Honey from the Rock
This is an EarthCache; there is no container hidden here. You will need to read the following earth science lesson, make observations at the location and submit answers to the questions. For more information on Temple Bruer Tower please see either the nearby Traditional cache GC3P0M9 or my Virtual cache GCAJFTP.
While this location is accessible 24/7, please note that it is right beside a number of inhabited farm buildings. Visiting during unsociable hours will attract unwanted attention. Please be a responsible cacher and only visit during the hours of daylight. There is a small grassy parking area next to the infornation board (see waypoint)
Please use one of the two trailhead waypoints provided to find the correct route to the tower. Some SatNav apps may take you on a different route on a poorly maintained track through farmland.
Honeycomb Weathering
You will need to look at the southern side of the tower (the opposite side to the entrance). Pay close attention to the area indicated by the blue rectange on the photo below.
Honeycomb weathering, also known as alveolar weathering or tafoni, refers to a type of weathering phenomenon that creates small, rounded, and interconnected cavities or pits on the surface of rocks. These formations resemble a honeycomb or sponge-like pattern and can be found in a number of natural geological environments and in older buidling stones. There are a number of different kinds of honeycomb weathering:
1. Dissolution Weathering: This type of honeycomb weathering is commonly associated with soluble rocks like limestone and can occur in both coastal and inland environments. It is caused by the dissolution of the rock's mineral components due to chemical reactions with water and certain acids. Over time, the dissolution creates interconnected pits and cavities, resulting in a honeycomb appearance on the rock surface.
2. Salt Weathering: Salt weathering is another prominent cause of honeycomb weathering, particularly in arid or desert regions. It occurs when water infiltrates porous rocks and evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals. As the crystals grow and expand, they exert pressure on the rock, leading to the formation of small pits or cavities. Over time, this process can create a honeycomb-like pattern on the rock surface.
3. Freeze-Thaw Weathering: In colder climates, honeycomb weathering can occur due to freeze-thaw cycles. Water enters cracks or pores within the rock, and when it freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. This repeated freezing and thawing causes the surface to break apart and form small pits or cavities. Over time, these cavities may coalesce and create a honeycomb pattern.
There are also two sub dividing categories of honeycomb weathering. These are supertidal and supratidal. One occurs as a result of tide and one doesn't.
An example of honeycomb weathering from a cliff on Skye.
The EarthCache:
In order to log a find you are required to complete the following questions and tasks and send your answers to me via the message centre.
You do not need to wait for a response before logging this EarthCache. I try to respond to all submissions if I can. However, any finds logged without completing the tasks and sending me their answers may have their log deleted.
1. Please describe the honeycomb weathering that you can see on the south side of the tower. (Pattern, size, shapes etc)
2. What kind of honeycomb weathering do you think is occurring here?
3. Please estimate or measure the size of the largest hole you can find .
4. Why do you think the honeycomb weathering is only found in this one area of stone?.
5. Attach to your log a photo of you/your GPS or other personal object with the west side of the tower in the background. Please do not post photos of the south side picturing the honeycomb weathering.
'They should also be fed with the fat of wheat; and with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee.'
Psalm 81 v17