To access this earthcache, please pull completely off the road. We have permission from DOT to stop and examine this feature. Do not park against the road, pull over, the shoulder is solid!
Rock is broken down into smaller and smaller pieces during the weathering process. Gravel are pieces of rock over 2 mm diameter. Sand is 2 mm to .05 mm or about a pin head to pin point. Silt is smaller from pinpoint to the thickness of hair. Clay is the smallest, each piece too small to see by the naked eye.
Two means break the rock: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical weathering changes the size and shape of the pieces without changing the chemistry. Chemical weathering changes what the rock is composed and creates new substances.
Clay products are the final stage in weathering. Nutrients are released and particles cannot weather into smaller pieces. As you have traveled, you may have noticed soils have different colors. The color depends upon a couple factors: the original bedrock and the amount of organic material.
White clays in North Carolina are a result of water breaking down feldspar creating kaolin clay. The process where water creates new substances is called hydrolysis. This type of clay is very sticky and greasy because it holds large amounts of water in the layers.
Red clays in North Carolina are a result of oxygen breaking down iron and magnesium rich rock during a process called oxidation. This is the most common type soil and clay in the state. These type of clays can hold large amounts of water and release the water over time. When water is absorbed, they expand. When water is released, the soil contracts or cracks.
Green clays in North Carolina are a result of igneous rock rich in magnesium, iron and calcium that decompose. They take on a green color due to the presense of chlorine. These clays tend to run in layers or "veins" through other layers of clay.
Superpositioning is a theory that states, older material is deeper in the earth than younger material.
You will see all three types of clay at this location! This is unique to find all three types of clay products in such abundance in an area.
To log this earth cache, send answers for the following questions in an email. Do not post your answers in you log.
1) list the first line as "Agents of Change: Clay Formation" GC37V01
2) find the layer of kaolin clay and estimate the thickness and the position (top, middle or bottom layer) of the exposed bank. Is this kaolin the oldest or youngest?
3) find the layer of red clay and estimate the thickness and position (top, middle or bottom layer) of the exposed bank. Is the red clay the oldest or youngest?
4) find the chlorite clay. what layer(s) does the chlorite run through? Why does it not run through all layers?
5) not a requirement: if you can post a picture of your group near the site without giving away any of the secrets, that would be great.
Congrats to Paddlin Pirates for the FTF
| I have earned GSA's highest level: |
 |