You Gotta Know When to Fold 'Em... EarthCache
Hidden : 7/27/2018
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


On the east end of Jefferson City, a decidedly interesting geological formation presents itself. In an exposure of local bedrock, the rock bends in ways that almost seem impossible, given the general toughness of rock. Let’s learn a bit about folds in rock and what causes them.

What Are Folds?

We often think of rock as hard, brittle material. Throw a rock hard enough on the ground, and it will likely break into pieces. But under the right conditions, rock can actually 'flow' in a way that keeps it from breaking. When rock deforms in such a way that it bends instead of breaking, we call this a fold.

Types of Folds

While there are many types of folds, we will focus on the three main types one can easily find around here.

An anticline is a fold that arches up as both sides of the rock are pushed inward. You can remember that the anticline creates this type of fold because the arch looks like an 'A' (for anticline).

A syncline is a fold that sinks down as both sides of the rock are pushed inward. You can remember that a syncline creates this type of fold because the fold 'sinks' downward, which sounds like 'syncline.'

A monocline is a fold where the rock layers form an S-shape as the sides of the rock are compressed. You can remember this type of fold because all the layers of rock are still horizontal, going in one direction instead of bending vertically upward or downward like anticlines and synclines. And since 'mono' means 'one,' monoclines are layers in only 'one direction.'

Causes of Folds

Folds are created in rock when they experience compressional stress over very long periods of time (think millions of years). This is when the rock is being pushed inward from both sides. This is like if you put a spring between your hands and push them together. As you push, you're compressing the spring, and rock can be compressed in the same way over long periods of time.

The folds arise as a result of the tectonic pressure and stress in the rocks and rather than fracture, they fold. They are easily visualized by the loss of horizontality of the strata. Sedimentary rocks are more flexible than the metamorphic, and when the thrust is not intense enough to move them fold as if they were a piece of paper.

The Earthcache

While you can do the Earthcache from the parking area, if you do choose to walk over to the posted coordinates for a better look, be careful of traffic, especially if you have kids with you.

At the posted coordinates, you will see an obvious fold in the rock before you. Your job is to observe what you see and answer a few questions about the formation. Send those answers to me via email or a message through my profile. Any “found it” logs that fail to complete the tasks and send me the relevant answers will be quietly deleted.

1. Of the three types of folds discussed above, what type do you think you see here?

2. Estimate the distance the rock has been folded from the general plane.

3. What causes folds?

4. A picture of yourself here would be nice, but is not required.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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