Marl
Marl or marlstone is a carbonate-rich mud or mudstone which contains variable amounts of clays and silt. The term was originally loosely applied to a variety of materials, most of which occur as loose, earthy deposits consisting chiefly of an intimate mixture of clay and calcium carbonate, formed under freshwater conditions. These typically contain 35–65% clay and 65–35% carbonate. The term is today often used to describe indurated marine deposits and lacustrine (lake) sediments which more accurately should be named 'marlstone'.
History
Lime Lake was given to Jackson County by the State of Michigan in 1941. Lime Lake originally started out as a mining operation for Marl, a combination of limestone, sand and clay. After 30 years of dredging, the mining operation became what is known, and loved by many locals, as Lime Lake. This operation in this location was done to retrieve the naturally deposited calcium carbonate for use making concrete. Marl was also used in fertilizer.
The 96 acre lake is a result of the removal of all the material to extract the Marl. To answer the questions go to the posted spot and make observations.
Send, do not post, the cache owner these answers:
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Does the shore line here look natural? Why or Why not?
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Can you see different layers here, what colors are they and are they rock or soil?
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Can you see Marl? It would look like clumps of white/gray material mixed with other things.
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Post a picture of yourself or a personal item with the lake in background. (hand, foot, back of head, or your dog, I don't care) Be aware that this is a requirment which is now allowed by EarthCache Rules. No Picture No Find! If you are in a group everyone has to post a picture. Effective 11/07/2021
info from
Facilities • Jackson County, MI • CivicEngage and
Wikipedia