Resting Springs Pass Welded Tuff EarthCache
Resting Springs Pass Welded Tuff
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Resting Springs Pass Welded Tuff
This is a cool black stripe in a hillside that was cut into to make the road.
What is it?
Coal? No, it is a volcanic formation of black glass with the essentially the same composition of rhyolite, the volcanic equivalent of granite.
What is a "welded tuff"?
"A welded tuff forms when a large amount of hot, gas-rich magma is explosively blown from a volcanic vent. This foamy material consists of glassy particles called pumice that range in size from dust fine to blocks as large as an automobile-all at temperatures over 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit. Denser than air, the glowing froth sweeps across the surrounding landscape hidden beneath a tall grey cloud of ash that masks the destruction on beneath." Pg 29.Geology Underfoot in Death Valley and Owens Valley
In this example this has left the "black stripe" we see today.
Is this unusual?
Welded tuffs like this example are found all over the Western US. They blanketed most of Nevada and Utah 20 to 40 million years ago.
Another example of a tuff is the Peach Springs tuff, which erupted near the extreme southern tip of Nevada. It stretches from the western Grand Canyon to Barstow, CA. Or the Bishop tuff east of Mammoth Lakes.
The Resting Springs Pass welded tuff, is not as large as the above examples, however does allow the visitor to see the over all structure and features of a welded tuff.
Educational Stuff
1) What material does the welded tuff layer consist of?
2)When was this tuff formed?
3)This tuff is not parallel to the road, what type of activity is this attributable to?
I was there!
1) In the welded tuff there are an abundance of closely spaces fractures. Are these fractures up and down (vertical) or side to side (horizontal)
2) Take a pic of you/your group at the site. This is not a logging requirement, but it's a cool spot. I love to see people at the ground zero, and your friends will be totally jealous that you were there and they were not.
Don't miss these caches on the way in or on your way out!
GC9193 A Toast to Death Valley
GC11E27 Marions Indian Blanket
FURTHER EXPLORATION NEARBY:
• From CA 178 East 3.7 miles Visit the Shoshone, CA. Gateway to Death Valley
• From CA 178 East 3.7 miles, join 127 North Visit Death Valley
• From CA 178 East 3.7 miles, join 127 South Visit the Tecopa Hot Springs
• From CA 178 East 3.7 miles, join 127 South Visit the China Ranch Date Farm, Tecopa, CA (follow signs)
• From CA 178 West 15 miles, continue on to NV 372 East Visit Pahrump, NV
BASIC VISITOR-USE AND PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC LANDS IN CALIFORNIA:
All visitors need to plan ahead and prepare for outings in California’s public lands by:
• Knowing the regulations and special concerns for the area you are planning to visit (obeying laws that prohibit collection or destruction of artifacts);
• Carrying a map and a GPS unit and/or compass (Maps are available for purchase at all BLM offices.
• Staying on existing roads and trails;
• Staying away from all mine shafts and adits;
• Planning for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies;
• Carrying a full-size spare tire, extra food, water, and warm clothing;
• Being aware that cell phones DO NOT usually work in the rural areas away from the major highways;
• Leaving your travel plans with a responsible party, including the date and time of your return;
• Linking to “Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace” websites (www.treadlightly.org and www.lnt.org).
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Treasures
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