Christoffel EarthCache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
There is a traditional cache at the peak of Christoffel which may be hidden by this earthcache icon. Zoom in on the map to see both caches. Visit the Christoffel website to perk you interest in this outstanding park: http://www.christoffelpark.org/
Many geologists believe the island of Curacao began to form some 90 million years ago in the late Cretaceous period. Since then, four major geological formations have shaped and reshaped the island, and at least two helped form Mount Christoffel. The oldest is the Curacao Lava Formation which was formed below the sea and consists of basalt up to 5 km thick. These rocks are predominant in the interior of the northwest and southeast lobes of Curacao. An interesting feature found within these rocks is pillow shaped structures called pillow-lavas or pillow-basalts. As you approach the summit of Christoffel, you will climb weathered outcrops consisting of these rocks. The Knip Group overlays the lava formation and significantly differs in appearance and constitution. These rocks consist of the fossils of microscopic sea organisms called radiolarians and are found primarily on the northwest part of Curacao. These sedimentary rocks overlay the basalt along the trail to the summit of Christoffel. The third group is the Mid-Curacao Formation was characterized by a slow rising of the island associated with tectonic events which resulted in sand and rock deposits in the underwater valleys and trenches of the emerging island. Although the group is largely found in the areas of Jan Kok, Fontein and Cas Abou, some evidence of turbidites can be found in eroded areas along the lower slopes of Christoffel. The youngest group is the Limestone Formation. Curacao first emerged from the sea as two islands, the two lobes of present day Curacao. Coral reefs formed in the shallows around and between the two islands. As the sea level rose and fell due to glacial periods, limestone terraces were formed. These terraces surround the coasts of Curacao. They can also be found inland in a line between Tera Cora and HatoAirport. (Some information from CARMABI Foundation) 
To log this geocache, simply climb the mountain and complete a few earth tasks along the way and e-mail me your answers. After you e-mail the answers to me, you may log the cache. You do not have to wait for me to respond. See the additional waypoints below to guide you to the answers. 1. When you begin your climb to the top of Mt Christoffel, use your GPS to discern the elevation at the trailhead (white sign). Compare this elevation with the elevation at the summit to find the elevation change between the base and summit. 2. Near the beginning of your climb, you will cross a stream bed with black rocks protruding. Try to identify the rock type or at least during what geologic formation these rocks were formed. 3. As the terrain gets slightly steeper during your climb, you will encounter a portion of the trail which has been badly eroded. This erosion has uncovered some reddish rocks. Identify these rocks or at least during what geologic formation these rocks were formed. 4. As you near the summit, you’ll notice a distinct change in the terrain. What do you notice? I’ll give you credit for the cache if you get 2 of 4 correct. Also, some of the answers can be found in the cache description. Finally, the local custom is to kiss the pole at the summit the first time you make it up. Please upload photos!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures