This is an earth cache geocache there is not a physical container at the posted coordinates. You will need to hike to the posted coordinates and make observations based on the earth science study and infomration within this geocache description to get credit for this find. Please read the information here and when you hike there take your notes and send them to me via email before loggin your find. Thank you for taking the time to learn about this topic today!!!
A mudpot, or mud pool, in this instance still evidence but unfortunately extinct was a sort of acidic hot spring, also referred to as a fumarole. As apposed to an actual hot spring with abundant water, with a mud boil there is limited water. This area originally had a few small sulpher springs and the mud boil here was a neighborly result of underground heat and water coming together before surfacing and creating this depression fo mud that boiled and bubbled to the surface. While it was active it did take the form of a pool of bubbling mud however now since it is extinct you will have to use your observation skills to see that it certainly was a good area for this very geological feature.
Can you see that there were acid and microorganisms that decomposed in the surrounding rock into clay and mud?
The mud of a mudpot takes the form of a viscous, often bubbling, slurry. As the boiling mud is often squirted over the brims of the mudpot, a sort of mini-volcano of mud starts to of 1 to 1.5 meters. Although mudpots are often called mudcrappers, true mud volcanoes are very different in nature. The mud of a mudpot is generally of white to greyish color, but is sometimes stained with reddish or pink spots from iron compounds. When the slurry is particularly colorful, the feature may be referred to as a paint pot.
At this location can you see any discoloration? If so what color? If not thene explain the reason why.
Mudpots form in high-temperature geothermal areas where water is in short supply. The little water that is available rises to the surface at a spot where the soil is rich in volcanic ash, clay, and other fine particulates. The thickness of the mud usually changes along with seasonal changes in the water table.
A mudpot is a natural double boiler! Surface water collects in a shallow, impermeable (usually due to a lining of clay) depression that has no direct connection to an underground water flow. Thermal water beneath the depression causes steam to rise through the ground, heating the collected surface water. Hydrogen sulfide gas is usually present, giving mudpots their characteristic odor of rotten eggs. Some microorganisms use the hydrogen sulfide for energy. The microbes help convert the gas to sulfuric acid, which breaks down rock into clay. The result is a gooey mix through which gases gurgle and bubble.
Can you detect any aroma that would indicate activity of this kind?
Standing on the trail can you estimate the size of the mud boil when it was active?
Please share a photo of yourself or your gps with the signage on the trail at gz.
Message the answers to the question to me before you log your visit please. And Thank you for stopping by this earth cache.
** the current protocol for entrance to the park is by reservation. A Texas Park pass is required or a daily entrance fee. Reservations best made online.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palmetto/fees-facilities/campsites
Please use this website to check if the park is open as They have annual hunts in this park so plan accordingly your visit date. There are printable pdf trail maps available on this site as well.