Look on the Needles of Canyonlands EarthCache
Hidden : 10/2/2015
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Take water with you and remember to fuel up before heading for this earthcache! There is no fuel station or service nearby [1]

This earthcache will take you out to the "Needles Overlook" of Canyonlands National Park [2]. The Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone that dominate the area. At the parking coordinates you find a short hiking trail, which will take you out on a canyon rim of Canyonlands National Park. Take your time, if you are visiting this area Your efforts will be rewarded with an awesome 100 miles overlook at the Needles District and you will learn something about live and formation of this unique geological area.

Canyonlands Needles

Note: The dirt is alive! A living crust called "Biological Soil Crust" covers much of the surrounding area. Composed of algae, lichens and bacteria, this crust provides a secure foundation for desert plants. Please stay on roads and trails to avoid trampling this important resource [3].

Before logging this earthcache I ask you to send me the answers for "Question and Answer" as well as the "Field Research / Fieldwork" requested below. Remember to write down "GC5T5NR - Look on the Needles of Canyonlands" in the first line and name all participants joining your group. You have immediately the log approval for this earthcache and do not have to wait upon my response.

Part one: "Question and Answer":

  1. Cedar Mesa Sandstone is formed by coastal sand dunes deposited. How many million years ago were these coastal sand dunes deposited and how is this formation called?
  2. Take a close look on Needles District in front of you. Erosion and Weathering has formed the intricate spires, the needles and the canyon your are looking on. Identify four examples for erosion processes at the Needles District and relate characters to each of them (for example characters A, B, C and D).
  3. A function of the biological soil crust is closely linked to one of erosion process at the Needles Overlook. Identify this function and tell me, how it affects the erosion process.

    Part two: "Field Research / Fieldwork":
     Take another look from the overlook.

  4. Write in your own words a small field research report which locates and describes in a few sentences three examples for erosion processes at Needles Overlook identified in question number 2.
    or
    Make a freehand sketch of the stunning landscape in front of you. Identify three examples for erosion processes within your sketch by adding your chosen characters from question number 2 above (e.g. A, C and D) into your sketch.
Canyonlands Needles
View from the Needles Overlook in Canyonland taken by Boid

The above information was compiled from the following sources:
Placement approved by:
Canyonlands National Park and National Park Service (Southeast Utah Group)

I have earned GSA's highest level:

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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