'Glacial Erratics' were deposited by glaciers that were moving in that area at one time. Because a glacier is so heavy, the glacier can pluck large rocks as the glacier moves. When the rock is too heavy for the glacier to hold or the glacier is retreating, it then deposits the rock in a place where it wouldn't usually be found. This is what an erratic is, a large piece of rock in an unusual surrounding.
'Standing Rock' is a large glacial erratic left from the last ice age around 12-14,000 years ago. It is composed of granite which can be found in the Hudson Bay area. It is located about 6 km (3.73 miles) from the town of Hazlet. It was used as a landmark by early settlers.
In order to log this Earthcache, please email your answers to the following questions to the CO. (Do not place your answers in your log)
1. What other features do you see in the surrounding area that would indicate the glaciers shaped this area?
2. What is the height and length (in either feet or meters) of this large erratic ‘boulder’?
3. What would influence the shape/condition of the boulder today?
4. A glacial erratic differs from the size and type of rock native to the area in which it rests. What can you tell me about the rocks scattered around the area? Are they the same or different? How? What color are they?
I'd love to see a selfie of you and your fellow cache friends and your GPS (optional) with the boulder in the background. Have fun!