This Alcove is located in Angel Canyon, a short drive north of Kanab, Utah.
Alcoves are large, arched recessives formed in cliff walls. Although it may appear the same, an alcove is not the same as a cave. A cave is an underground chamber. An Alcove is located above ground. Alcove formation is assisted by water that is absorbed and seeps into cracks, freezing and thawing in them. It eventually expands and slowly pushs the rock apart. The water percolates through pores in the sandstone. It eventually reaches an impermeable layer of shale, which is much less porous than the sandstone. The water cannot pass through the shale so it is in constant contact with the sandstone in these areas. Over the ages, the water dissolves the calcium carbonate that cements the sandstone together. Eventually this causes the sandstone to fall apart and crumble. These portions can fall off in individual pieces of sand or large blocks of rock, creating the alcove. The fallen sandstone grains are then washed away during rain or blown away by the wind.
It is possible for enlarging alcoves to form an arche if they become deep enough to pierce a narrow bedrock wall or the back wall of another alcove. Many large arches seen in western states represent another variation of the alcove enlargement arch, the meander arch, which forms when a river enlarges alcoves on both sides.
A side view of an alcove reveals that they are c-shaped.
Logging requirements are that you email us answers to the following questions:
1 - Log the number of people in your party
2 - Estimate how far down the water must seep through these rocks to get to the ceiling of this alcove.
3 - Describe the surface of the rock at the ceiling of the alcove to that of the rock near the floor.
4 - Estimate the width of the alcove
5 - Optional - We would appreciate a photo of your visit. If you or a member of your team would like to pose in the alcove.
PLEASE NOTE: I will not be sending follow up requests for answers. If you do not complete the requirements,your log will be deleted. In order to claim this Earth Cache, you must follow through with the requirements, not just visit the site.
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TAKE ONLY PICTURES AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS