Karst View Trail Sinkholes EarthCache
Karst View Trail Sinkholes
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**************IMPORTANT: In order to claim this as "found", you must complete the logging requirements at the bottom of the page.****************This is not your typical geocache, it is an EarthCache, you will not be looking for a "cache container" rather, an EarthCache is designed to bring you to a geological feature. See http://www.earthcache.org/ for further details.
This EarthCache location will bring you to several sites along the Karst View Trail at Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark. Please note that there is no need to leave the designated trail to complete this cache. Permission was given for placement after I had assured the park officials that cachers would respect the environment and not cause additional damage to the area by leaving the trails.
The Karst View Trail is an easy 30 minute walk, about ½ mile. The trail is mowed into the prairie grass in some areas and lined with wood chips in others. The trail not only offers you an excellent view of the surrounding countryside but also brings you to several sinkholes. There are 5 sinkholes noted on this trail and designated by numbered markers.
Karst topography
Karst topography is a landscape that is characterized by numerous caves, sinkholes, fissures, and underground streams. Karst topography usually forms in regions of plentiful rainfall where bedrock consists of carbonate-rich rock, such as limestone, gypsum, or dolomite, that is easily dissolved. Surface streams are usually absent from karst topography.
Sinkholes
Sinkholes are the evidence of a near surface cave below. They are common where the rock below the land surface is limestone, carbonate rock, salt beds. Rocks can be dissolved by ground water moving around them, eventually developing caverns underground. Sinkholes are impressive as they can happen abruptly. The spaces underground become too big and cannot support the land above until there is a sudden surface collapse. These collapses can be big or small, depending on the cavern below.
The North End Sink (K7) was formed when the cracks in the rocks above the cave joined together and made a naturally weak cross joint. This is just above the North Collapse where the East Cavern connects to the North Cavern. This sinkhole can be found at: N 43 01.077 W 089 48.882
The School Sinkhole (K4) is named for the large number of school children who have been educated here. This sinkhole can be found at: N 43 01.066 W 089 49.029
Oscar’s Sinkhole (K3) is named for the man who discovered it in 1996 when it formed suddenly. This is the final destination for this cache. Check out the sinkhole but be sure to turn around and take a look of this spectacular view of the surrounding prairie! This sinkhole can be found at: N 43 01.031 W 089 49.070
Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark
To complete the tasks for this cache you will not need to pay anything or enter the cave or any of the buildings (although I would encourage you to do so!). There is no charge for parking but if you would like to go inside the Visitor Center you will need to be there when they are open. Their schedule changes depending on the season so please check out www.caveofthemounds.com/tourinfo.htm for hours. Typically, the buildings and property are open an hour after the last tour. Please note that visitors are not allowed on the property after closing so make sure you check the tour schedule.
This is a great area for outdoor enthusiasts as there are a few hiking or biking trails, a rain garden, a museum and visitor’s center, a gift shop and a natural prairie restoration project. My children’s favorite part is the gem mining sluice. Also, you can put a stamp in your National Parks Passport, if you have one, at the Visitor Center.
Cave of the Mounds is located twenty five miles west of Madison just off U.S. Highways 18 and 151 between Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds. There are many touristy things to do, as well as State Parks and recreation in the area. There are many picnic tables in the parking lot.
Submission Requirements
In order to get credit for this cache you must complete the following questions/tasks:
1. The main coordinates listed will bring you to marker K3. How many sinkholes are at this location?
2. Standing right at the K3 marker, what is the elevation?
3. Tell me why you think these sinkholes occurred?
BONUS: We are no longer allowed to require a photo for submission requirements but you would make this CO very happy if you would take a picture of your caching team along the trail or in front of the sinkhole and choose to upload it. Again, not a requirement, it just would be nice. :-)
Permission for this cache was granted to me by Joe Klimczak, General Manager of Cave of the Mounds - National Natural Landmark on 9/10/10.
Sources: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthgwsinkholes.html
http://www.caveofthemounds.com
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