This EarthCache, requires you to cross the stepping stones, which cross the River Wharfe. It is a public footpath.
If you have any doubt about your safety, DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CACHE.
If the river is running high and fast, DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CACHE.
I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU READ THE DESCRIPTION FIRST, BEFORE VENTURING OUT.
DO NOT FALL IN.
The River Wharfe rises many miles to the north, on the hills above Langstrothdale, and then flows south via a delightful landscape and places such as Kettlewell, Grassington, Bolton Abbey and Addingham. On the way it flow through a variety of geologies.
The different types of geologies includes different types of rocks:
Limestone.
This rock is formed by the sedimentation of ancient corals and shells over millenia, and was formed in an environment which had a shallow tropical sea. It can be grey/ off white in colour, and when eroded by water has smooth surface to touch.
Sandstone.
This rock is formed by the collection of sediment, which has been laid down by water or wind action and then over times is compated in sediment. In the case of the Wharfedale area, the sandstone was laid down during a time when the whole of the north of England was covered by a vast river delta, which transported a vast amount of sediment. Sandstone, can be a variety of shades of brown, and in locations can have a red colour. Whilst it can be eroded by water, it still tends to have a rough feel to it.
Mudstone.
This rock, like sandstone above is formed by the collection of sediment, fine particles collect together, and then form thin layers of strata. It can be a range of colours from light tan / grey to black.
Lets look at the stepping stones. Boulders, rocks, pebbles and grains can get moved downstream by the action of water, as this happens, they can roll and bang against others. This can create a rounded smooth appearance, though there can be some pitting or scrapping marks from where one rock has met another.
IN ORDER TO LOG THIS EARTHCACHE, YOU HAVE TO VISIT THE BOULDER
This being an EarthCache, in order to log it, I ask that you answer the below tasks. Please send them to me, and do not include them in your log. You can send them to me by using the message facility or email, both of which can be found by looking at my profile. It is not meant to be difficult to do.
1. Please tell me what type of Wharfedale rock the stepping stones are? What is your rationale for this answer?
2. Please tell me what colour the rock is, and what it feels like.
3. Can you see any evidence of erosion taken place? If so, what is your rationale?