Whiteface Mountain: Into The Extreme EarthCache
Whiteface Mountain: Into The Extreme
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
AN EXTREME LOCATION
^^McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, as seen from the posted coordinates
The geological history of Whiteface Mountain and the surrounding High Peaks is without a doubt one of the most interesting lessons of true grit that you will experience in this region. You may not see evidence of this from a distance, but when you ascend the mountain either from Memorial Highway or the Wilmington Trail, it will be difficult to ignore how glacial activity 12,000 years ago carved this landscape, resulting in Whiteface Mountain's claim to fame as being one of the toughest places to live. This exact location, at ~3500' elevation above sea level, is a turning point of the High Peaks where tall trees and traditional forests are below you, while the land of amazing survival skills is just up ahead.
WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING HERE?
If you run a garden hose over a pile of dirt, you'll end up with a dune of sand and stones when all of the lighter material gets washed away. The bank of sand and rocks in front of you was actually formed in a similar manner, except the hose was a melting glacier that transports lighter sediments away, and only the vegetation that is equipped to live on a meager nutritional diet can survive. With so little resources that remain available, how is it possible for these plants to take root and flex their survival skills in such a harsh climate?
This is where the magic of soil formation takes hold. Due to prolonged exposure to a variety of natural weather conditions such as air and water, the local rocks and minerals slowly break down over time, generating various levels of horizon over the pre-existing bedrock. As new soil gets created, it allows for organic matter to spawn and flourish. Whiteface Mountain is known for extreme weather conditions due to its high altitude and exposure to these elements, and the soil that develops here is characteristic to this type of mountainous environment.
HOW TO LOG THIS EARTHCACHE
The posted coordinates are located at one of the many turn-outs along NY-431, with seasonal public access from late-May to mid-October. Do note, there is a vehicle and passenger fee to experience Whiteface Memorial Highway. Once you reach this wheelchair-friendly location, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, and Franklin Falls down below.
To log a find, you will need to answer the following questions. My preference to receive them is via the geocaching message center, with a direct link reference to this page; do not post the answers to your log or within the photo descriptions. You also do not have to wait for my reply before you log, though if something is noticeably incorrect with your answers, I will reach out directly to resolve. All questions are based on the information sign at this location, and from up-close visual observations of the glacial till nearby.
^^A geological crop row, perhaps?
QUESTIONS
1. Analyze the drift bank across the road, and look closely for white fragments that are visible in the rock. What are these fragments called, and how did they get here?
2. Looking down at your feet, the soil you are standing on is relatively new compared to how this mountainside once appeared. Where did it come from, what percentage of the transformative process is comprised of that original element, and how long does it take to develop a 1-inch thickness of the final product?
3. Over time, the geological landscape of Whiteface Mountain will continue to change. In your own words, and based on your findings, please describe this change and provide an educated guess as to how the mountain might appear a few thousand years in the future.
4. Take a photo of yourself (face not required) and/or a personal item with the glacial till as a background, and post it to your log.
^^Across the road, your photo finish
References:
- Informative Sign, prepared by The Wild Center as a part of a NYS Scenic Byway Program project, managed by the Adirondack North Country Association
- Photographic imagery of scenic view, glacial till, and roadside boulders courtesy of the geocache owner, BriGuyNY | CC-BY-NC 4.0
- Glacial Till Diagram, courtesy of Springer Nature Group [Citation here],
- Soil Formation Diagram, courtesy of CivilArc [Source Material here]
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)