The bat population here has been infected with a deadly fungal disease that doesn't affect humans but can be transported to other bat populations on your shoes, clothing, gear, and by your pets. Please obey all signs and do not hike off-trail in a protected area.
Discovering Rocks
Rocks come in all different shapes and sizes. Geologists classify rocks into three main groups based on how they were formed: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. In Geauga County you can find examples of all three kinds. The 320-360 million year old sedimentary rocks form our underlying bedrock, while the igneous and metamorphic rocks were transported here by the glacier and deposited 10-12,000 years ago. As you make your way along the trail you will search for each class of rock and complete the corresponding challenge regarding that rock type.
Sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone, limestone and shale, are formed from particles of mud, silt, sand, pebbles, shells, and other fragments called sediment that were deposited, usually by water. The sediment accumulates in layers over a long period of time and gradually hardens into rock. Sedimentary rocks preserve a record of what the environment was like at the time when they formed. Fossils of ancient living things are often found preserved in sedimentary rocks. Conglomerate rock is made up of sand and quartz pebbles and was deposited by intertwined streams coming out of Canada.
Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma) deep within the earth cools and hardens. Sometimes the magma cools slowly inside the earth, and forms rocks full of large crystals like granite. Other times it erupts onto the surface from volcanoes (lava) and cools rapidly so no crystals form and the rock looks shiny and glass-like. If gas bubbles are trapped in the rock during the cooling process, tiny holes and spaces form in the rock. Basalt and obsidian are examples.
Just as some insects go through metamorphosis, rocks can metamorphose or change as well. Metamorphic rocks formed deep underground from intense heat and pressure (squeezing). When a rock is metamorphosed, its mineral crystals change, realigning themselves and forming new crystals or growing new types of minerals that weren't in the rock before. The rocks that result often have shiny or colorful bands or layers of minerals such as mica or quartz. Gneiss, schist, slate and marble are some examples of this rock.
Logging requirements:
1) Rock 1 can be found at N 41° 27.491 W 081° 17.785 This brown & white rock contains crystals of various minerals. What type of rock is it? Measure around the largest part of the rock.
2) Rock 2 can be found at N 41° 27.507 W 081° 17.789 What type of rock is it? What color are the larger minerals in the widest band?
3) Rock 3 can be found at N 41° 27.622 W 081° 17.819 What type of rock is it? Measure the height from the ground to the lowest pebble band seven feet to the right of the “cave” opening.
Please message with answers for the tasks at all 3 rocks.
Your rock type answer choices are sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic.
Dogs must be leashed at all times while visiting Geauga Park District properties.
Park closes at 11 pm but the earth cache should be visited during the day for ease in finding the answers.