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Shale we expose it? EarthCache

Hidden : 8/21/2017
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   other (other)

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Geocache Description:


This is an EarthCache and has special requirements for logging it.  You cannot log a Found It without responding to the logging requirements set out below. 

Only one find claim per Message. Each Geocacher claiming a find must submit an individual response. One team can not lodge a response on behalf of a group of people.


Hopefully, after visiting this site, you will have an expanded appreciation of the wonders of our natural environment, and recognise that the environment here has a rather rare geological feature.


Sometimes. something rather geologically interesting just stares you in the face.

At GZ, you will find Shale.  For the record, Shale is the probably the most abundant rock found on Earth. Shale is usually found in areas where gentle waters have deposited sediments that become compacted together - a type of sedimentary rock.

Technically, Shale is a fine-grained, clastic (composed of broken pieces of older rocks) sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments (silt-sized particles) of other minerals, especially quartz (crystal structure - the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, after feldspar) and calcite (basically calcium carbonate crystals).

Although the ratio of clay to other minerals is variable, the typical colour is grey. The addition of variable amounts of minor constituents alters the color of the rock.

So, based upon the above, take a good look around GZ.

Send your interpretations of the following three statements via the Message this owner link at the top of the page. I don't deal with email very well. In the meantime, please go ahead and log your find.

You will need to include a close-up photo of the rock formation you found most fascinating.

1. The role played by the lone gum tree in the gully.
2. There are other minerals scattered around the area.
3. The colours are typical of this type of rock formation.

 

Enjoy this wonderful spot.

 

Additional Hints (No hints available.)