Cache coordinates lead you to a safe viewing area of some limestone exposure. There is parking at these coordinates too. Please be careful and aware while doing this cache! This one can also be done as a drive by one too.
These coordinates bring you to a wall of exposed limestone that is commonly used and relayed on in Jamaica.
Jamaica is known for its picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters, but it is also home to limestone formations that have intrigued scientists for years. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate, which makes up 10% of the Earth's crust. Jamaica's unique geology has resulted in the distinct characteristics of its limestone formations.
The limestone in Jamaica is thought to have originated from coral reef and shell accumulation over millions of years. This rock is generally composed of interlocking crystals of calcite, aragonite, and dolomite, as well as various amounts of other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and clay. The texture of Jamaican limestone can vary from tightly packed solid layers to more porous formations. The density of the rock can range from 1.5 to 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter.
One interesting characteristic of Jamaican limestone is its ability to dissolve in acidic water due to its high calcium carbonate content. Over time, this creates sinkholes and caverns in the limestone rock, resulting in karst landscapes. One of the most famous examples of a Jamaican karst landscape is the Cockpit Country, which spans over 230 square miles.
Limestone has many practical applications beyond just its geological value. The rock is used in a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. The construction industry uses calcium carbonate derived from limestone to create cement for the production of concrete, which is one of the most widely used building materials in the world. Agriculture also benefits from limestone by providing valuable nutrients to crops and adjusting soil pH. In the manufacturing industry, lime is used as a chemical reagent and as a filler compound in plastics, paper, and paint.
In addition to its practical applications, limestone also has cultural significance. It is a popular building material for many iconic structures, including the Great Pyramids in Egypt, the Parthenon in Greece, and the Empire State Building in New York City. In Jamaica, the limestone formations have provided a rich cultural backdrop for the country's art and music scenes.
You must answer these questions below to log a find on this cache:
1. What is limestone and how is it formed in Jamaica?
2. What are some of the unique characteristics of Jamaican limestone?
3. What are some of the practical applications and cultural significance of limestone?
4. At 50° from the coordinates, what do you see? Limestone, forest, homes, etc?
5. What do you think the stripes in the limestone is caused from?
6. How long would you estimate the wall of limestone is?
Happy hunting! Photos are encouraged, just please do not include any spoilers in them.