Natural Tunnel Earthcache EarthCache
Natural Tunnel Earthcache
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Since the 1880s, about the time famous statesman William Jennings Bryan declared it the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Natural Tunnel has attracted sightseers from all parts of the country. It is said Daniel Boone was among the first explorers to see the tunnel, and it was an area well known to the local Indians and hunters prior to that. However, the tunnel got its start long before man was on the scene.
This is an EarthCache. An Earthcache is an educational form of a virtual cache. The reward for these caches is learning more about the planet on which we live - its landscapes, its geology or the minerals and fossils that are found there. Earthcaches are developed in association with the Geological Society of America.
The amphitheater is a deep semicircular basin excavated in limestone that marks the beginning of Stock Creek Gorge. The walls of this huge limestone basin are nearly vertical, rising to heights of more than 400 feet.
Natural Tunnel
Natural Tunnel is believed to be about one million years old and started forming during the early part of the Pleistocene Epoch. The cave was initially formed at or near the water table by ground water bearing carbonic acid that percolated through cracks and crevices and slowly dissolved the surrounding limestone and dolomite bedrock. After the cave was formed and the regional water table lowered, Stock Creek, which flows south to join the Clinch River, was probably diverted underground. It has since used the tunnel as a path of least resistance through the end of Purchase Ridge. The tunnel has been further enlarged over the years by the erosive action of this stream.
From Lovers Leap
Towards Lovers Leap
Creeks and rivers are constantly changing course. Stock Creek once flowed high atop the amphitheater before it diverted underground and eroded its way through the rock to create the Natural Tunnel.
To Log a find on this beautiful scenic earthcache you must email me:
- (1)How high do you think the top amphitheater is from the present stream bed? a. 100 feet b. 300 feet c. 1000 feet
- (2) Please take a picture of yourself/team with gps in hand ,standing with the Tunnel behind you (we love to see other cachers enjoying the view).
FTF HONORS GO TO Photo Jenni !!!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)