Under no circumstances should you attempt to climb, carve your initials in or otherwise deface any of the canyon walls. Not only can you be cited for criminal trespass but, more importantly, this accelerates the erosion rate of the soils.
Please use caution on the trails and do not go beyond fences or overlooks. Erosion can cause the canyon walls to collapse without notice.
To log this EarthCache, answer the following questions and then send me an e-mail:
1. In your own words, what is an unconformity?
2. What are the similarities and differences in the Clayton and Providence Formation soils?
3. From this location, what is the average height of the Clayton formation?
4. From this location, estimate how high the rim of the canyon is.
5. With your "found it" log, include a photo of you or your group at your favorite place in the park. Optionally, you can take a photo of a personal item such as a geocoin or a piece of paper with your geocaching name.
If your answers are profoundly off, I’ll contact you. Otherwise, please log your find after your visit. Logs without accompanying answers sent will be deleted without notice. Sending the answers is a requirement, not a request. Please note that you will need to go to the bottom of the canyon, hence the higher terrain rating. If you are unwilling or unable to hike to the bottom, there are other exceptional caches out there.
Geological Unconformity
Unconformities are gaps in the geologic record that may indicate episodes of crustal deformation, erosion, and sea level variations. They are a feature of stratified rocks, and are therefore usually found in sediments. They are surfaces between two rock bodies that constitute a substantial break in the geologic record (sometimes people say inaccurately that "time" is missing). Unconformities represent times when deposition stopped, an interval of erosion removed some of the previously deposited rock, and finally deposition was resumed.
Providence Canyon
The canyon is located within the Coastal Plain region of Georgia and the soils were deposited between 59-74 million years ago by ancient streams, seas, deltas and coastal beaches. The sediments forming the canyon have been put into several geologic formations, the main two of which are:
- The Clayton Formation: This is the most visible top part of the canyon walls, deposited 65-55 million years ago. This sandy clay has a reddish color indicating the presence of iron ore, which is actually near the base of the formation.
- Providence Formation: This soil makes up most of the canyon wall and was deposited during the Cretaceous period, 70-65 million years ago. It consists of three separate layers where the sand has mixed with a variety of other minerals such as kaolin and mica.
At this location, if you look to the south, you can see where the two formations meet. This is the contact between the Clayton and the Providence Formation. Is this contact level and uniform or is it irregular and uneven? Most likely it is irregular and uneven. This is an unconformity.
Geologists call this an unconformity because it represents a gap in the geologic record, recording periods of erosion. Based on this and other evidence, geologists have concluded that sea level has not remained constant. Rather, it has undergone fluctuations.
When sea level was high, deposition occurred. When the sea level subsequently lowered, the area of previous deposited sediment was exposed, becoming “dry land.” Erosion then began to occur, creating an irregular surface. Sea level rose again at some point, flooding the land and depositing sediments on the eroded surface. This created the unconformity, which is preserved in the geologic record.
To log this EarthCache, answer the following questions and then send me an email:
1. In your own words, what is an unconformity?
2. What are the similarities and differences in the Clayton and Providence Formation soils?
3. From this location, what is the average height of the Clayton formation?
4. From this location, estimate how high the rim of the canyon is.
5. With your "found it" log, include a photo of you or your group at your favorite place in the park. Optionally, you can take a photo of a personal item such as a geocoin or a piece of paper with your geocaching name.
Providence Canyon State Park
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area is a 1,003 acre state park located in Stewart County in Southwest Georgia. Providence Canyon is sometimes called Georgia’s, “Little Grand Canyon” and is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. The erosion though is not purely a natural feature; the massive gullies were initially caused by erosion due to poor farming practices starting in the early 19th century.
Hours (subject to change):
- Outdoor Recreation Area: 7am – 6pm
- Visitor Center: September 15 – April 14, Wednesday – Sunday 8am – 6pm; April 15 – September 14, Wednesday – Sunday 8am – 9pm
Fees and Passes: $5 parking but annual passes are available
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