There is no physical container at the cache site as this is an EarthCache!
Do not attempt this cache at night! Observations should always be done during the day with optimal lighting.
Please be respectful of the area and it’s residents, big or small!
Always practice CITO!
In order to log this EarthCache as found, you must answer the questions below and submit the answers to me via Geocaching.com's messaging feature, or through email.
For this EarthCache, we will be observing a small, rocky cliff and the material that composes it.
Conglomerate
A conglomerate is a clastic sedimentary rock that is composed of a substantial amount of rounded to sub-angular, gravel sized clasts. A conglomerate typically contain a matrix of fine grained sediments, such as sand, silt, or clay, which fills the spaces between the clasts. Conglomerates form by the consolidation and lithification of clasts and matrix.
Clasts
Clasts are composed of fragments, or clasts, of pre-existing minerals and rock. Or, in more simple terms, chunks and pieces of larger rocks.
Clast Size
Conglomerates are often catergorized according to the dominant clast size that is contained within them. So, a conglomerate composed mostly of granule sized clasts would be called a granule conglomerate. A conglomerate composed mostly of pebble sized clasts would be called a pebble conglomerate, and a conglomerate composed mostly of cobble sized clasts would be called a cobble conglomerate.
Paraconglomerates and Orthoconglomerates
Paraconglomerates are unstratified and contain more matrix than clasts. If the gravel clasts of a conglomerate are in contact with each other, it is called an orthoconglomerate. Unlike paraconglomerates, orthoconglomerates are typically cross bedded and often well cemented.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
Please answer the following questions, to your best ability, using the information above. When you feel you have them answered correctly, send me your answers via the Geocaching websites messaging feature, or through email. Any "Found It" logs without the requirements being sent in, will be deleted.
Please include the GC code of this cache and the number of people in your party in your message.
1) Feel the texture of the exposed rock. What does it feel like? Is the matrix solid, or does it crumble when you touch it?
2) What size clasts do you see?
3) Are the clasts rounded or more angular?
4) Would you describe this feature as a paraconglomerate, or an orthoconglomerate?
5) This IS a requirement!
Please post or send me a photo of yourself or a personal object as proof you were at the site. Your face does not have to be included within the picture.
I hope you enjoyed this EarthCache, and most of all, I hope you learned something new!
Sources: Wiki, geology.com, britannica.com, Nationalgeographic.org, help with identification from Reddit, Personal Knowledge of Earth Science and Geology
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