1. What material is this tunnel made with what kind of stone
2. Rub your fingers on it is the grain is it fine, course or medium ?
3.Do you see any signs of weathering?
4. On the posted waypoint side There is three rows of courses as you go through the tunnel the far end by the river has six. What is the difference between the upper rocks and the lower rocks?
5. Post a picture of you or an item that identifies you in the tunnel.
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed by the compaction and cementation of sand grains, typically quartz or feldspar, over millions of years. It is commonly found worldwide in deserts, river deltas, and beaches, often appearing in shades of red, yellow, brown, or white
. Durable and porous, it is widely used for construction, paving, and industrial applications
- Formation: Sandstone originates from the accumulation of sand-sized particles (1/16 mm to 2 mm) deposited by water, ice, or wind, which are then cemented together by minerals like silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide.
- Common Uses: Because of its durability and aesthetic appeal, it is used for building stone, paving, flooring, and landscaping. It is also used in manufacturing glass and in industrial applications as an abrasive.
The sandstone used for the culverts and tunnel construction in the Shenks Ferry area was sourced locally from the immediate Susquehanna River valley, utilizing sandstone blocks and local material cut from the riverbed and nearby hillsides.
The surrounding region contains limestone and sandstone, according to USGS research, which were used to bridge the steep-walled stream valleys,
This specific Tunnel is often visited in the Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve on Green hill Road
WEATHERING
Weathering is the natural process of breaking down, decomposing, or changing rocks and minerals on Earth’s surface into smaller pieces (sediment) and new substances. Caused primarily by water, ice, temperature changes, and biological activity, it works with erosion to shape landforms and create soil. There are three main types: physical(mechanical), chemical, and biological.