Happy New Year 2025 May this year bring you joy adventure and plenty of successful geocaching finds
Important Notes
When you're at the cemetery, be respectful of the place and other visitors. Make sure to stay on the marked paths and avoid disturbing the gravestones or getting too close to them. It’s important to be mindful of the privacy of others and keep the area in good condition.
I’ve been to Scarborough Wombarra Cemetery a few times over the years, and each visit reminds me of its quiet beauty and the stories etched into its gravestones. Nestled along the breathtaking South Coast of New South Wales, the cemetery is more than a resting place for loved ones—it’s a fascinating site for exploring how nature interacts with history.
The gravestones are mostly made from sandstone, a rock formed millions of years ago from compacted sand. As I walk through the cemetery, I often think about how these stones tell not only the stories of the people they commemorate but also a geological tale shaped by time and the elements.
The Sandstone Story
When I stop and examine the gravestones, I see that the sandstone has a light to medium brown colour and a gritty, rough texture. This type of rock forms when sand grains are carried by rivers or wind and eventually settle and compress into stone. While the sandstone in the gravestones didn’t naturally occur here—it was quarried and shaped by people—it’s still fascinating to think about how its journey began millions of years ago in ancient riverbeds.
The sandstone is a mix of minerals, mostly quartz, and is held together by a natural cement like silica or iron oxide. Its porous nature means it readily absorbs water, making it vulnerable to weathering, especially in a coastal area like this. The proximity to the ocean adds salt to the mix, which accelerates the weathering process.
What is Weathering?
Weathering is the natural process that breaks down rocks over time due to exposure to environmental factors like wind, water, and living organisms. I’ve seen all three types of weathering in action here:
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Physical Weathering
This happens when rocks are broken into smaller pieces without changing their composition. In the cemetery, I’ve noticed cracks and flakes on the gravestones, likely caused by temperature changes. The sun warms the stones during the day, and they cool at night, which causes the rock to expand and contract. Over time, this leads to cracks and eventually pieces breaking off.
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Chemical Weathering
This type of weathering alters the minerals in the stone. Rainwater, slightly acidic from absorbing carbon dioxide in the air, reacts with the cement holding the sandstone together. I’ve noticed gravestones where the inscriptions have faded, and the surface looks rough and uneven—classic signs of chemical weathering.
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Biological Weathering
Living organisms also play a role. I’ve seen lichen and moss growing on some gravestones. These organisms secrete acids that can break down the minerals in the sandstone, while the moisture they trap encourages further decay.
The Effects of Weathering on Gravestones
Over the years, I’ve seen how weathering has transformed many gravestones here. Some have flaking surfaces, while others have inscriptions that are barely readable. Salt from the nearby ocean has likely seeped into the porous sandstone, causing it to weaken and crumble as the salt crystals expand.
It’s not just the environmental factors; time plays its part too. Older gravestones naturally show more wear and tear. Some, made from different materials like granite, seem to hold up better than the sandstone ones. Granite is denser and less porous, making it more resistant to weathering.
Questions for Logging Your Find
To log your EarthCache find at Scarborough Wombarra Cemetery, please answer the following questions based on your observations at the site:
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What is the colour of the sandstone gravestones at Scarborough Wombarra Cemetery, and what cementing material is involved in their formation?
- Based on your observations of the cemetery’s sandstone gravestones, describe the colour and texture. Refer to the geological description provided above to identify the cementing materials involved in their formation. Additionally, check the historical marker for further details regarding the type of sandstone used.
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What is the age of some of the gravestones at the cemetery, and what makes them more susceptible to weathering?
- how old are some of the gravestones? Discuss the weathering effects you observe on these stones, considering their age. Why do you think these gravestones are more affected by weathering compared to other types in the cemetery?
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How do you think these sandstone gravestones will continue to weather over time, and what is the expected lifespan of gravestones made from other materials in the cemetery?
- Based on the current condition of the gravestones, estimate how much longer they will remain intact before significant crumbling occurs. Also, discuss whether other types of gravestones in the cemetery (e.g., granite or marble) will last longer and why, considering their material properties and resistance to weathering.
Photo Task
Take a photo of yourself or a personal item with entrance sign to Scarborough Wombarra Cemetery.