1 North Carolina 50 State Star Rocks Earth Cache EarthCache

This Geoart is part of a nationwide project;
THE USA 50 STATE STAR GEOART
celebrating every state in the USA !

Our Goal is to have a "50 STATE STAR" in each state of the USA.

Look for the states that proudly display the "STAR" !

You remember from your basic earth science class there are three major types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.  

Igneous rocks are formed from melted rocks.  They can form inside the earth very slowly or outside on the surface very quickly.  Igneous rocks that form inside the earth have larger crystals that can be seen by your naked eye generally.  It is farily easy to pick out the various minerals that make up that rock. Think of granite.    Igneous rocks that form outside of the earth do not generally have time for crystals to form and look very glassy.  Think of obsidian  ,  

Sedimentary rocks form when bits of other rocks and sometimes organic material settle in wet areas like lakes, deep rivers and oceans.  Over a long period of time, pressure and chemicals cement these rock pieces together.  This is how we get fossils. Sedimentary rocks typically form layers that are easily split or a conglomerate like concrete .

When rocks undergo heat and pressure, they form metamorphic rocks.  Depending upon the amount of heat, rocks can change drastically and completely change thier appearance.   Some of the crystals may change form.  Sometimes the rock will simply bend and twist.
 

This area is part of the oldest mountain chain in the world. At one time, molten material covered this landscape and cooled. Over time, tectonic action moved this are towards Africa and formed the supercontinent Pangea. The pushing and shoving of land caused it to twist and bend. Mountains were formed, valleys created. Scientists believe this area was once the highest mountain chain in the world.
 

Pangea broke apart millions of years ago and started moving westward. Erosion took charge and started to wear down this mountain area. Wind, rain, heat and even cold broke apart the land and moved the sediments around. Glaciers may have even formed here long ago to round out the mountain top. 

The rocks at your feet have been through a lot! They have been heated to melting, cooled, subjected to weathering and now sit exposed to the elements. 

Your task is to examine the types of rocks here and prove these are metamorphic rocks. What have you observed that leads you to prove your hypothesis? 

Send and email to the CO with the followiing in your email:

1) 1 North Carolina 50 State Star Rocks Earth Cache

2) What is orientation of the rock layers? North to south, east to west or other directions? If you can provide degrees, please do so.

3) Examine the layers of white and dark bands. Measure the thickness of between one white band to the next. Are the perfectly parallel or are they bent and twisted?

3) What observation have you made to prove these are metamorphic rocks?

Some things to remember when doing this series

* This is a forest; home to many animals, wild and domestic. Please respect it.
* This artwork has 51 caches.
* Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks.
* Carry out what you take in. Don’t leave any trash behind.
* This is a hiking series.  You can access the trail from either trailhead but you will have at least a 1.5 mile hike to the series..
* Cell phone coverage in the Uwharries is spotty, your results may vary.
* Most important of all --> Have fun! <--
* Be sure to bring your camera for various plants, animals and rock formations found in this forest.
* There are extreme slopes! Night cache at your own peril.

 

Thanks to all the Geocachers across the country that placed and maintain these caches!