Berea Falls EarthCache

Although Berea Falls might not be the most spectacular waterfall in the Cleveland area, it is one of the more geologically unique. When you stand on the observation deck (coordinates above) you will be standing directly over the East Branch of the Rocky River. The Falls can be seen to the south.

For the past 2 million years the valley below you has been carved out, first by glaciers, then by the Rocky River. To the north of you the valley has been carved deep and wide through thin, brittle layers of shale (figure 1). But looking south from here the valley isn't nearly as deep. Why? Because from Berea Falls south the river is flowing over an erosion-resistant rock called Berea Sandstone (figure 2). The Berea Sandstone was formed hundreds of millions of years ago when the entire area was under a shallow inland ocean. Ancient rivers flowing down from an ancient eastern mountain range deposited large amounts of sand onto the ocean floor in what today is eastern Ohio. Over time the layers of sand became cemented together, forming this extremely durable and world-renowned rock. This massive Berea Sandstone formation comes to an abrupt end at its northern and western edges, dropping off sharply to form a long, steep slope called an escarpment (in this case, the Berea Escarpment). At Berea Falls, you can actually see the northern face of the Berea Escarpment as the water cascades down it, slowly eroding it and flattening it out.

What you see at Berea Falls, however, is only a small section of this 200-mile long escarpment. It begins in Berea just east of here and extends westwards into Erie County, where it turns south and continues on past Columbus. On a map it resembles a giant upside-down J. Although most of its length is buried beneath younger rock formations and glacial deposits, you can see evidence of it at some places, like here and at the Lakefront Property at Edison Woods Earthcache in Erie County. (At Edison Woods you can see it in its "true form" - as a steep slope. At Berea Falls it has been flattened out by glaciers and river erosion.)

But enough of that already - now it's your turn!

To claim credit for this cache, you must visit the Falls and answer the following questions:

1. The Berea Escarpment branches off of another escarpment at its eastern end. What is the name of that escarpment?
2. During what geological time period was the Berea Sandstone formed?
3. What is the name of the rock formation directly below the Berea Sandstone formation, and at what location can you see it?

The answers to all questions can be found at a kiosk nearby. Although you might be able to find different answers from other sources, only the answers from the kiosk will be accepted.

Do not post the answers in your log entry! Instead, geo-mail them to me within 3 days of logging your visit. (If you don't, earthcaching rules require me to delete your log!) While you're here, take the time to enjoy the all-purpose trail and notice the vast difference between the valley north of the escarpment and the valley south of the escarpment in terms of width, depth and rock formations (but please stay within the designated trails and recreation areas). If you feel like visiting the location mentioned in Question 3, follow the Valley Parkway 1/4 mile north. Also feel free to post pictures (just don't post any pictures that will give away the answers).

This is the first of a series of 4 Earthcaches that explore the Rocky River:

Thanks to the Cleveland Metroparks for supporting geocaching and permitting this cache.

FTF - InIt4theCache (during a major blizzard, no less!)

REFERENCES:

• "Berea Escarpment" Cleveland Metroparks signage (N41°22.706 W081°51.950)
• Roadside Geology of Ohio (First printing) by Mark J. Camp. (This is an excellent book and a must-have for Ohio Earthcachers!)
• Physiographic Regions of Ohio by C. Scott Brockman. (Thanks to the Ohio DNR for sharing this informative document on their website and to boatchick for finding it.)