The Western Arrernte peoples welcome respectful visitors to their “womans dreaming” site known to them as Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm. The managing Authorities have granted permission for this Earth Cache. We ask that you remain on the paths at all times, take only photos and leave only footprints. Access Fees are payable.
There is no denying the rich flora, fauna and fascinating examples of geological processes in the McDonald Ranges keep any tourist busy for days, add Geocaching into the mix and you will literally be here for weeks! We love Earth Science and the abundance of Earth Caches here excited us. However, after our visit, Geo son still had questions that hadn’t been answered…. What’s the difference between a Chasm, Gap and Gorge? In the following weeks he set out to find out which resulted in him being fascinated by Standley Chasm.
So what’s the answer?
By definition a Chasm is: rhomboid in shape, that forms deep in the crust through transverse faulting of two blocks.
A Gap should be referred to as a Water Gap, by definition a Water Gap is: is a gap that flowing water has carved through a mountain range or mountain ridge.
So what is a Gorge? By definition a gorge is a deep, narrow valley with very steep sides, usually where a river passes through mountains or an area of hard rock.
After explaining these definitions to Geo son he was convinced that Standley Chasm was different to the Gaps and Gorges in the area and so named a Chasm as it was Rhomboid in shape where as the others where not. He also found that narrow Gorges were often referred to as Chasm’s.
Below is a pictorial explanation of how Standley Chasm was formed, this information was supplied to us by the Managing peoples of Angkerle Atwatye.
To log this Earth Cache we require you to wander around and look at the area and what is available to you visually, consider the information given and perhaps if you need to do some research of your own, then message us with the following answers to the best of your ability;
1. Stand in the Chasm, how long is it, how wide is it and estimate how tall is it?
2. Do you think Standley Chasm is correctly named as a Chasm? Explain why or why not.
3. A photo of your team, GPS in the Chasm with your log and answers. We love seeing photos. (optional)
You are welcome to log your answers straight away to keep your TB's and Stats in order but please message us with your answers within 24 hours. Cachers who do not fulfil the Earth Cache requirement will have their logs deleted.
Source: Standley Chasm information centre, Wikipedia
