I always thought that this area was formed by glaciers until I started to research for this Earthcache. What I came to find is this.The area you are in was formed around 300 million years ago. It was during the Pennsylvanian period (also known as Upper Carboniferous or Late Carboniferous). This area was unGlaciated. The rocks that you will find here are called Massillon Sandstone or Dundee Sandstone. Which was formed from sand left behind from the seas in the area at the time. The valley that you are standing in was cut out in the last 20,000 years by a large amount of water. The exact time and where the water actually came from is unclear. The beautiful waterfall that you are standing near and the ones all through the valley are here because of the erosion resistant sandstone they are formed with. This sandstone is packed extremely tight and is almost like a cement. If you look close to some of the edges around the falls you can see where the softer sand is eroding away. The way this area is formed makes it a very special spot. Thanks to the cracks that go deep into the sandstone this area has what is called a microclimate. The cool air that comes out of these cracks keeps this area a lot cooler than the surrounding areas. It is thanks to this that we have the Hemlock trees which normally only grow in Northern Canada. If you continue to follow the stream a short distance you will find what is considered a natural earthslide. This spot is carved from the softer sandstone and is often found to have people using it as a slide. It is kind of slick in this area due to the constant flow of water and erosion. This area of Ohio is very unique thanks to its Landscape. I hope that you have learned something new as I did.
1. How long ago was this area formed?
2. When was this Valley Cut?
3. What kind of stone is found here?
4. How tall do you think the main Waterfall is?
5. Compare the falls at both stages and tell me the main differences?
6. Looking at the falls what is the main evidence of the erosion resistant sandstone around the falls?
I have marked both sites and parking. Please include pictures. And remember to message me the answers.
Permission has been granted from ODNR.
I would like to thank Linda at TWC for the information or else this would have been totally wrong.