This Earthcache will require some fairly intense climbing. Please be cautions while ascending to the Earthcache location. It will not be necessary to climb any vertical surfaces.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock. It tends to be grey in color. Limestone was most commonly formed in clear and warm shallow seas millions of years ago. The majority of the composition of Limestone is from the acclumlation of shells, coral and debris from the ancient ocean floor. Limestone can be a little bit soft as far as rock goes. Rain and groundwater can dissolve and erode limestone over time and create underground caves or large chasms.
Chert is a different sedimentary rock formed from Silicon Dioxide. Chert forms in the same areas that limestone is created within. When microscopic crystals fo Silicon Dioxide start to grow in the ocean sediments, the microcrystals can grow into irregular shaped nodules as dissolved silica is leached into the formation site by groundwater. The nodules can enlarge and fuse into eachother to corm a layer of chert within the limestone layers. In our part of the world, chert tends to be a bit orangish in color. Due to the Silicon in it's makeup, Chert can be a bit tougher as far as rocks go.
When you arrive at the Spring with the Bridge, you will need to make your way behind the Spring and start your climb.
To collect this Earthcache, Please perform the following tasks and answer the questions accordingly.
1. You will see a large boulder. Estimate the size of this boulder.
2. What kind of rock are the cliff walls that loom above you?
3. Estimate the heght of the cliffs above you.
4. What Rock do you think is the boulder made of?
5. Why did the boulder remain and fall down while the rest of the rock in this canyon eroded away?
Please email the answers to questions to WCSexton.