Please note Scripture Rocks is only open from Dawn until Dusk. Please obey all park rules and regulations when visting this Earthcache
Sandstone at Scripture Rocks
The Scripture Rocks are a type of rock called sandstone. Sandstone is composed of rounded grains of river sand that became cemented together to make a hard durable stone. This sand was deposited 320 million years ago when western Pennsylvania was a tropical river delta along an inland sea. The sand was carried by the river from high mountains that then occupied portions of eastern Pennsylvania. Ripple marks formed by the river's current can be seen on the surface of the Veil-Lifting Rock. The river fed vast swamps that contained a luscious growth of tree-like plants called lepidodendron. These lepidodendron fossils can be found on many rocks throughout the park.
Lepidodendron Fossils
Lepidodendron also know as "scale tree" is an extinct prehistoric tree which was one the most abundant trees of the Carboniferous period. It lived in some of the wettest parts of the prehistoric coal swamps and commonly grew in dense stands. Lepidodendron was primitive, vascular and adsorbent and was related to modern day club mosses. It could grow to a height of over 180 feet (54 metres) and its trunk was often over 6 feet, or 1.8 meters in diameter. Its trunk produced little wood, and was composed instead of mostly soft tissues. Most of the structural support came from a thick, bark-like region in the trunk. The plant rarely branched, but when it did it was crowned with a cluster of long and narrow leaves which resembled large blades of grass spirally-arranged and ending in cones. Both the leaves and the trunk were green in color. By the end of the Mesozic era, this fascinating plant had unfortunately died out.
At the posted coordinates you will observe some fossils at the base of an informational sign. To get credit for this Earthcache, please send the answers to these three questions:
1. Have a close look at the sandstone surrounding the fossil in the matrix. Do the fossils seem to be embedded in the matrix, or can they be moved when touched?
2. Lepidodendron is also known as "scale tree". In your observation is there any evidence why it would be called that viewing the fossils in the matrix?
3. Describe in your own words how the fossils in the matrix feel to the touch.
4. Optional post a picture with any fossils you discovered on your journey doing this Earthcache