Parson Beach Marine Terrace - War Canoe (or Hike) EarthCache
Hidden : 6/22/2012
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

°

Yes, that’s right the coordinates are out over the water. Yes this cache can be observed while you’re on Parson’s Beach, but the best view of this geological feature is available from off shore. Groundspeak rating tool, if you hike to the cache from Emerald Bay it is a 3T cache, from Two Harbors a 4T cache, or by defanition a 5T by boat. I figured most folks will hike it, so I compromised and averaged for a 4T.

Viewed from offshore you will see Parson’s Beach (see photo) with a low angle sea cliff, on top is a terrace flat ground, unusual for this otherwise rugged island with lots of topographic relief. This flat surface is a “marine terrace”. Formation of Marine Terraces begin when wave action erodes a relatively flat, gently offshore sloping surface offshore. This initial phase of a marine terrance is like the low angle surface beneath the current surf and kelp beds offshore of the modern Parson's Beach. The deep movement of the wave action erodes these surface. Marine sediments are often deposited are often deposited on these wave cut platforms. Then either through a drop in sea level or tectonic uplift of the landmass these surfaces are lifted above the wave action. At Parson’s Beach considering sea level is currently at a relatively high stand, this Marine Terrace was certainly formed by uplift of the land mass lifting the Marine Terrace above sea level.

To log this cache e-mail the CO the following information:
1) In the subject line of your message put the EC name and GC code.
2) Estimate the elevation of the terrace above mean sea level. On your own, think about the fact that this flat surface actually formed at some elevation below sea level.
3) You’ll need to come ashore to gather this information. In the center of the marine terrace, look at the sediments in the sea cliff. Describe these sediments. Use your best guess, I’m easy with all good faith efforts.

Remember safe boating first.

Congrats to BMKSS of Troop 737 of San Clemente on the FTF

Bedrock Geology and Landslide Map of Emerald Bay and Parson’s Beach Area. 1965. Unnamed geotechnical report. [Title approximate, from memory. From unknown geotechnical/geological report. Map generously provided by BSA Camp Emerald Bay nature staff. Apparently this was done as part of a thankfully failed plan to turn the Emerald Bay and Parson’s into a golf, dive, and yacht resort.]

Good web page describing the formation of Marine Terraces on Santa Cruz Island: (visit link)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Abg nccyvpnoyr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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