Is that a Monster .... EarthCache
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As an earthcache, there is no “box” or “container” to discover. Rather, with this cache, you discover something about the geology of the area. For more info, consult www.earthcache.org
Mount Monster is one of a chain of rock outcrops scattered throughout the south-east of South Australia. Although it has a low profile, it dominates the country for many kilometres. The area protects several plant groupings and the animals that live in them.
Mallees, almost impenetrable broombush, kangaroo thorn and low banksia scrub grow on the sandy slopes. Open woods of pink gum and blue gum grow around the eroded outcrops of Mount Monster.
Many millions of years ago things were not as you see them today. The rocky outcrops of Mount Monster and surrounding sand dunes, covered with trees and bushes, did not exist.
So how did Mount Monster come about.
For millions of years a shallow sea covered this whole area. The sea deposited sediments in a shallow basin.
About (Q1 below) million years ago a large mass of molten rock was forced up into these sediments by pressures within the earth. The crystallized to a very hard rock called granite.
After eons of time, the granite became exposed as the enormous thickness of sediments above it slowly eroded away.
Shallow seas invaded the land and then subsided over the next few million years. Mount Monster was sometimes stranded as an island. New sediments were depositied around the granite.
Most recently the sea has again retreated, leaving behind the granite outcrop and sand dunes. The sand is slowly eroding away. Only in the last thousand years has the area become covered in trees and bushes.
To log your find you will need to send me an email with a few answers to the questions below:
Question 1. How many million years ago was Mount Monster forced up through the sediments.
Question 2. You will need to make the trek to the top of Mount Monster with your GPS and determine the altitude of the summit. What is that altitude?
Question 3. Name one of the birds that you may see while walking to the summit.
Although not required, pictures from the summit are welcome
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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