Skull Cave Arch EarthCache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This Earthcache gives you the unique opportunity to examine Skull Cave Arch, which is an extremely rare type of natural arch for the state of Ohio. In fact, of the 80 or so known natural arches in the state, this appears to be the only example of a cave collapse arch formation that is open to the public.
Skull Cave Arch is found in Paint Creek State Park so all park rules and regulations most be followed at all times. It is also required that you park at the location listed on the page. This is a Public Hunting and Fishing Area so appropriate precautions during certain times of the year should be taken. Please click here for more information. This cache may only be visited during daylight hours and you must follow all state park rules, including the rule that says you can't collect specimens without a permit.
Upon approaching the arch, you'll first be struck by its resemblance to a standard small cave opening in the Greenfield Dolomite, but as you get closer and begin to inspect it in more detail you'll find that it is, in fact, an arch. According to local legend, bandits and robbers used this arch to escape detection from the local law and it was a commonly visited hideout.
What is a natural arch and how do they form?
A natural arch is defined as "a rock exposure with a hole completely through it, created by the natural removal of some of the rock to leave an intact rock frame around the hole." There are six known ways that arches have formed in Ohio and these include a breeched alcove, a bedrock texture remnant, a joint bedding plane enlargement, an enlarged vertical crevice, an open bedding plane, and finally a collapsed cave. This last type, the collapsed cave type of arch, is a very rare occurrence in the state of Ohio. In fact, Skull Cave Arch may be the only current known example of this type of arch in the state that is open to the public (Although I must mention here that this type of arch is quite common in other parts of the country)
What is a collapsed cave arch?
If a cave enlarges to the point where its roof can no longer support its own weight, collapse occurs and a sinkhole results. If two sinkholes form close together and the section of cave roof remaining between them has an open passage beneath it, a natural arch is formed.
To claim a find on this Earthcache you must answer the three questions below by emailing the answer to me. Although not required (because photos are optional EarthCache logging requirements), you might want to submit a photo of the cave opening, preferably with you standing in front of it with a big fat smile upon your face. Also, if there has been an immense amount of rain before your visit, you'll have to use caution when examining the arch.
Question #1: How many entrances are there to Skull Cave Arch?
Question #2: When determining the size of an arch, most scientists use the span (aka width) and the clearance (aka height) of the arch opening. By counting your steps or using a tape measure determine the span or width of this arch.
Question #3: Nearby is Trimmer Arch. Describe how the formation of Trimmer Arch was different from the formation of Skull Cave Arch.
Enjoy this wonderful, rare Ohio location and as always leave no trace. Nearby, you'll find Trimmer Arch and it was listed as a 4 terrain. The extra half star here on the terrain is because you might want to go through the arch (bring a flashlight) and if you do, you'll have to climb out of a sinkhole at the end. Also, if you are claustrophobic you might not like the duck walk part.
Most information for this EarthCache comes from the most excellent source below - I highly recommend it:
Snyder, Timothy A. Rainbows of Rock, Tables of Stone: The Natural Arches and Pillars of Ohio. Granville, OH: The McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company, 2009. Print
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