A surprisingly pleasant spot for a picnic away from some of the bustle of the city centre, although maybe a little busy around office lunch hour.
This is meant to be a quick and easy earthcache, suitable for beginners, those with geokids or with limited time. Hopefully I’ve managed to make it accessible for everyone.
In order to claim a find, please answer the questions below and message me the answers via geocaching.com (do NOT include them in your log). You can also upload a picture of yourself or GPS at the square with your log entry, perhaps by the large statue of the 2nd Marquis of Bute, or one of the water features. This is an optional requirement, but I would really love to see some of your pictures!
Slate formation
Slate is a metamorphic rock, that is it has been formed from another rock type by heat and pressure conditions. Originally it would have been a fine clay or mudstone, which was lifted from the sea floor, folded and metamorphosed around 400 million years ago. It is made from very fine grains of mica, which lie in the same direction in flat layers perpendicular to the direction of pressure applied during metamorphosis. It can be split relatively easily into flat sheets because of the alignment (foliation) of these grains. Slate is grey in appearance but may be found in multiple shades, from light to dark and sometimes even with a greenish or purple or blue hue. It is hard, durable and very water resistant. It’s ability to resist water absorption protects it from frost damage and freezing.
Granite formation
Granite is an igneous rock, formed by the cooling of magma (molten rock) under the earth’s surface. As the magma cools it crystallises, and the size of crystals formed depend on the rate of cooling - slower cooling produces bigger crystals and faster cooling gives smaller crystals. The crystals within granite are large enough to be visible to the naked eye and there are usually more light coloured than dark, so it has a white/pink/grey appearance with darker grains. Granite is extremely hard wearing against abrasion and weathering, and is strong enough to withstand significant weight.
Questions
Alongside the red brick paving, granite and slate feature prominently in the design here. Using the information above:
1 - Describe where in Callaghan Square the two types may be found.
2 - Describe the textures and appearance of both types of stone.
3 - Why do you think each type was used in these locations? (Does it have structural benefits or just look nice?)
4 - (Proof of visit question) What two letters follow the name on the statue in Callaghan Square?
There is no need to wait for confirmation of your answers in order to claim a find, if there is a problem with any of the answers then I will contact you.
Feedback is appreciated, this is my first earthcache. Thanks for visiting!