Jesse James Cave EarthCache EarthCache
Jesse James Cave EarthCache
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Situated within close proximity of the Marais Des Cygnes River, this large recess in a limestone ledge is believed by some to have once been a hiding place for Jesse James, his brother Frank, and the Younger gang.
Several thousand years ago the cave was large enough to have been classified as a cavern, but erosion and wind have filled it in, resulting in a much shallower cave.
Most of the Earth’s caves can be classified into one of four major groups: Solution caves are formed in carbonate and sulfate rocks, including limestone, gypsum, dolomite, and marble. Over time, the natural acid in moving ground water dissolves the rock through bedding planes, faults, and joints to form tunnels, passages, and caverns.
The vast majority of the world’s caves are solution caves. Many caves formed initially by solutional processes undergo a later phase of erosional enlargement where active streams or rivers pass through them. Lava caves are formed during volcanic flows. The outer surface of a lava flow hardens and cools while molten lava continues to flow within. The molten lava eventually exits through the newly formed hollow tube. Not surprisingly, Hawaii is host to many lava caves. Kazumura Cave, a lava cave/tube, is over 40 miles long!
Sea caves are formed by the constant action of pounding waves which over time erode the rocks and cliffs lining the shores of oceans and large lakes. These caves demonstrate the enormous power of wave action as well as the erosive power of natural wave-carried debris. They are relatively small and most are no larger than 150 feet in length. Some of these caves drain during low tide and can be explored on foot, while others can only be visited by small boat or kayak.
Glacier caves are formed by melting water which creates drainage tunnels through the ice. These caves are very dangerous to explore because of their unstable nature. They are not to be confused with “ice caves”, which can be any other cave type containing ice year round.
In order to claim this EarthCache, please answer the following questions:
1. At ground zero, study the physical characteristics of the cave. Feel free to explore the cave from within. Based on your observations and what you just read, what cave group do you think this cave belongs in?
2. Name at least one sign of erosion you notice.
3. Estimate the height, length, and depth of the cave.
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. Although not required, you are encouraged to post a picture of yourself and/or your party with your log if you have a picture you like. Please do not explore this cave after dark. In addition, the terrain can be somewhat hazardous when wet.
Many thanks to the landowners who have generously agreed to share this treasure with the general public.
Please take with you only photos and memories.
At the time of this writing, there is an active geocache within close proximity -- enjoy!
References: Ottawa Herald Vol. XXXIII., No. 274. January 6, 1926 http://www.visitottawakansas.com/cms.php?NorthWestDrivingTour.php http://www.adventure-caves-usa.com/cave_types.html http://nature.nps.gov/geology/usgsnps/cave/cave.html
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