Alabaster Caverns EarthCache
Hidden : 11/21/2021
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:




Alabaster Caverns is the largest gypsum cavern in the world that is open to the public. Much of that gypsum is in the form of alabaster, including pink, white, and the rare "black" alabaster, found only in three locations around the world.

To complete this Earth Cache, you must participate in the guided tour of the caverns. There is a modest cost to do so, with discounts available to seniors, veterans, and children. Tickets are available in the Visitors Center (the posted coordinates), and tours leave from that location every hour on the hour.

Formation




During much of geologic time, this part of North America was at the bottom of shallow seas. About two hundred million years ago, the "Western Interior Seaway" divided North America into two sub-continents, Laramidia to the west (where the Rocky Mountains were forming) and Appalachia to the east. As these waters ebbed and flowed, huge deposits of minerals were left behind. Over time, upheavals of the Earth raised the resulting gypsum bed close to the surface, and water tunneled through the soft rock to create these caverns.

Discovery


There is no record of the discovery of the caverns. There is evidence that they were at least visited by Native American tribes in the area. The first document exploration was in 1898, shortly after Hugh Litton established his homestead in the area. The names of many early explorers can be seen today, carved into the rock inside the cavern. For a time the caves were mined for bat guano, which was valued as an ingredient in fertilizer. The State of Oklahoma purchased the land in 1953 and created the State Park in 1956.

Cavern Tour


The cave is well lit and has plenty of handrails. However, the walk is about three-quarters of a mile, and visitors must traverse several hundred steps. The rocky floor is wet and slippery in many place. The cavern is also home to five species of Chiroptera (the current population is about sixteen thousand) and you will pass within a few feet of roosting bats. Temperature in the cave is about 56o F year round. This information was used to determine the terrain rating of this Earth Cache. Please do not attempt the tour if you are claustrophobic or chiroptophobic, have mobility or respiratory issues, or suffer from heart conditions.

A rockslide has blocked the pathway near the original entrance to the caverns. The cost to restore that portion of the tour is estimated at six million dollars; funds are being sought to do so. The tour now begins at the exit and is "out and back" rather than straight through the cavern.

To Complete This Earth Cache


Send a geo-message with your answer to these questions. There is no need to wait for confirmation before logging. Group answers are fine.

In the Visitors Center, you will find an information sign describing six stages of the life of a cave. Name these six stages and mentally note the features of each; you will need this information later.

During the cavern tour, observe the features you see in the cavern and determine the current life stage of Alabaster Caverns. Cite at least two observations that support your choice.

Bonus Question One: What are some physical features that indicate that water once flowed through the caverns?

Bonus Question Two: What relic of the Cold War did you see during the tour?

Sources


Alabaster Caverns at wikipedia.org

Alabaster Caverns State Park at Travel Oklahoma

Alabaster Caverns State Park at the Oklahoma Historical Society

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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