This is an Earthcache. There is no physical container at the posted coordinates, but rather a geological lesson for you to explore. Please review the information on the cache page, then make your way to Ground Zero to make your observations and answer the three questions below. Email your answers to the cache owner by clicking the "message this owner" button above, and once complete, you can log this cache.
Thanks and happy caching!
QUESTIONS
1. What type of weathering is most present at the overlook?
2. Look over the face of the rock, and describe the deposition. Why is this happening?
3. Hypothesize how the stack at the posted coordinates formed.
(Optional) Post a picture of yourself at GZ during your visit.
Welcome to Lindy Point, a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of Blackwater Falls State Park. This short, but very rewarding hike, is about a mile round trip on easy and rolling terrain. This earthcache will take you to the main overlook where you'll find not only an impressive view but also an impressive rock formation. This earthcache explores the geological significance of this location and challenges you to think critically about the evolution of this famous tourist attraction. I hope you leave with a better understanding of rocks and the impressive probability of this location.
WEATHERING
It comes as no surprise the face of this rock is susceptible to fierce amounts of weathering. Weathering is the process where rock is dissolved, worn away, or broken down into smaller and smaller pieces. There are mechanical, chemical, and organic weathering processes.
Mechanical weathering physically breaks up the rock. One example is called frost action or frost shattering. Water gets into cracks and joints in bedrock. When the water freezes it expands and the cracks are opened a little wider. Over time, pieces of rock can split off a rock face, and big boulders are broken into smaller rocks and gravel.
Organic weathering happens when plants break up rocks with their growing roots or plant acids help dissolve rock.
Chemical weathering decomposes or decays rocks and minerals. An example of chemical weathering is water dissolving limestone.
EROSION
Erosion is defined as the set of natural processes that loosen, remove, and transport weathered or unweathered solid material such as soil, sediment, mud, regolith, rock fragments, and other particles from the landscape by downhill or downwind displacement. The mediums required for material displacement can be wind, running water, waves, ice (glaciers), underground water, and gravity. As erosion moves weathered solid material, it exposes fresh, unaltered rock to weathering. In some places, erosion is increased by human land use.
Wind erosion is referred to as eolian erosion. Differences in atmospheric pressure will cause the motion of air that can erode surface material when velocities are high enough to move particles. Eolian erosion is more pronounced in dry regions and in areas where there is insufficient rainfall to support vegetation and root systems. Wind cannot carry as large particles as flowing water, but easily picks up dry particles of soil, sand, and dust and carries them away. Wind generally causes erosion by deflation and/or abrasion. Windbreaks are often planted by farmers to reduce wind erosion.
ROCK STACK
A stack is a geological landform consisting of a steep and often vertical column or columns of rock formed by erosion. Stacks are formed over time by wind and water. The force of the wind and water weakens cracks in the headland, causing them to later collapse, forming free-standing stacks and even a small island. Without the constant presence of water, stacks also form when a natural arch collapses under gravity, due to sub-aerial processes like wind erosion. Erosion causes the arch to collapse, leaving the pillar of hard rock standing away from the coast—the stack. Eventually, erosion will cause the stack to collapse, leaving a stump. Stacks can provide important nesting locations for birds, and many are popular for rock climbing.
