Nature's Building Blocks - Radon Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

gpsfun: This cache has been archived. If the owner would like to replace it and have it reinstated, please contact me through my profile.

Please note that unarchiving a cache places it through the same review process as a newly proposed cache, using the cache placement guidelines currently in effect.

-gpsfun
geocaching.com volunteer reviewer

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Hidden : 12/31/2003
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Learn more about the "Silent Killer in the Basement" while hunting for this cache is Saugus, Massachusetts.

Radon has been of growing concern in the past 20 yrs due to its possible links to lung cancer and other diseases. All radon is radioactive and decays away quickly, the problem is that it is being constantly produced. Here in New England we get more than most areas due to the high amount of granite in the region.

Radon is produced by one of the three natural decay chains present on earth. Uranium present in rocks decays through several steps to produce radon which being a gas travels upward (into basements, houses, etc...). There it can decay itself into other longer lived radioactive solids, which are deposited on food, in the human lungs...

The coordinates above start you off on the trail of the Radon cache but you'll need to find some info both before you leave the house and en route.

First you need to find the atomic number of uranium, this is available off any periodic table or easily found online. Next it becomes a little more tricky, first you need to locate the natural decay chain starting with Uranium 238 (often written U-238). From this you need two pieces of information: the mass number of the major Radon isotope (Rn-###) and the decay product further down the chain which causes the most adverse health effects (Pb-###). All of this information is available online, or in any good earth science/physics book at the high school level or higher.

Next you need to physically travel to the area with the cache in it and get some numbers. At your starting point you will notice a wooden sign attached to the guardhouse it reads "Beach ###m". Note whatever number(s) it reads. Then you need to go to (N42 29.526' W071 01.905') where you will find a numbered gate. Take note of those number(s).

Now you are set to locate the Radon cache. It is at:

N42 29.ABC W071 0D.E

To determine A: Take the mass number (###) of the isotope with the most adverse health effects and add the numbers together then add one (#+#+#+1=A)

To determine B: Take the gate number and subtract the Beach sign number.

To determine C: Subtract the Beach sign number from 6.

To determine D: Take the second digit of Uraniums atomic number.

To determine E: Take the mass number of the most common radon isotope and subtract 6 from it (this will leave a 3 digit number).

At placement the cache contained:

-Mardi Gras coins in a Bernie Bott's Every Flavour Beans pouch
-Where's George Dollar
-Glass prism
-Koosh ball
-Glass suncatcher
-Plastic whistle
-Pedometer (new)
-Hacky sack
-Velco watch band

The cache container seals very securely, you may want to bring a coin or small screwdriver to pry it open if that is needed.

Hope you enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Jung xvaq bs ebpxf unir ynetr nzbhagf bs henavhz va gurz naq ner ybpngrq va Arj Ratynaq?

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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