This area has a lot to see geologically, from fossils, sedimentation and types of rocks, though when you explore and delve a little more, it is apparent that there is much more to see.
In this area, the geology is from the Yoredale series. The rocks were laid down during the Carboniferous period, with varying environments leading to sedimentation of rocks. At times, there were shallow tropical seas and lagoons, leading ultimately to limestone, then there were river deltas and swamps leading to sandstones and siltstones. These rocks contribute to the appearance of the land, particularly Penyghent with its stepped form. Though, there are plenty of EarthCaches which talk about the above subjects. We are here to look at something rather different.
We are here to examine the location indicated by the white square in the photograph. Be careful, it is rough and uneven underfoot.
So what are we here to see? Well we are here to learn about iron and its relation to this location.
So, what is iron? Well, its an element, and is the most common element on our planet. It has the symbol Fe. Though what is occuring here is also to do with the action of bacteria. Bacteria are micro-organisms, so small, that we cannot see them with the naked eye.
So, how is there Iron Bacteria here?
Well, its not canned and sold in the shop for us to drink. Iron bacteria gain the energy that they need to live and multiply by a process of oxidisation of iron. Basically, oxidisation is a type of chemical reaction, and in the case of iron bacteria, there is produced ferric oxide, which is insoluble (it does not dissolve in water), and presents as a browny yellow / orange gelanintous slime. Iron bacteria are known to be able to grow and reproduce in water containing a low concentration of iron, however enough oxygen is needed for the oxidisation process to occur. Iron bacteria grows in what is known as the transition zone, which is where water from an anerobic environment enters an aerobic environment. Anerobic, means lacking in oxygen, which aerobic means having oxygen. Iron bacteria will often cause staining of water, or nearby structures, and at times there may be an oily, rainbow like sheen on the water. At times, there can also be a feathery like growth of the bacterial colony apparent in the standing water.
This being an EarthCache, in order to log it, I ask that you answer some questions. Please send them to me, and do not include them in your log. You can send them to me by using the message facility or email, both of which can be found by looking at my profile.
1. Please observe the area under the white panel in the photo. Can you see any evidence of iron bacteria here? If so, describe what is visible?
2. Please examine the surrounding location, in what location is there an indication that iron bacteria is present? Please describe the specific indication.
3. How is iron bacteria formed?