War Memorial # 2392 ~ Stourbridge EarthCache

Stourbridge War Memorial 

The memorial in Mary Stevens Park was financed by public subscription in memory of those who fell in the First World War and was originally erected outside the public library in 1923. It was designed by Ernest Pickford and unveiled by the Earl of Coventry on 16 February 1923. It was later moved to its present position in Mary Stevens Park in the 1960's.

Logging Requirements (Questions to Answer)

Compulsory tasks in order to log a find against this EarthCache, you will need to visit GZ and make some observations and then answer some questions and send answers to me via my Geocaching profile or through the Messenger Centre.

The monument is constructed of sedimentary sandstone on igneous granite steps.
 

1) Examine the memorial. Describe any weathering you can see.

2) Using the information below, what type of weathering do you think has taken place?

3) Based on your observations at the given locations, which of these rocks is more porous.

4) Looking at the steps. Based on there condition, was this a good choice for this feature?

5) Also Include in your log a photograph of you, your GPS or another identifiable item near GZ, taking care not to include anything in the photo that may give away your answers.

Differing permeability of rocks

Igneous and sedimentary rocks differ significantly in their formation processes and hardness. Igneous rocks originate from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava. This process, either deep within the Earth's crust (intrusive) or on its surface (extrusive), results in the formation of crystals, giving igneous rocks a generally hard and crystalline structure. On the other hand, sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and cementation of sediments, such as mineral and organic particles, over time. These sediments are often derived from the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks. Due to their formation from loosely compacted materials, sedimentary rocks are typically softer compared to igneous rocks. The contrasting processes of solidification from molten material versus sediment compaction contribute to the distinct textures and hardness levels observed in these two major rock types.

Granite.  An igneous rock, igneous rocks form from molten magma that cools and solidifies either underground (intrusive) or on the Earth's surface (extrusive). This process usually results in a tightly interlocking crystalline structure, making igneous rocks less permeable compared to sedimentary rocks. The dense, crystalline nature of igneous rocks restricts the movement of fluids through them, resulting in lower permeability overall.

Sandstone. In contrast sandstone is composed mostly of sand particles, which are of medium size; therefore, sandstone is a medium grained clastic sedimentary rock. More precisely, sand is between 1/16 millimeter and 2 mm in size (silt is finer and gravel is coarser). The sand grains that makeup sandstone are aptly referred to as framework grains.

Due to their loose makeup, sedimentary rocks often have higher permeability, allowing fluids like water to flow more readily through their pores and fractures. However this also means they are easier to carve, which makes them a popular choice for more ornate monuments, memorials and buildings.

Weathering.

Weathering is the process of decomposing, breaking up, or changing the colour of rocks. Weathering may be caused by the action of water, air, chemicals, plants or animals.

Once the small pieces of rocks are changed or broken apart by weathering, they may start to be moved by wind, water, or ice. When the smaller rock pieces (now pebbles, sand or soil) are moved by these natural forces, it is called erosion.

So, if a rock is changed or broken but stays where it is, it is called weathering. If the pieces of weathered rock are moved away, it is called erosion.

Types of Weathering.

Chemical weathering - involves chemical changes in the minerals of the rock, or on the surface of the rock that make the rock change its shape or color. Carbon dioxide, oxygen, water, and acids may all cause chemical weathering.

Physical weathering - is the process of breaking a large rock into smaller pieces without changing the minerals in the rock. Physical weathering may be caused by frost, ice, running water or heat from the sun..

Biological weathering - living organisms contribute toward the weathering process. Examples include plant roots growing into and expanding cracks in rocks, and the slow impact of algae and lichens which extract vital minerals from the rock by releasing chemicals which weaken and then break down the exposed surfaces of the rock.