EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:
1. MESSAGE …. This massive tower is made of sandstone. a. What type of rock is it? Igneous / Metamorphic / Sedimentary ... b. Describe variations in the layers of sandstone. This can be qualitative (color, texture, etc.) and/or quantitative (size).
2. MESSAGE …. According to the geologic time scale, what era and period do the Pottsville Group / New River Formation belong to?
3. MESSAGE …. a. The Guyandotte River is formed by the confluence of what three streams? ... b. The Guyandotte is a tributary of what river?
4. MESSAGE …. a. Follow the green fence beginning at the posted coordinates. Observe this massive tower as you walk all around it. What is the distance you travelled? ... b. What is the estimated height of the rock?
5. LOG …. Post a picture of you or your signature item at or near the coordinates. This picture is your log signature.
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in finding and creating this earthcache by adding A and B to your log.
A. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.
B. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.
Journeys of Heart and Mind ...
Stories to Touch the Heart and Puzzles to Challenge the Mind / Rainbow Tree Story
CASTLE ROCK is the local name given to this massive sandstone tower located at the base of the New River group of the Pottsville Geological series of formations.
This formation was deposited along a large sea which existed here 200 million years ago.
After the sea retreated, the area uplifted, eroded to a plain until the Guyandotte River established a westerly course across Wyoming County.
The Guyandotte, which eroded its path, would sometimes flow north of this tower. The river finally altered its course permanently and established a path which cut through the stone easier, leaving the toadstool shape known today as CASTLE ROCK.
RESOURCES ... Guyandotte River / Geology