There are three major types of rock: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
Igneous rock is formed when magma cools and is turned into rock. This cooling can either be intrusive, where the magma gradually cools and the magma solidifies into an igneous rock. Alternatively, the cooling can extrusive, where the magma is cooled very quickly, such as during a volcanic eruption.
Types of igneous rock include granite and pumice.
Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock types, in a process called metamorphism, which means "change in form". Metamorphic rocks form when rocks are subjected to high heat, high pressure, hot mineral-rich fluids or, more commonly, some combination of these factors.
Types of metamorphic rock include marble and slate.
Sedimentary rocks are types of rock that are formed by the accumulation or deposition of small particles and subsequent cementation of mineral or organic particles on the floor of oceans or other bodies of water at the Earth's surface.
Types of sedimentary rock include sandstone and limestone.
Erosion is a process where natural forces like water, wind, ice, and gravity wear away rocks and soil. It is a geological process, and part of the rock cycle. Erosion occurs at the Earth's surface, and has no effect on the Earth's mantle and core.
At the given coordinates, you will notice a difference in the surfaces due to erosion.
To get credit for this cache, please answer the following questions:
1. What three surfaces do you see?
2. What type of rock do you see at the GZ?
3. Based on what you know about erosion, what caused erosion in this area?
4. This cache page contains two waypoints. Estimate the elevation change between the two waypoints.
Send the answers to me via Geocaching message center or email, do not post your answers in your online log even if encrypted. Failure to submit the answers will result in your online log being deleted without notice.