EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. ... "Geocachers must complete the tasks before they log the EarthCache as found." (4.3. EarthCache logging tasks)
Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:
NOTE: Answers via message -and- log signature picture is required to post a find for this cache.
Proceed along the walkway until you encounter the information signs with rocks in front of them.
PRECAMBIUM
1a. MESSAGE …. According to the information sign, which rocks were present?
1b. MESSAGE …. Choose your favorite rock visible in front of the information sign. Identify how this rock was formed.
1c. MESSAGE …. These rocks will uplift to become the core of ???
1d. MESSAGE ... What did you find most interesting about the Precambrium?
PALEOZOIC (Age of Fishes)
2a. MESSAGE …. According to the information sign, which rocks were present?
2b. MESSAGE …. Choose your favorite rock visible in front of the information sign. Identify how this rock was formed.
2c. MESSAGE …. The Black Hills begin as part of what? Where is the sea?
2d. MESSAGE ... What did you find most interesting about the Paleozoic?
MESOZOIC (Age of Reptiles)
3a. MESSAGE …. According to the information sign, which rocks were present?
3b. MESSAGE …. Choose your favorite rock visible in front of the information sign. Identify how this rock was formed.
3c. MESSAGE …. The Black Hills region is now ???
3d. MESSAGE ... What did you find most interesting about the Mesozoic?
CENOZOIC (Age of Mammals)
4a. MESSAGE …. According to the information sign, which rocks were present?
4b. MESSAGE …. Choose your favorite rock visible in front of the information sign. Identify how this rock was formed.
4c. MESSAGE …. What is happening to the Black Hills region?
4d. MESSAGE ... What did you find most interesting about the Cenozoic?
5. LOG …. Post a picture of you or your signature item near your favorite geologic time. Explain why you chose it. This picture is your log signature. No spoilers please,
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in finding and creating this earthcache by adding A and B to your log.
A. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) what you found most interesting on-site. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.
B. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you ... prose / story / poem / picture. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.
Journeys of Heart and Mind ...
Stories to Touch the Heart and Puzzles to Challenge the Mind / Rainbow Tree Story
Using the information panels, take a walk through time.
IGNEOUS ROCKS (formed from fiery molten magma)
Igneous rocks are formed from magma, the molten form of the earth’s mantle layer. Igneous rocks can form above ground as lava spewing from volcanoes. Igneous rocks can also form below the surface. Pockets of magma get stuck in layers of the earth. As they get closer and closer to the surface, the magma slowly cools. Examples are basalt, granite, pegmatite
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS (formed by weathering)
Sedimentary rocks form from small weathered particles of other rocks or the weathered shells of sea animals. Wind and rain beating on the faces of exposed rock wear off particles that are blown or washed to a new location. When sea creatures die, the shells settle on the bottom of the ocean. As the sediments pile up, they press together to form sedimentary rock. Examples are conglomerate, gypsum, limestone, sandstone, tufa
METAMORPHIC ROCKS (formed under intense heat and pressure)
Metamorphic rocks form under intense heat and pressure. Metamorphic rocks start out as igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks or other types of metamorphic rocks. Through heat and/or pressure, the rocks change characteristics such as sheen, tightness of grain and hardness. Examples are gneiss, marble, schist