Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Most limestone is composed of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral .Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks. The solubility of limestone in water and weak acid solutions leads to landscapes, in which water erodes the limestone over thousands to millions of years forming caves. Most cave systems are through limestone bedrock.Limestone has numerous uses: as a building as aggregate for the base of roads, as white pigment or filler in products such as toothpaste or paints .
The primary source of the calcite in limestone is most commonly marine organisms. Some of these organisms can construct mounds of rock known as reefs, building upon past generations. Below about 3,000 meters, water pressure and temperature conditions cause the dissolution of calcite to increase nonlinearly, so limestone typically does not form in deeper waters.Limestone may be crystalline, granular, or massive, depending on the method of formation. Crystals of calcite, quartz, dolomite or barite may line small cavities in the rock. When conditions are right for precipitation, calcite forms mineral coatings that cement the existing rock grains together, or it can fill fractures.
The above information is taken from Wikipedia.
The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site is a great example of an area that is in harmony with both of its uses: conservation and recreation. Its large area and variety of trails is the perfect setting for a quick stroll, or an afternoon of fun and learning. This site has several facilities for a picnic as well as being a popular spot for bird/wildlife viewing and dog walking, especially around the quarry pond and boardwalk. The children's learning area is the perfect spot for families to learn about the natural environment together. The site even offers a connection with the Bruce Trail.
Some wonderful features of the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site are the educational opportunities it provides. Along each of the trails are signs describing the features and evolution of the park. Several of these include: Niagara Escarpment history, the children's science and nature area, wetland display and meadow habitat.
This site is located in Thorold just off of Highway 406 and east of the Brock University campus. It was originally a limestone quarry and then the City of St. Catharines took over, and from 1976 to 2001 it was the site of a municipal landfill. In the 1990s the Niagara Region decided that this site would be naturalized upon closing on January 1, 2002. During naturalization, efforts were made in the design of the site to ensure energy consumption was reduced and natural and building materials were reused and recycled. This naturalization site has been recognized by many awards including; First Place and Gold Award at the 2005 International Awards for Livable Communities, American Planning Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, Ontario Public Works Association and the Canadian Urban Institute.
In order to naturalize an area there should be no barriers to growth and reproduction of native species. There are several administrative barriers in the process of naturalization as well; what to restore, will it be similar to its original state and the surrounding community. The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site was designed by creating a habitat similar to natural habitats in the area. Planners decided to restore the site with Carolinian vegetation creating a pollinator habitat and allowing wildlife to repopulate the area. With careful consideration this area was built around an educational and recreational path system. This way the site can focus on conservation while still providing an excellent resource for the surrounding community and its many visitors. This union of community and conservation is a barrier to naturalization but one that is necessary for this sites role in the community. Brock University's relationship with the site has led to extensive research in the area. Miriam Richards, a biology professor, has been studying bee populations, and found that up to 125 species of bees have returned to the site. This is a great conservational achievement and the site is now recognized as a naturalization success.
The above information was provided by the Niagara Region.
Helping Niagara Grow
The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site was once a limestone quarry known as St. Catherarines Crushed Stone,Ltd. The quarry operated between 1957 and 1972 to meet the demand for stone in the quickly expanding Niagara Region. Ninety-five percent of the quarry’s total output was used for building projects within the Niagara Peninsula. Typical output for the plant was nearly 2,000 tonnes of crushed stone per day.
Primary uses for the stone included road and housing construction. The quarry also provided “rip-rap” stones-large blocks of hard-formed limestone – that were used to combat land erosion along Lake Ontario. Some of the stone was also crushed to a fine texture for use by local farmers to help reduce the level of acidity in the soil and produce healthier crops.
The Toughest Rock in Niagara
Limestone cut from this quarry was considered to be the hardest and toughest in the Niagara Region. Processing the stone required powerful equipment. A percussion drill was used to make holes in the rock face measuring 75 mm in diameter. Explosives were placed in the holes at regular intervals for the primary (first) blast. The explosives were set off in quick succession to crush up to 9,000 tonnes of rock at one time. Usually, this primary blast was so successful that a second blast was not required. After blasting , the rock was loaded into a series of crushers. The final product was used for many purposes to help build the Niagara Region.
The above information comes from Walker Brothers archives.
Logging Requirements
In order to log this cache , please email me the answers to the following 5 questions two of which require calculations.
Q1. At the posted coordinates you will find a plaque. What is the name of the device used to reduce any stone that wasn't small enough ?
Q2. At waypoint #1 you will find a plaque. What is another name for the Pawpaw tree ?
Q3. Measure the distance from waypoint #1 to the pond boardwalk . How wide is the quarry ?
Q4. What is located at waypoint #3 ?
Q5. Measure the altitude at both waypoint #3 and Stage 5. What is the depth of the quarry ?
Enjoy the walk.
CONGRATULATIONS TO Sagaries for the FTF