This earthcache is located at Taylor’s Head Provincial Park. The hike is moderately challenging (wet, boggy trail sections and lots of stumbling hazards), but offers some amazing views, including Psyche Island nearby.
This earthcache brings you to an interesting coastal erosion feature. Take a look at the grooves running along the length of this rock face.
Coastal erosion is the breaking down and removal of material by different means such as wind and water, and varies depending on the hardness of the rock upon which the process acts. Over time, these processes shape the coastline to what you see today.
There are four methods of erosion at work on the coastal region:
- Hydraulic. This is where waves are forced into existing cracks in cliff faces, widening them and eventually causing sheering.
- Corrasion/Abrasion. Repeated wave action on rock causes some of it to be removed, joining the waves in the erosion process as a kind of sandpaper effect.
- Attrition. Material is knocked around in the water resulting in smooth, round features.
- Corrosion. This is a chemical process where atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves into the water and creates a weak carbonic acid which eats at the rock.
There are numerous factors which affect the coastal erosion process. Wave strength, land formation, weathering, human influences, and the physical properties of the rock can all affect the duration and effect of the erosion process. (taken from Geography AS Notes- Coastal Erosion by Alex Jackson https://geographyas.info/coasts/coastal-erosion/).
To log this earthcache, please answer the following question (refer to the photo if you're having trouble figuring out where to look):
- What is the estimated height and length of the rock formation this erosion feature is seen?