You probably came to this location because of the nearby geocache of historical signifigance. While you are here you might as well learn a little something about geology, right?
In geology, The Principle of Original Horizontality states that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity. The principle is important to the analysis of folded and tilted strata that we see on the surface of the earth’s crust and this helps us to understand what has happened to these layers of rocks here in Utah. The earth’s great dynamic internal forces and resulting plate tectonics cause movement and collisions of large plates of the Earth's crust. The collisions of these plates result in rock strata being folded, tilted, broken, uplifted, and subducted. The rocks that you see here were originally formed fromed in a horizontal orientation. The Earth’s dynamic tectonic forces most likely resulted in COMPRESSIONAL FORCE being focused here to alter these layers to their present position. That is, a pushing force from the east and a pushing force from the west acted on this area and caused these rocks layers to be altered from their original horizontal deposition. These rocks were at some time in the distant past horizontally laying. The rock layers were pushed together and folded upward.
You will need to compare the angled layers from stage 1 and 2.
1. What has caused the layers to be angled instead of their original horizontal orientation?
2. Estimate the angle of the layers form stage 1.
3. Estimate the angle of the layers from stage 2.
4. Are the stages angled similarly? If not, why do you think this is?
5. Post a photo of yourself, or a proxy, in the area of Stage 2.
This EarthCache asks you to make observations at the site. Nothing should be disturbed, taken from, or added to this site. This EarthCache is on land protected by the Bureau of Land Management.
The Bureau of Land Management does not condone collection of cultural or historical found objects as part of this activity. Please visit our website for more information. https://www.blm.gov/basic/geocaching-public-lands
BLM welcomes this type of activity when:
- Is not near a known archaeological site
- Will not interfere with threatened or endangered species habitat
- Will not conflict with other land uses
- Is not hazardous
- Requires no other special considerations