Pensacola Pebbles EarthCache
Hidden : 12/20/2011
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

On Santa Rosa Island, you can see the effects of sedimentary erosion.

Erosion factors of wind, waves, and currents sort the sediment of Santa Rosa Island.

Sand and shell gravel is on the island's gulf side and interior, which is mostly sand due to the island's seaward advancement after it formed. As you walk inward from the beach, you're walking across earlier beach deposits. Most of the beach and dune sediment is quartz sand, eroded from the continent. Whole shells and fragments of calcium carbonate add to the variable texture of the sediment.

Wind and waves sort the sediment according to weight. Wind transports small, lighter grains, so the dune sand is fine and well-sorted quartz. Compared with the dunes, the beach sand and shell gravel, moved by wave, is coarser and more poorly sorted. When waves hit the beach, sand may move onshore, offshore, or along the beach.

Waves usually hit beaches at an angle, moving the sand along the beach in either direction, but you'll find that more sand is moved in only one direction.



To log this earthcache, please visit the site, perform the required tasks and submit your answers to the following questions:

1. Dig two holes about six inches deep; one at ground zero and one near the road.
(Do not use a shovel unless it is permitted and please stay off the dunes and sea oats.)

2. Discuss the variations in the beach and dune sands, i.e. granular, coarsely or finely sorted, density or colors.

OPTIONAL: Photographs will be met with giddy earthcache-geek excitement.

Placed by a member of D.A.W.G.S.
Denton-Area Wayward Geocache Seekers

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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