Snowdon has a long history, one that started life on the bottom of the sea, the evidence of this can still be found on the summit in a layer of limestone complete with marine fossils. Shortly after that in geologic time the area then became a massive volcanic caldera and layer upon layer of lava and volcanic dust form the majority of the rock we see today. These layers were adrift on the surface of the Earth, set free on tectonic plates moving with imperceptible slowness. The collision of two of these continental plates then compressed the land forcing up out of the sea and towards the sky, making the upland environment we see today. This landscape was then shaped by a long period of glaciation to give the tell tale signs of the passing of an ice age. Snowdon offers some of the best views in Britain. The summit can be reached by a number of well-known paths, and by the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a rack and pinion railway opened in 1896 which carries passengers the 4.7 miles (7.6 km) from Llanberis to the summit station. The summit also houses a cafe called Hafod Eryri, open only when the railway is operating and built in 2006 to replace one built in the 1930s. The railway generally operates to the summit station from Whitsun to October. The daily running schedule depends on weather and customer demand. The name Snowdon is from the Old English for "snow hill", while the Welsh name – Yr Wyddfa – means "the tumulus", which may refer to the cairn thrown over the legendary giant Rhitta Gawr after his defeat by King Arthur. As well as other figures from Arthurian legend, the mountain is linked to a legendary afanc (water monster) and the Tylwyth Teg (fairies).
To Log this cache Send me a private message with the answers to the following:
1. Distance(miles) from Trig point to Castell Harlech(answer at the summit)?
2. What type of peak is Snowdon an example of? and briefly explain how it was formed(if you see the shape, that is your answer, how it was formed is in the description above)
3. Snowdon was established from lava and volcanic dust. Find a piece of the most common rock near the summit and describe what it looks like. What sort of rock is this?
4. The unique environment of Snowdon, particularly its rare plants, has led to its designation as a national nature reserve. In addition to plants that are widespread in Snowdonia, Snowdon is home to some plants rarely found elsewhere in Britain. Name One plant that is unique to this area, your clue - its white.
5. The rocks which today make up Snowdon and its neighbouring mountains were formed in the ___________ Period, name the period.
Optional. Post a photo in your log of your GPS showing the height of summit. Any logs submitted without the answers will be removed!