An Island in the Woods Earth Cache EarthCache

A beautiful place in Ruffner Mountain Preserve, which is rarely visited.  It is accessible by trails from both sides of the preserve, but the listed Parking coordinates offer the closer and less difficult path.  Your GPS may try to take you through private property - stay on Ruffner Mountain trails.  Follow the path to a really incredible example of sandstone - and you will learn about the Island in the Woods.

Important things to know:

1. Trails open dawn to dusk – gates to the Nature Center parking area open 8:30 AM.
2. Take only pictures and leave only footprints. Stay on established trails and paths.
3. A $2 donation is suggested for the use of the park, you may also want to become a member.  Their website provides info concerning the Preserve and all the services, trails, http://www.ruffnermountain.org/
   1. Ruffner Mountain has given permission for this Earth Cache and is a strong supporter of geocaching.

   Considerations:

                  A Parking area much closer to the Earth Cache has been included, but you can still reach the EC from the main entrance via the trails.  Do not cross private property, please use the available trails from either location.

   Sandstone

                Sandstone is a sedimentary rock made of small grains of various materials.    Sand has to become stationary, with no movement caused by water or other such forces.  The stationary sand becomes “packed” and pressure and heat combine together over time to produce the stone.  The sandstone is highly porous and can be a great aquifer. The location of the sand, its make-up, and the climate are just a few factors in determining the type and composition of this stone.

   The Sandstone Ridge

                  The Sandstone Ridge was originally a barrier island when Alabama was covered in a shallow inland sea.  It has been named Hartselle sandstone, and portions of it can be found in the general metro area.  The ridge in Ruffner Mountain clearly shows the effect of water and weathering

   Uses

                  Sandstone is used in glass manufacturing, decorative fireplaces and mantles, foundations, and load bearing masonry. The pedestal of a prominent Birmingham landmark is made from Hartselle sandstone.

   To receive credit for this Earth cache:

   1. All answers should be emailed to my profile email link, DO NOT POST ANSWERS! Please provide answers in a timely manner.
     Thanks!
   1. Visit the cache site and the sign at the Sandstone Ridge Trail entrance.
   2. Answer the following questions:
      1. What is the name given to this type of Sandstone?
      2. How long is the entire exposed sandstone ridge? (There are 3-4 different sections – combine all sections for this total)
      3. On average – how high is it.
      4. Pick a spot along the 3 or 4 different sections – from up-close give a detailed description of the sandstone.  Step back and give a general description of this section.
   3. A sign as you enter the rather short side trail to the ridge offers these answers:
      1. What mineral is the “cement” that holds sandstone together?
      2. What happened to this mineral and what took its place?
      3. What degree of tilt does the sandstone ridge have?
   4. All photos are optional but appreciated!
   
   
   

   Congrats to DeShazo - FTF - also on your FTF EC

   
   

   Co-STF - GC4me, Gumdoc, and NNToo

   
   
   

   References

    

   http://trekbirmingham.com/articles/the-rocks-of-ruffner/

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandstone