Red Rocks
While exploring Sedona on my way to GWXX, I found one of the best (in my opinion) views of the famous Red Rocks and was surprised to learn there wasn't an Earthcache already here.
IMPORTANT
This Earthcache is best viewed from the posted coordinates, which has many informational signs up, but you will need to pay a fee of $5 if you want to park there (see https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74387 for more info.). However, you can complete this EC from anywhere with a good view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
Red Rocks Overview
Red rocks can be found all over the Western United States, but the ones in Sedona seem to be the most prominent because of their proximity to each other, their size, and their vibrancy. In fact, these "red rocks" can have more than four distinct colors per rock. Many tourists visit Sedona primarily to see the rocks, and others say the rocks give the city a mystical energy.
This Earthcache
To answer the questions to this Earthcache, you will be looking at the background information listed below. For additional information, feel free to reference the on-site plaque Shaped By The Sea: An Ancient Tropical Beach Oasis.
Background Information:
Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary Rocks
There are three main different types of rocks; Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary. They are all different in their own ways, but similar enough that one could easily mistake one type of rock for the other.
Igneous rocks are form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock.
Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that were altered by environmental factors like heat and pressure, which changes their composition and structure.
Sedimentary rocks are created from mineral and organic particles in layers. Sedimentary rocks are formed over time from organic materials on the earth's surface.
Schnebly Hill Formation
Millions of years ago, the area you are standing in right now was a warm, shallow sea. Rivers, tides, and wind transported sand, silt, and mud into the area, and over time, these sediments settled in layers on the sea floor and along the shore. As the area became drier, large sand dunes formed. Wind-blown sand created cross-bedded sandstone layers. Over millions of years, the buried layers of sand and silt were compressed while groundwater containing dissolved minerals, especially iron, moved through the sediments. These minerals cemented the grains together into solid rock - mainly sandstone, while the iron oxide gave the rock its signature red color. More recently, tectonic uplift raised the Colorado Plateau and erosion by wind and water sculpted the buttes, spires, and cliffs into what we can currently see around Sedona.
Other interesting things
- As you look at these rocks, you will notice tons of lighter stripes. These lighter stripes are memories of a time when salt flats covered these rocks back when they were still sand dunes.
- Erosion has greatly impacted these rocks, from wind, rain, and variations in temperature shaping the rocks to rainwater causing parts of these rocks to crack.
Questions
1. Based on the information you have read, and from what you see, do these rocks seem to be sedimentary, metamorphic, or igneous? (Answer the question for each individual rock.)
2. Which feature is most prominent on Bell Rock? (Schnebly Hill Formation, limestone, lighter colored stones reminiscent of a time with salt flats)
3. Do you see any major cracks (most likely caused by rainwater and flash flooding) on either rock?
4. Usually, we think of erosion as bad. In this case, do you think the erosion on the rocks has been a good thing? (consider physical appearance, environmental factors, etc.)
5. Take a photo of yourself or a personal item with Bell Rock and/or Courthouse Butte in the background.
Congratulations to ShadowOfMingus and AhernClan for a well-deserved FTF.