From the Top . . .
The Devil's Backbone is a winding narrow ridge among tall, white bluffs lining Cedar Creek. As with many geological features named after demonic influences, traversing its length can be treacherous. It may not be apparent immediately when parking at the posted coordinates. One will notice, though, that the exposed rocks tell of a time when this part of the world was underwater. Its aquatic ancestry is apparent by the number of fossilized crinoids that can be seen. This Burlington Limestone was formed during the Mississippian Period approximately 325 to 360 million years ago.
To the Bottom . . .
When walking down the Backbone, the change in elevation appears to increase. Erosion is to blame; specifically, the purity and coarse texture of the limestone made it ripe for bodies of water and rain to reform the landscape. Straight drops down both sides of the Backbone are clear-cut evidence. The primary architect was Cedar Creek itself and one particular meander. The meander was created when water in the creek rotated like a corkscrew as it turned a corner; this is helicoidal flow. Helicoidal flow balances the energy of a moving body of water along its length (in other words, the easiest path is followed). Over time, such bends are reinforced. Sediment deposits at the bottom of the creek are swept to the inside of the meander by the motion of the water.
To the Top Again!
Private property signs mark the end of the former roadbed along with the remains of a bridge that once carried traffic across the shallow waters. The Backbone continues to the south a bit further evidenced by another sudden elevation increase; the "dip" where you stand is called a saddle. It is speculated that, in the future, Cedar Creek will use this area to its advantage (again, taking the easiest path) and cut out the second portion of the Backbone to create what is called a lost hill. These are formed by former loops and meanders in creeks and rivers that eventually straighten out.
Elevation Estimation
Seeing another portion of the Backbone looming overhead, one must wonder how high it is. A GPS reading is out of the question as this portion of the geological formation is on private property. Thus we resort to a rather old method of estimating elevation. (Why does it work? Simply put, the triangle you will be holding will extend to the hill top. This triangle has an angle of 22.5 degrees between where you are looking forward and the crest of the hill. Geometry does the rest using the tangent of that angle and a distance.)
1) Start with a piece of paper ideally three inches square. Fold the paper diagonally. This creates a right triangle.
2) Fold the paper diagonally again matching the long edge (hypotenuse) with one of the sides.
3) Looking forward and as level as possible, hold the triangle vertically next to an eye with the long edge at the bottom and the second longest edge pointing up. Close your other eye.
4) Carefully walk backwards until the crest of the hill is visible at the tip of the triangle without moving your head. Note the distance on your GPS from the posted waypoint "Future Lost Hill".
5) Multiply the distance by .41 to obtain the elevation from where you are standing. Then add your height. Keep in mind that this is a rough estimation and probably not terribly accurate.
Questions
To mark this EarthCache as found, answer the following questions and send them to Unitzoid through the profile link at the top of this page.
1) What is the Devil's Backbone composed of? Are there any features that catch your eye?
2) Discounting the bridge, signs and utility poles, what man-made object can be seen from the Backbone saddle?
3) What is your estimated height of the future lost hill from the saddle? (An elevation map may yield a different answer!)
4) What happens to water as it rounds a bend?
5) How long do you think it will take for Cedar Creek to overtake the saddle? (Since this is speculation, a reasonable answer is not incorrect.)
While a photograph of you at the Backbone is not required, it is most certainly encouraged.
Sources
Beveridge, Thomas R. Geological Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri. Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 1990. p. 118.
Ritter, Dale F. Process Geomorphology. UMC Brown Company Publishers, 1978. p. 236, p. 240.
Unklesbay, A. G. Geology of Boone County Missouri. State of Missouri Department of Business and Administration Division of Geological Survey and Natural Resources, 1952. p. 66.