This an EarthCache, there is no physical container to look for. In order to log a 'find' on this cache you need to send me a message with the answer to a few simple questions based on what you see.
The headline coordinates take you to Lady Well quarry where you will see a large visible section of the Upper Devonian slates and mudstones that underly this part of Devon.
The Devonian Period is named as such because the rocks from this time period (between 415 and 360 million years ago) were first studied in Devon. The Devonian Period is divided in to Lower, Middle and Upper representing the beginning, middle and end of this time period respectively.
The rocks were once part of a chain of mountains that have now vanished due to subsequent geological activity. An intrusion of Granite, now modern day Dartmoor, took place during a period of intense geological activity that moved these rocks from the location where they were formed creating the variety of shapes we see in this area today.
The rocks you see are from the Upper Devonian Period and were formed towards the end of this time period. Quarrying in the 19th and 20th centuries has exposed rock that would have previously been hidden from view under topsoil and vegetation. Other examples of this stone can be seen in the South Hams on the opposite side of the county.
These rocks were formed when successive layers of mud and silt were compressed by enormous pressures. The layers you see in front of you would have originally been horizontal. You will see that this is no longer the case, to claim this cache you need to send me a message with the answer to the following questions. You can do this via the Geocaching.com message centre or by email if you prefer:
- Describe the rock face. Give a description of what you can see and feel including approximate dimensions and textures
- Estimate the angle between the rock face and the ground. Why do you think the angle is not zero?
- Why do you think there is an overhang on this cliff face?
- Based on the information in the description, what you have seen in the local area and any further research you wish to undertake suggest what you think the rock taken from this quarry would be used for.
- It is not a logging requirement but feel free to post a photo taken nearby. This is one of my favourite parts of the world and I would like to see your pictures. Please do not include any pictures of the quarry itself.