Wii'i Gdwiisa EarthCache
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In order to count this Earthcache as a find, you must complete the following tasks and email the answers to me.
1. Describe the shape and appearance of Red Butte.
2. What is the elevation at the trail head?
3. What is the elevation of Red Butte?
4. Using your answers from questions 2 and 3, what is the height of Red Butte?
5. Where does Moenkopi sandstone originate from?
6. Since lava ordinarily flows downhill, how did it end up on top of Red Butte?
This earthcache is located at the trail head for Red Butte, just south of Tusuyan on the way to the Grand Canyon. Most sedans can handle the road, but you may wish for a high clearance vehicle if there has been any precipitation in the area. It is not required to log this earthcache as a find, but the 1.25 mile (one way) trail will take you to the summit of Red Butte and to a fire lookout. Enjoy!
Known to the Havasupai nation as “Wii’i Gdwiisa,” or “clenched fist mountain,” Red Butte is the most conspicuous feature on the Coconino Plateau between the Grand Canyon, to the north, and the San Francisco volcanic field, to the south. Located just sixteen miles south from the Grand Canyon’s southern rim, Red Butte rises from the flat landscape like a lone sentinel.
Red Butte is the last remains in the vicinity of the Cenozoic geological era. Geologically, the cenozoic era is one of the most recent geological eras. Beginning about 65.5 million years ago, the Cenozoic era is marked by the continents moving into their current positions: Australia drifted north and collided with southeast Asia; Antarctica moved into position over the South Pole; South America became attached to North America; India collided with Asia.
Erosion has been a major force in this area (as evidenced by the Grand Canyon); however, the sediment layers of Red Butte were able to withstand erosion because of the mountain’s lava cap, while the surrounding area (which is largely flat) suffered the effects of erosion. Despite being largely protected from the effects of erosion, several of the different layers comprising Red Butte have been exposed for visitors to see.
At its base, Red Butte is composed of shales from the Moenkopi Formation. This geological formation, which spreads across New Mexico, northern Arizona, Nevada, southeastern California, eastern Utah, and western Colorado was laid down about 240 million years ago during the Early Triassic era (a hot geological period marked by widespread volcanic activity, global warming, and mass extinctions of species). Sediments of the Moenkopi Formation are sandstone sand that are reddish in color.
The next layer of the mountain is Shinarump (a rock and pebble conglomeration from river channels) laid down by the Chinle Formation. About 225 million years old, the Shinarump was laid down during the Late Triassic era. In comparison to the Moenkopi shalestones, the Shinarump is much darker in color and has a slight purplish-tint.
Red Butte’s top layer is comprised of basalt, or a volcanic lava flow from long-extinct volcanoes. Dated between 8.5 and 9 million years ago, this basalt layer is very hard and protects the softer layers below from erosion. The basalt cap of Red Butte is the only remnant of an ancient lava flow that once covered the area. This is the darkest layer of the mountain.
The mountain itself sits atop Kaibab Limestone--the sediment that makes up the surface of the Coconino Plateau and the rim for most of the Grand Canyon. The Kaibab Limestone, which is beige in color, was deposited about 270 million years ago by sea waters.
NOT A LOGGING REQUIREMENT: Feel free to post pictures of your group at the area or the area itself - I love looking at the pictures.
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