The hermitage (southstone rock) EarthCache
The hermitage (southstone rock)
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A fascinating location many people don't know is there. Great fun for kids, however old or young. I have set this earthcache, not to show off my geological knowledge, but purely to bring you to a fascinating location, which myself and my family have enjoyed exploring over the years.
Southstone rock. This cliff is actually a huge tufa which is still growing. Tufa, a rock formed by the precipitation of spring water, which has been super saturated in calcium carbonate, whilst flowing underground through limestone rock bands. This means that it contains large amounts of dissolved calcium. When it emerges calcium carbonate is deposited and it accumulates on the growing mosses, which crystallise and harden, whilst new mosses continue to grow and keep the cycle going. (Check out also Mother Shipstons well near Knaresborough where everyday items are turned into stone!) Here spring waters have discharged travertine (a harder form of calcium carbonate) and have formed large tufa formations. Southstone is one of the largest mounds of travertine in the area. It was formed in part between 6 and 7000 years ago and still now continues to grow! It is of great geological interest and also archaeologically, a small cottage was once situated on top of the Rock. It was also thought to be the site of a chapel and used as a hermitage. There have been local rumours which state the rocks may have been used for witchcraft and still now the place, to some, has a very strange atmosphere! To log this cache please answer these questions in an email to me NOT in your log. 1. Once at the main cliff tell me in which way the cliff faces? 2. Why do you think it has formed facing this way? Pictures. would be an optional bonus,I always look forward to, and enjoy pictures in logs of your exploits.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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Irel irel zhqql Sroehnel 2016!
Whyl 2016
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Treasures
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