Crow Butte EarthCache
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Buttes are flat-topped hills with steep sloping sides. Buttes are composed of a top layer of hard rock that resists erosion. Often, this layer is hardened lava that has spread across the landscape. Beneath this hard layer are horizontal layers of softer rock that are easily eroded.
Buttes are commonly found in arid regions, where sudden heavy rainfall and a lack of ground vegetation create swiftly running water. Over time, the softer base of these landforms is cut away by erosion, exposing the hard upper layer of rock.
Crow Butte, in Dawes County, NE, has an elevation of 4,222 feet.
The deposits that make up this area are part of the Pine Ridge escarpment and are comprised primarily of sandstone. Crow Butte is formed by the eroding softer layers of sandstone at its base.
The ground beneath Crow Butte is also home to a large uranium deposit. Currently, this uranium is being mined from the area. The illustration below shows the mining process.
The posted coordinates place you closest to the north view of the butte, which is about one mile to the south. You can park along W. Ash Creek Road.
To log this earthcache, please submit your answers to the following questions:
1. In your estimation, how tall is the relief (height) of the butte?
2. Describe the vegetation in the immediate area of the butte?
3. What is a common use for uranium?
OPTIONAL: Photographs of yourself or surroundings will be met with giddy earthcache-geek excitement.
FTF honors go to Rabbanah!
Resources and credits:
Cameco Corp.
Ralph H. Knode
Ryan Meime & TopoQuest
Science Clarified
Stephen J. Reynolds
Stephen F. Collings
summitpost.org
USGS
Wikipedia
Placed by a member of Denton Area Wayward Geocache Seekers.
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