Permission granted by the Neosho Parks Department
This small cave exists among the footpaths of the Morse Park trail system,
feel free to explore the trails looking for wildlife and a strenuous hike if you feel up to it.
This particular feature of the park is located at near an easy hike from the parking lot,
The easiest approach would be to follow the treeline and not the trail, it is however approachable from both sides.
Dolomite CaMg(CO3)2
The caves in the Ozarks such as this one are usually solutional caves, formed in the limestone types of rock that is found in the area. This particular cave is comprised mostly of Dolostone and Limestone. It has formed from acidic rainwater slowly disolving the stone in the hillside as well as washing away the clay soil.
The hills in Morse park are made primarily of three rock types. Limestone, Chert and Dolomite (dolostone). Along the paths you will see the limestone outcroppings which are more white in color, the chert near hear will appear to be more pourus in contrast to the others in the vicinity. The dolomite is the more tan color rock that is the majority of the rock exposed around the small cave.
Dolomite is commonly called Dolostone since there is a mineral called Dolomite to make it more clear which is being discussed.
Dolostone is a sedimentary type of rock that is formed from a lime rich mud that is modified by a magnesium rich groundwater. Over time the mud will be compacted by other sediment resting on top of it. This causes compacting of the particles together and squeezing the water out of the mud. Over time this will take on the rock formation, the type of rock will be determined by what is in the mud.
The mud compound is usualy comprised from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. The magnesium in the ground water then helps the conversion of calcite into dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2). This chemical change is known as "dolomitization." Dolomitization can completely alter a limestone into a dolomite, or it can partially change the rock to form a "dolomitic limestone." Dolostone has a lot of the same stuctural qualities as limestone and used in a lot of the same places. It is used for roadbeds,rail beds and building foundations to name a few. When Mixed in a kiln with shale it is used for making cement. Dolomite is however preferred in some instances for its less solubility from the acid in the rain and soil.
Ozark caves are also home to many interesting creatures, including bats, salamanders, fish, crayfish, and numerous arthropods. They can also contain many fossils, so please be respectful of the location.
This particular cave seems to be the home of a groundhog.
To Log this earthcache, Please send Brandy-Jack either an E-mail or a Message stating the size of the main chamber inside the caveor for the more clausterphobic cacher the size of the entance.
Permission granted by the Neosho Parks Department
203 E. Main Neosho, MO 64850 Ph: 417-451-8090
-Please post pictures of the area. (no spoilers).
-Write a caching memory if desired.
-Permission has been granted by owners of the property,
please be respectful and report any issues or maintenance.
-Flip flop friendly, but not recommended.
-Have fun, make memories
