped with solar energy panels to effectively “take the rest area off the power grid.” Others have implemented wind mill or natural gas power. Other public buildings have decided to also improve insulation of their structures through the use of native and synthetic materials. Higher grade “pink” insulation, differing wall constructions, and of course external river rocks, brick, and other substances – all in an attempt to insulate the buildings – making their maintenance much more cost effective and eco-friendly.
Take a moment to look around you and discover the answers to your logging requirements, and don't be afraid to dream how implementation of geological resources in the future could assist us in creating an increasingly eco-friendly world!
Ohio Rocks:
There are over forty different types of rocks that are “native” to Ohio, over twenty of which are found natively nearby.
They come in two categories:
Igneous – There are NO volcanoes in Ohio, and haven't been for thousands of years...so where did they come from? From Canada of course! Granite boulder erratics are strewn across the Ohio landscape, causing farmers to curse and landscape décor enthusiasts to smile. You can tell its granite if its looks like a rock composed of “small flakes” of different colored minerals, some black and gray, others tan, pink, and white/clear. I won't go into detail on erratics, since there are other earthcaches that devote their whole experience to that topic.
Sedimentary – The majority of rocks found in Ohio of of this type. It is believed that Ohio was once covered with a large tropical sea, with the mountains of southeast Ohio and the Bellefontaine formation to the northwest sticking up as “islands.” You can tell if the rocks you are looking at are sedimentary in several ways:
1)They tend to be brown or gray
2)They tend to have LOTS of fossils (mostly bryzoans, crynoids, and other aquatic life.
3)They tend to be rocks that “split” in “platters” since the sediment would have been laid down in layers, when one tries to break the rock, it splits between those layers of sediment that are now rock – shale, limestone, etc.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)