ORVEC Fossils: Horn Coral EarthCache
Hidden : 2/24/2011
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:



Horn Coral

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What is a fossil? A fossil is the prehistoric remains of a plant or animal. Fossils are typically preserved when they are buried under many layers of sand and mud. Under great pressure the sand and mud become sedimentary rock. Minerals seep into the fossil replacing the organic matter and creating a replica in stone.

The Rugosa corals get their name because the exterior of many forms have a wrinkly appearance. They are often called "horn corals" because their form may resemble the horn of a cow or goat. In fact, the largest horn coral was referred to as a "petrified buffalo horn" by settlers due to its shape.


Horn Coral Ragosa


Rugose corals have a skeleton made of calcite that is often fossilized. Like modern corals (Scleractinia), rugose corals were invariably benthic, living on the sea floor or in a reef-framework. Although there is no direct proof, it is inferred that these Palaeozoic corals possessed stinging cells and tentacles to help them catch prey. Technically they were carnivores, but prey-size was so small they are often referred to as microcarnivores.

What Was it Like at the Falls 387 Million Years Ago? The local Devonian geography and climate was much different than today. The abundance of corals and limestone rock indicates this area was a warm, tropical, shallow sea.

We know it was an ocean and not freshwater because the fossils are similar to animals that live in the ocean today. We are certain it was warm and tropical because limestone only forms under those conditions. And we are sure it was shallow because many corals, including some over 40 inches in diameter can be found upside-down. This indicates that strong currents, like those from a hurricane, tossed heavy corals.


Horn Coral at FOTO

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Optional: To share your experience please take a photo of yourself or your GPSr with the horn coral at the listed coordinates.

And to demonstrate the educational value of this EC, please send answers to the following four questions:

1. How long is the horn coral here?
2. What is the meaning of the word Rugose?
3. How many 'horn corals' can be seen within 15 feet of the waypoint?
4. What is the height and width of the limestone arch at this site?
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