Easy to Find Fossils
This earthcache cache involves a difficult hike that leads to a remarkable place. Please use appropriate self-judgment regarding your physical abilities and whether or not you can reach the posted coordinates. You MUST reach the posted coordinates to answer the questions to get credit for the find.
Whoa, this is in Indiana?
When I first moved to Indiana, I had little knowledge of what the state had to offer. Then a friend invited me and my wife to Turkey Run State Park. We were amazed at the slot canyons and the beauty offered in that park and surprised to find that type of hiking in Indiana. In 2019 my family set out to visit more of the state parks in Indiana. On one such visit my son and I had a chance to visit nearby Clifty Falls State Park and had a terrific time learning about the falls, gorges, tunnel and more. Then we hiked this creek bed and were astonished at what we saw and the adventure we had. Indiana is far more diverse than what we often think about or see. Sometimes we have to get off the beaten path to see the hidden beauty. This earthcache will allow you to do just that.
Geology Lesson
Brachiopod fossils are among the most common fossils in Indiana rocks. Found only in strata deposited 600–250 million years ago in the shallow seas that covered Indiana, they rather resemble clams but are a distinct phylum of marine animals.
Brachiopod fossils are found in the Dillsboro Formation, which consists in about equal parts of limestone and shale. This formation was created millions of years ago when a shallow sea covered Indiana. Over time, sediment built up and covered the shells of the brachiopods. As the sediment built up the pressure from the sediment and the sea compacted the sediment. Over millions of years, the sediment built up and compacted to become limestone and shale. Many of the shells that were present in the sediment eventually were fossilized.
Because brachiopods were so common during the time of the formation of the limestone and shale in the Dillsboro Formation, Indiana has a lot of brachiopod fossils that can be easily found when the Dillsboro Formation becomes exposed.
Get Exploring
At the posted coordinates you should be at the wall above. There are several examples of easily spotted brachiopod fossils. There is one large rock (2-3 feet in diameter) that has several large brachiopod fossils. Take a moment to look around and then send me the answers to the following questions:
In order to log this Earthcache...
Please read the following questions and send me your answers.
- Describe the brachiopod fossils. What size are they? What color? How many do you see? Do they differ or are they all similar?
- Look at the wall of the gorge. Does the wall work with the theory of sedimentary rock (limestone and shale) forming with brachiopod shells mixed in?
- As always, a picture is optional, but encouraged. You did a lot of work to get here, share your adventure!.
Sources:
https://igws.indiana.edu/ReferenceDocs/GeoNotes/GeoNotes_Brachiopods.pdf