EarthCache Task
To log this Earthcache you will need to visit the published coordinates and answer the questions below. I would recommend you to read the questions first, find the rock in the published coordinates and take some photos for your reference. You can always read the detailed information and answer the questions later, so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as much as possible!
Questions:
- What type of rock is it? Igneous, Sedimentary or Metamorphic?
- What is this area specifically called?
Bonus question: (not a requirement for the Earthcache)
What is the rock called specifically?
In order to prove your visit and claim the find, please email me with the answers and I will get back to you shortly. It would be nice to attach the photo you took when you log the cache. Hope you enjoy the EarthCache and the "Introduction to Rocks 101".
Information
There are three main types of rocks - Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks.
Igneous rocks are formed when magma (molten rock within Earth's crust and upper mantle) cools and hardens, this process is called crystallisation or solidification. Igneous rocks may form either beneath the surface or at the surface through volcanic eruption. Some igneous rocks looks shiny and glasslike. However, sometimes gas bubbles are trapped in the rock during the cooling process and leaving tiny holes and spaces in the rock.
Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediment (from igneous rocks through weathering and erosion, shells, sand and other fragments of materials) get compacted or cemented together. This process is called lithification, a term meaning "conversion into rock". Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You may see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and sedimentary rock is usually the only type of rocks that contains fossils.
The Metamorphic rocks get their name from "meta" (change) and "morph" (form). If a sedimentary rock becomes deeply buried or is involved in the dynamic of mountain building, it will be subjected to intense temperature and pressure. The changing environment makes the minerals in the rock becomes unstable and out of equilibrium and turning into metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks often have ribbon-like layers and may have shiny crystals, formed by minerals growing slowly over time on their surface.
If metamorphic rock is subjected to a much higher temperatures, it may melt and create magma. Therefore, the rock cycle begins again!
I hope the information above gives you some basic understandings and features of rocks. These information may help you to complete the EarthCache task. My aim is to generate interest in geology and earth science. The following website provides some more information of rocks: http://geology.com/rocks/