Skellig Michael EarthCache
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Skellig Michael
The island of Skellig Michael lies 11,6 km off Bolus Head, the westernmost tip of the Iveragh peninsula. The island is approximately 21,9 hectares in area.
Geology and Topography
Skellig Michael represents one of the most westerly exposures of Devonian rocks in western Europe. These rocks are sedimentary in origin and were deposited during the upper part of the Devonian period, between 360 and 374 million years ago. During this time Ireland, as a part of a larger continental land mass, was situated south of the equator. A crustal depression or through, known as the Munster Basin, existed in southern Ireland at this time, allowing the accumulation of a great thickness of sediment. The basin was bordered by mountainous or upland areas to the north and south. The 200m of sediments exposed on Skellig Michael were deposited in alluvial and fluvial enviroments in this basin.
The present outcrop pattern of the Devonian is due to subsequent structural deformation. This compressing or folding of the rocks occured during the Hercynian Montain-building period, approximately 300 million years ago. The structure of Skellig Michael is characterised by a major open through- shaped fold (syncline) developed about an axis that plunges to the east. Conjugate joint sets (criss- crossing joint sets resulting in a diamond fracture pattern) are generated symmetrically about this axis, while an intensive cleavage fabric parallels the axis orientation. It is this relationship between fine- grained sedimentary rocks and planes of weakness such as bedding, cleavage and joiting that allows for small tool workability in the main
The topography of Skellig Michael, its iconic twin peaks and intervenning valley (Christ´s Saddle) is entirely controlled by bedrock geology. A major north- south- trending fault (running from Blue Cove in the north to Washerwoman Rock in the south) is expressed today as the valley between the peaks. The bedrock adjacent to this fault zone is dislocated, brittle and friable and erodes out more easily than the surrounding bedrock. It is this geological feature that underlies the saddle- like isalnd outline we see today.
(Source: Archaeological stratigraphic report)
About the cache
To reach Skellig Michael you have to go by boat. There are a number of licensed boat operators which will take you out to the Skelligs. Any tourist information office will give you information you need to book. You should expect to pay in the region of € 50 for a return trip to the island.
Please note that the sea can be quite rough and the weather unpredictable. So visitors should wear warm clothing and carry waterproofs. Visitors should also wear appropriate footwear for the climb as the steps can be slippery.
Please note that there are no toilets on the island. Visitors are advised to bring food and drink with them, but please take all litter and rubbish with you.
At the coordinates N51°46.195 W10°32.352 you´ll find a metal infoboard of the UNESCO World Heritage with information about this island.
To log this Earthcache please answer the following Questions
1. How large is the distance between Skellig Michael and the south-west coast of Ireland displayed on the board?
2. Of which sort of stone does the rock consist?
3. At N51°46.248 W10°32.420 (Christ Saddle) you´ll find two big rocks. How much is the diameter of the bigger one? Discribe colour and surface of this rock.
4. Which Altitude shows your GPS at this Coordinates?
3. We would be delight if you could add a picture of yours at the Christ Saddle to your log! ( optional)
Send your answers to our profile.
You can immediately log - should be something wrong so we`ll speak up!
We wish you a great visit at this amazing rock!!!
PAMAH
Additional Hints
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