Chimney Corner, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is truly a hidden gem in Nova Scotia. Nestled along Cape Breton's west coast, the tiny rural community boasts a beautiful beach that is popular for locals and tourist alike; secluded and sheltered by high sedimentary banks on each side. The sand on Chimney Corner beach is considered singing sand. Chimney Corner beach contains a massive landmark column of rock named "The Chimney" after which Chimney Corner was named. The Chimney was originally a vertical square column of rock. However, each year, the Chimney leans more and more to the Northwest due to erosion and weathering.
Cape Breton is known for its beauty, but also for its history of coal mining. Chimney Corner is one of many small Cape Breton communities that has a history of coal mining. At the posted earth cache coordinates, you will be standing on top of a large coal seem that is a stark contrast to the tan-coloured sandstone. To form a coal seam a thick layer of plant debris is required, the rate of plant debris accumulation must be greater than the rate of decay. Once a thick layer of plant debris is formed, it must be buried by sediments such as mud or sand. These are typically washed into the swamp by a flooding river. Coal seams can produce coal seam gas. CSG is natural gas, trapped in underground coal seams by water and ground pressure. Its single largest component is methane.
Scientifically speaking, research has shown Chimney Corner coal seem have a rank of high volatile C-B bituminous. Seams show regular alternations of dull and bright microbanded lithotypes, with dull lithotypes predominant in the central portion of the main seam, at the posted cache coordinates. Mineral matter consists of epigenetic pyrite, with lesser amounts of clay and quartz. Carbonates are common in the Chimney Corner seams.
To claim this Earth Cache, please answer the following questions:
1) From the posted coordinates, how many seems of coal are obvious?
2) What is the angle of the main coal seam which protrudes from the ocean?
3) What is the general height and length of the main coal seam at the posted coordinates?
4) What general colour transformation do you notice in the ground as the coal blends into the sandstone?
5) Optional: Post of pic of yourself with your Iphone or GPS with the coal seam at the posted coordinates.
Please email me the answers to these questions for credit for the earth cache. Please be careful in this area. Young children may not be suitable to take along to this location. Proper footware, and a hiking pole would also be beneficial. Location is accessible at high tide also. While in the area, enjoy the hunt for GC66N78 also!