The Gili Islands (a redundant term, since Gili literally translates to 'island') have become a well-known tourist destination. They sit just offshore the larger island of Lombok in the 1400m deep Lombok strait which divides it from Bali. Gili Air literally translates as Water Island.
"The Gilis" are all part of the same geological substructure from an ancient volcano and subsequent uplift. On Gili Trawangan, there is evidence of its volcanic origin in the form of pillow lava in the southern tip of the island. The pillow lava formed as hot lava came in contact with sea water. These lava-structured rocks and the small hill are the only topographical feature above 50m on any of the islands. Gili Meno and Gili Air appear to be flat sand pancakes, and all three islands are ringed with white beaches whose sands are formed of sediment from fragments of coral, oyster shells and foraminifera fossils, in both smooth and rough grains.
This earthcache on Gili Air is placed at a central, quieter part of the island, but you will have to visit a few other areas on the island to be able to fully answer all the questions. This is not difficult as you can easily explore the entire island in a day and in fact, can circumnavigate the island in about 1.5 hours walking (or less time by bicycle or cidomo horse cart - enjoy the motor-less islands!!!).
In order to log this earth cache, please message me directly with the answers to the following questions:
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Can you see any evidence such as described for Gili Trawangan anywhere on this island that directly indicates its geological origin?
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Find and estimate the maximum height above mean sea level on Gili Air.
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Visit any of the beaches and look closely at the sand. What is the predominant colour? What do you think this is from?
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Did you see any evidence of coastal erosion on the Gili Air? If so, please note which side (NESW) of the island and explain why you think it might be here? Please upload a photo with your log to show this, if possible.
Please go ahead and log the cache as soon as your answers are sent (no reply confirmation is required), however, note that ALL logs without accompanying answers WILL be deleted.
Happy Caching and Enjoy the Gilis!