A rock shelter is a shallow cave-like opening at the base of a bluff or cliff. Rock shelters form because a rock stratum such as sandstone that is resistant to erosion and weathering has formed a cliff or bluff, but a softer stratum, more subject to erosion and weathering, lies just below the resistant stratum, and thus undercuts the cliff.
In arid areas, wind erosion can be an important factor in rock shelter formation. In most humid areas, the most important factor in rock shelter formation is frost weathering, where the softer, more porous rock underneath is pushed off, tiny pieces at a time, by frost expansion from water frozen in the pores. Erosion from moving water is seldom a significant factor.
A cave on the other hand is natural underground void large enough for a human to enter. Caves are a naturally formed opening beneath the surface of the Earth, generally formed by dissolution of carbonate bedrock. Caves may also form by erosion of coastal bedrock, partial melting of glaciers, or solidification of lava into hollow tubes.
Types of sedimentary rock
1. Sandstone- made of small grains of the minerals quartz and feldspar.
2. Limestone- made from calcite deposited from the shells of sea animals. Most cave systems are through limestone bedrock.
3. Shale- made from clay sediments.
4. Conglomerate- made from large sediments like sand and pebbles cemented together by other dissolved minerals.
5. Gypsum- made up of sulfate material.
Using the information you have learned, take a look at Kitchen Rock and answer the following questions to and email me your answers to get credit for the find.
1. Is Kitchen Rock a cave or a rock shelter and why do you think that?
2. What type of sedimentary rock is Kitchen Rock and why do you think that?
3. Have a look inside, what erosion process do you believe formed Kitchen Rock and why do you think that?
You are welcome to post photos of your visit to the site, but this is optional and not part of the logging requirements.
Permission for this Earth Cache was given by Ranger George Herschel, of the Clinch Ranger District.
FTF HONORS GO TO Manville Possum Hunters !!!
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