Burr Oak Woods Limestone Outcrop EarthCache
Burr Oak Woods Limestone Outcrop
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Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is an area composed of 1,071 acres of woodlands, fields and ponds. It features a scenic portion of Burr Oak Creek. Its natural features include forested hillsides and limestone rock outcrops.
The posted coordinates will take you to an outcrop of limestone containing deep mazes cut into the rock. Limestone is a sedimentary rock, consisting primarily of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate contains the chemical elements calcium, carbon, and oxygen. Some limestone types are composed of marine life, while others are a form of prehistoric lime mud. Northwestern Missouri limestone was formed during the Pennsylvanian period of geologic time, 325 to 286 million years ago.
Limestone is easily eroded with water. The deep mazes found within this outcrop were formed when rain mixed with carbon dioxide in the air to form a weak carbon based acid. This acid then reacted with the limestone to form calcium bicarbonate, which is easily washed away with water. This form of weathering is called “carbonation”.
In order to claim this EarthCache, you must complete each of these tasks. Please read carefully.
1. Stand at the posted coordinates facing the rock outcrop and look to your left. How many layers of limestone do you see?
2. What is the elevation at this location?
3. What form of weathering caused the deep mazes in the outcrop to form?
4. Click on the link with my geocaching name at the top of this page and email me the answers to the questions above. Do not post your answers with your log entry, even if encrypted.
5. Optional but highly encouraged: Explore the limestone outcrop and take a picture of yourself at your favorite location and post it along with your log entry.
Please remain on the established trails and treat the area with respect. The Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is open daily during daylight saving time from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm and daily during Central Standard Time from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The grounds are closed on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
References http://www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/docs/gcwinter6.pdf
http://www.geospectra.net/lewis_cl/geology/bedrock.htm
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/imac/limestone.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering
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