Berg en Dal EarthCache
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On leaving Berg en Dal rest camp one early morning, we were struck by the view of this lovely hill in the early morning. The Berg en Dal area is covered by Granite soil that comes from igneous underlying rock which gives rise to gently rolling hills. Granites underlines more than 80 per cent of the Southern region. These are formed by rocks that are more resistant to erosion, and therefore stand out above the surrounding areas. Many drainages lines can be seen in granitic areas which are caused by uneven weathering. This hill is situated in the South-western corner near Berg en dal camp, the mountain is about 839 metres high above sea level. The given co-ordinates are along the road where you can view this lovely hill especially in the early morning. Granite tops like these appear all over this southern area of the Kruger National Park. Examples of intrusive igneous rocks include diorite, gabbro and granite. Igneous rock includes all rocks that are formed IN or ON the earth’s crust by the solidification of molten rock material (magma) which forms at great depths in the earth’s crust. This type of rock can be divided into three principal groups or types of rocks according to position in the earth’s crust where solidified/cooling occurred. Granite is hard igneous stone that is formed over millions of years by volcanic activity. Magma flows from volcanic activity and slowly cools over millions of years. During the process, magma combines with various minerals including hornblend, feldspar, mica and quartz to create its "crystal appearance. Extrusive igneous rocks erupt onto the surface, where they cool quickly to form small crystals. ... These include andesite, basalt, obsidian, pumice, rhyolite, scoria, and tuff. Intrusive rocks as the name indicates are formed IN the earth and then are slowly exposed by natural forces such as erosion. PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: 1. Name this hill 2. From your observation please indicate what sort of rocks make up this hill and explain why you say this. 3. Give a brief description, (in your own words) of the differences between Intrusive igneous rocks and Extrusive igneous rocks ie how they are formed 4. Three rivers have their sources in this area - Bhemansangu, Boomaalwyn, Nhlebeni. Why do you think this happens? 5. Which way to the three main water courses run and eventually join a large well known river, bordering the Kruger National Park?
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Cyrnfr qb abg yrnir lbhe pne!