What is it?
Much of the sandstone in this area of Bernheim Forest lowlands is “honeycombed” by weathering of iron ores. Sandstone is inconsistent in its strength and friability. In the past, when waves would splash on to the sandstones, the soluble minerals would dissolve and be flushed into the sea, leaving behind pit-like features on the rock surfaces. This process is called honeycomb weathering and can be seen in the photo below:
You will find many areas with rock formations that are good examples of honeycomb weathering. This type of weathering occurs throughout the world for various reasons, including wind erosion, exfoliation, frost shattering, and salt weathering, in addition to the wave-related weathering of iron ores seen in this section of the creek bed.
Your hike will take you through areas of dense trees, down the ridge to an area of many creek beds. Parts of the trail cross the creek and may be slippery when wet, so use caution.
At this location
As you reach the creek bed in the area of the posted coordinates, you will notice a chunk of the sandstone that creates a shelf, here is where you will see the Honeycomb Weathering.
To log this Earth Cache please answer the questions below:
1. How long is the area along the creek bed that is honeycombed?
2. How high is the ledge here?
3. (Educational Question) In your own words, explain how water rushing through this area might have caused the honeycombing here ? *(optional) Please post a picture of yourself or your GPS at the rock feature.
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