Pillars of Hercules
I was told of a trail that gets you to the top of the cliff where these pillars are. But for the best views I would suggest doing a snorkeling trip or simply charter a boat. The views from the ocean are stunning. And if you snorkel you can walk right up to the base.
I will not suggest (advertise) a certain snorkeling outfit or boat rental, you will have to do that part on your own.
Information about these cliffs
The Pillars of Hercules is a spectacular limestone rock formation that guards the entrance to English Harbor. This formation gives the appearance of neatly sculpted pillars. The Pillars, towering along the tip of Charlotte Point make a difficult hike but are popularly viewed by boat.
The Pillars are also a popular diving and snorkeling site. Large limestone boulders covered in coral reefs begin just a few feet under the water and go as deep as 40 feet. Stingrays, trumpet fish and blue tangs are regular visits to the reef.
Source: http://102supercoastswiki.wikispaces.com/file/view/headlands_and_bays7.jpg/232666296/headlands_and_bays7.jpg
Shoreline erosion primarily occurs by the actions of the currents and waves.
Hydraulic action happens when the force of moving water currents rushing into a crack in the rock. The water compresses the air in the crack. As the wave retreats, the highly pressurized air is suddenly released with explosive force, capable of chipping away at the rock over time. Thus, the crack is gradually widened so the amount of compressed air increases, and hence the explosive force of its release increases.
Wave pounding is when the sheer energy of the wave hitting the cliff or rock breaks pieces off.
Abrasion or corrasion is caused by waves launching seaload at the cliff. It is the most effective and rapid form of shoreline erosion (not to be confused with corrosion).
Corrosion is the dissolving of rock by carbonic acid in sea water. Limestone cliffs are particularly vulnerable to this kind of erosion.
Attrition is where particles/seaload carried by the waves are worn down as they hit each other and the cliffs. This then makes the material easier to wash away. The material ends up as shingle and sand.
**Logging requirements**
DO NOT POST ANSWERS IN YOUR LOG.
Send the following answers to me via email.
- The text "GC51MP9 Pillars of Hercules" on the first line
- The number of people in your group?
- What erosional forces are carving these pillars?
2 part question
- Is there a relation to height of the pillars and the primary erosional force, and how high do the pillars go before solid rock takes over?
3 part question
- How big around is the smallest pillar, is it a newer pillar caused by erosion or older, and what evidence leads you to your hypnosis?
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The above information was compiled from the following sources: