EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:
1. MESSAGE …. Without needing a boat, you will observe the beacon that once stood upon North Rock. Now it stands upon another rock. Based on your observations at the posted coordinates, describe size, color, texture of the rock supporting the beacon.
2. MESSAGE …. Complete the missing information found on the sign. ... "Beacon the raging __________ that draws upon the __________. No man should mock, nor wild and treacherous wave __________ the mean existence of North Rock." QUOTE by __________. ... NOTE: If sign is missing, fill in by unscrambling the following answers: ofam / fere / gnrieo / ileEl
3. MESSAGE …. Explain why there is only a small pinnacle at North Rock observable today. This answer also explains why a beacon at North Rock was needed, since so many ships met their demise here.
4. MESSAGE …. a. How many early ships were wrecked on these reefs? ... b. On which reef did the Norwegian Dawn run aground 05/19/15.
LOG …. Post a picture of you or your signature item at or near the coordinates. This picture is your log signature.
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in creating this earthcache by adding A and B to your log.
A. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.
B. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.
Journeys of Heart and Mind ...
Stories to Touch the Heart and Puzzles to Challenge the Mind / Rainbow Tree Story
NORTH ROCK
North Rock, part of Rim Reefs, is the largest coral reef in Bermuda. This shallow coral reef covers a 1000-meter radius from the North Rock Navigational Beacon. This area was actually a land mass and was visible above the surface until the early 1900's.
BERMUDA CORAL REEFS
https://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_00005a.htm
There are three different types of Coral Reefs lying around the island of Bermuda. They are located in three different reef zones: Lagoon reefs (also known as North Lagoon Reefs), Rim Reef and Terrace Reef.
LAGOON REEFS - Formed in a lagoon water area that surround the immediate vicinity of Bermuda and also form the inshore water areas. The water here is relatively calm and waves are low. However due to low wave actions, lot of silt or sedimentation takes place in this water area. The Lagoon Reefs have depths ranging from 10 to 20 meters.
RIM REEFS - Form a rim around the boundary of the lagoon water area. They have an average depth of 2 to 10 meters. Rim reefs have great visibility.
TERRACE REEFS - This is the outermost reef system with excelent visibility.
Coral Reefs have been a great boon for the island. First they act as a barrier and protect the island against heavy wave actions and currents. The reefs are also biological hot spots being habitat of many different marine creatures and fish, many of which have great commercial value. But Bermuda's coral reefs also created serious navigational hazards for early mariners. Over 300 ships were wrecked due to these reefs that lye within 200 square miles water area surrounding the island of Bermuda.
RIDDLE OF THE CREST - HISTORIC SEA LEVEL RISE IN BERMUDA
Dr. Phillippe Max Rouja - The Custodian of Historic Wrecks
RIDDLE OF THE CREST VIDEO https://vimeo.com/9173090
As late as 1890, North Rock was still a substantial piece of rock. The area 220 years ago was considerably larger than it is today with six significant pieces of cliff or rock prominently rising above the shallow shoal versus the two smaller ones we see today, one encapsulated by the new beacon.
Historic documents including pics of the High Water Mark (HWM), show sea level has risen approximately 3 mm per year. Projecting this back to 1593, then sea level in Bermuda was an estimated 4 ft lower than it is today.
Scientists have discovered a now submerged Bermuda cedar forest 30 ft below the surface, and most recently the now submerged freshwater pond 6 ft below the surface in Well Bay at Coopers Island.
Based on historic documents and scientific discoveries, the sea level has risen over the years. Consequently, rocks previously above the water are now submerged.
NORTH ROCK BEACON
Without needing a boat, you will observe the 1960 beacon setting atop Bermuda rock. North Rock itself is an isolated outcrop marking the outer edge of the reefs of Bermuda. Since the wreck of the "Bonaventure" in 1593, it has been the graveyard of many ships. In 1912 a beacon was erected on North Rock as a warning to navigators and this has been rebuilt on two occasions - 1960 and 1999.
VIEW OF THE REEF FROM CRUISE SHIP BALCONY
Had an unexpected first-hand experience on the Norwegian Dawn when our ship ran aground 05/19/15.
With evening high-tide, a tug moved the ship 2 miles back to Bermuda where it remained overnight.
BERMUDA SHIPWRECKS GEOART
Blanche King - Caraquet - Ceasar - Constellation - Cristobal Colon - Hermes - HMS Cerebus /Musketball Wreck - Iriisto or Aristo - Kate - L'Herminie - Lartington - Mary Celestia - Minnie Breslauer - Montana (Nola) - North Carolina - Pelinaion - Pollockshields - Rita Zovetta - Sea Venture - Superior - Xing Da