Forsyth Park, located in Savannah, Georgia, is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, with a history dating back to the 19th century. The park was initially developed in the 1840s and named after Georgia’s 33rd governor, John Forsyth. It was intended as a public gathering place for Savannah residents, offering a mix of open spaces, tree-lined pathways, and areas for relaxation and recreation. The park was officially established in 1851 on 10 acres of land and later expanded to its current 30 acres.
The Civil War Monument (also known as the Confederate Monument) in Forsyth Park, Savannah, is primarily constructed from Nova Scotia Sandstone. Nova Scotia sandstone was chosen for the Confederate Monument in Forsyth Park primarily due to its durability and availability. This type of sandstone is known for its fine grain and attractive appearance, making it suitable for detailed carvings and sculptures. Additionally, sandstone can withstand the elements well, which is important for outdoor monuments that are exposed to weather condition
Nova Scotia sandstone, also known as "Blomidon sandstone," has a rich geological history that dates back to the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous periods, approximately 150 to 100 million years ago. This sedimentary rock was formed from sediments deposited in a range of environments, including rivers, deltas, and shallow marine settings.
Depositional Environment: The sandstone originates from ancient river systems and coastal environments where sediments were eroded from surrounding land, transported, and deposited in layers. Over millions of years, these sediments underwent compaction and cementation, transforming them into solid rock. Nova Scotia sandstone is primarily composed of quartz grains and varying amounts of feldspar, with a cementing matrix of silica or calcite.
The specific mineralogy contributes to its characteristic color, which can range from light tan to reddish hues – see the table below for a description of the minerals:
Types of Weathering
Common signs of weathering in Tennessee marble include:
1. Physical Weathering
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water infiltrates cracks in the sandstone. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, causing the cracks to widen and the rock to fracture. This is especially common in colder climates where freezing and thawing occur regularly
- Thermal Expansion: Changes in temperature can cause the rock to expand and contract. This can lead to the peeling or flaking of the outer layers, a process known as exfoliation
2. Chemical Weathering
- Hydrolysis: This involves the chemical reaction of minerals in the sandstone with water. For instance, feldspar can be altered to clay minerals, leading to a breakdown of the rock structure
- Oxidation: Iron-bearing minerals in the sandstone can react with oxygen, causing rust-like staining and discoloration. This can lead to the reddish hues seen in many sandstone formations
- The slightly acidic nature of rainwater (due to dissolved carbon dioxide forming carbonic acid) can lead to chemical reactions that break down the minerals in sandstone, particularly those containing feldspar.
3. Biological Weathering
- Root Growth: Plant roots can penetrate cracks in the sandstone, exerting pressure as they grow, which can further break apart the rock
- Lichens and Moss: These organisms can grow on the surface of the sandstone, contributing to chemical weathering through the production of acids that break down the mineral structure
References
Information above was referenced from the following sources:
Activities
Observe the monument and send me a message with the following answers as well as posting a photo:
- What minerals comprise the sandstone based on the colors that you observe?
- What kind of weathering do you see; identify the type and describe the evidence you can see
- Post a picture of yourself at the location