Scollard Run Gorge and Springfield Furnace EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

rainbowtree: DO NOT post a log to this cache.
If you choose to disregard CO's request and log this archived cache, be sure you have the following ...
1. Pics at the required coordinates with you or your signature item as verification of visit.
2. All questions completely/thoughtfully answered.
A special thank you to those who completed all the requirements as requested -and- added the Journeys to your log.

More
Hidden : 7/18/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:

1. MESSAGE :-) or EMAIL …. Question 1 - Criteria One

2. MESSAGE :-) or EMAIL …. Question 2 - Criteria Two

3. MESSAGE :-) or EMAIL …. Question 3 - Criteria Three

OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in finding and creating this earthcache by adding A B C to your log.

A. Post a picture at or near the posted coords. This picture is your log signature verifying that you were at the earthcache.

B. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.

C. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you ... prose / story / poem / picture. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.


BLAST FURNACES

A blast furnace is a type of metallurgical furnace used for smelting to produce industrial metals, generally iron, but also others such as lead or copper.

In a blast furnace, fuel, ore, and flux (limestone) are continuously supplied through the top of the furnace, while a hot blast of air (sometimes with oxygen enrichment) is blown into the lower section of the furnace through a series of pipes called tuyeres, so that the chemical reactions take place throughout the furnace as the material moves downward. The end products are usually molten metal and slag phases tapped from the bottom, and flue gases exiting from the top of the furnace. The downward flow of the ore and flux in contact with an upflow of hot, carbon monoxide-rich combustion gases is a countercurrent exchange process.

Four criteria were necessary to the successful implementation and continued operation of an economically viable blast furnace. ... availability of a power source / proximity to a steep slope / availability of resources / accessibility to market

SCOLLARD RUN GORGE

At the posted coords, you are viewing two of these criteria .... Availability of a power source -and- Proximity to a steep slope. Springfield Waterfall and Scollard Run Gorge were formed by glacial meltwaters 14,000 years ago.

Question 1 - Criteria One. Based on your observations at the posted coords, what is the direction of flow of the stream? What is unique about this stream? HINT: One of the few streams in the country that ----- -----.

Question 2 - Criteria Two. Based on your observations (or information on this page), how steep / deep is the gorge?

SPRINGFIELD IRON FURNACE

At Stage 2, there is a path leading to the remains of the Springfield Furnace. This is open to the public interested in the historical and archeological aspects of the ironmaking operation, as well as the casual visitor interested in Mercer County's cultural and industrial heritage. At this site were the other two criteria necessary to operate a blast furnace - Availability of resources -and- Accessibility to market.

NOTE: The trail is only open during business hours. Stop in to let them know you would like to walk the trail. Be sure to stay on the trail and not venture beyond the roped off area and the wooden barriers. Based on another cacher's experience, it appears permission is based on who is on duty at the time. There is no need to actually walk the trail to complete the answers to this earthcache.

Question 3 - Criteria Three. The area was rich in the natural materials necessary for operation of the blast furnace. These materials were either formed through geological processes or transported by glaciers. At Stage 2, you will observe a unique rock. Based on the sign and your observations, what does the rock show? Based on this information and your observations of the surrounding area, were the raw materials formed through geological processes or transported by glaciers? Explain.

NOTE: This is found at the end of the parking lot. No need to walk the trail to complete this earthcache.

OPTIONAL

During business hours the nature trail displays a 1905 Railroad bed and telegraph pole (Criteria Four - accessibility to market), Historic Springfield Iron Furnace (1837-1862), Ironmaster’s House and the Springfield Waterfall created by glacial activity.

You can enter the building and view the beautiful jewelry carved from unique material of the historic iron-making process of Western Pennsylvania's early settlers. .... Colors vary from chocolate browns to a mossy bluish-green teal color. The banding is random and in various swirls.

RESOURCES
http://www.brunojewelry.com/index.html
DIAMONDS BY THE WATERFALL!
http://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/springfield.shtml

Additional Hints (No hints available.)

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