This bronze statue of the Pitt Panther, was created (2013) for the University of Pittsburgh Bradford, PA campus in celebration of their 50th anniversary. This statue is placed in the main square of the campus, in front of the Student Union building. The statue is 11 feet in length.
EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers to log 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 are required to post a find for this cache.
1a. MESSAGE …. Compare the Panther you see with the one here. Identify and describe one form of mechanical weathering.
1b. MESSAGE …. Compare the Panther you see with the one here. Identify and describe one form of chemical weathering.
1c. MESSAGE …. Is there evidence of people/students touching the panther on the nose, ears, or elsewhere for luck? Does that leave a shiny polished area different from the darker bronze patina/tarnish? Describe what you observe.
2. MESSAGE …. Observe the large sandstone rock supporting the Panther. Describe two primary features.
3. MESSAGE …. Observe the large sandstone rock supporting the Panther. Describe two secondary features.
LOG ... Take a picture of you or your signature item with the Panther. This picture is your log signature.
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in 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) something you found interesting in the reading. 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. 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
THANK YOU Joelle for permission to share this learning adventure.
THANK YOU Daniel Ovidiu University of Pitt for verifying the rock is sandstone.
Geology Meets Series
Art ... Culture ... Education ... History
THE ROCK
Have been unable to discover the history of the rocks used as the base of the Panter Sculpture. However, info from a UPB Professor verifies that the rock is sedimentary, either sandstone or Olean Conglomerate. Close observation of the Panther reveals it is sandstone.
CHEMICAL WEATHERING OF METALS
Metals are predominantly changed by chemical weathering. This changes the composition of the metal.
CORROSION - The gradual destruction by chemical and/or electrochemical reaction with the environment. "Metals corrode because we use them in environments where they are chemically unstable. Only copper and the precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) are found in nature in their metallic state. All other metals, to include iron-the metal most commonly used-are processed from minerals or ores into metals which are inherently unstable in their environments." https://corrosion.ksc.nasa.gov/corr_metal.htm
HYDROLYSIS - The reaction of water in the form of a weak acid to dissolve metals.
OXIDATION - The reaction of oxygen with metals to form oxides.
PATINA - Tarnish on copper-based metals giving them a greenish hue.
RUST - Oxidation of iron that turns it into iron oxide giving it an orange-red hue.
TARNISH - Discoloration of a metal when only the outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction. This layer of tarnish seals and protects the underlying layers from reacting.
MECHANICAL WEATHERING OF METALS
Metals may also be changed by mechanical weathering. This alters the appearance, but does not change the composition.
FROST WEDGING - Cracks due to repeated cycles of freeze-thaw.
PITTING - Small depressions due to wind abrasion.
PRIMARY SANDSTONE FEATURES
Primary sedimentary structures are produced at the same time as the sedimentary rock in which they occur.
This includes color and size of grains, texture, etc.
SECONDARY SANDSTONE FEATURES
Secondary sedimentary structures form after deposition.
Examples include stratification (layering), cross-bedding (layering at an angle), staining, fossils, etc.
RESOURCES
Weathering of Metals / Panther / Cathedral of Learning 1 / Cathedral of Learning 2 / Sedimentary Structures