Larapinta Falls EarthCache
Hidden : 10/5/2015
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Arguably one of the finest waterfalls in Lamington National Park, Larapinta Falls also showcases the Park's volcanic history.

Waterfalls commonly form where water rushes down hillsides and erodes the underlying rocks. The height and number of waterfalls along a creek or river depends upon the type of rocks that are being eroded by the water. Some types of rocks wear away more easily than others.

As the river or creek wears away the weaker rocks, they travel across the surface of stronger rocks. These more resistant rocks become the capstones to waterfalls. The number and thickness of the stronger rock sections controls how many water falls there are and how much vertical drop there is on each waterfall.

How Waterfalls are Formed

Here in Laminton National Park, the creation of the Tweed Shield Volcano some 23 million years ago resulted in a massive dome some 100km in diameter constructed of layer upon layer of volcanic ash, molten lava which cooled to form basalt, ryolite and granite. Over millions of years the vast majority of the softer materials have been erorded away but layers of the more resisitant ryolite and basalt have remained and now form the capstone of Larapinta and many other falls throught the park.

You can clearly see this layering in the lower section of the falls before you.

To claim and log this Eathcache you need to get to the base of Larapinta Falls and answer the following questions:

1) Estimate the height of the falls.
2) The lower section of the falls displays 2 distinct narrow layers, what colour are these 2 layers?
3) What do you think has caused this colouring?
4) Estimate the distance between the 2 layers?

You can log straight away but please send your answers as a private message to the CO as soon as you can.
Photos are encouraged but optional, no spoilers please.


Getting to Larapinta Falls:

WARNING: Do not attempt this cache during, or several days after wet weather. Access to the falls requires a 9km round trip including a 2km off-track "rock-hop" up/down Christmas Creek, which can be very treacherous when the rocks are wet. Suitable enclosed footwear with good grip is essential.

Park at the end of Christmas Creek Road and enter through the gate into the National Park. Cross the creek either over the massive log or hop over the stones. Then follow the track up to Westray's Grave. From here there is no track. Enter the creek and head upstream to the waypoint some 270m from the grave site where the creek splits. Take the left fork.

A further 700m rock-hop will take you to the falls. Allow at least 6 hours return at a steady pace and to fully enjoy this superb location.

References:
http://www.bigvolcano.com.au/natural/wollum.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweed_Volcano

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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