The Bowl EarthCache
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Welcome to The Bowl.....
This location has the "WOW" factor.
To reach this location, take the I-15 to Exit 88 Hidden Valley
cross over the cattle guard heading east (follow your GPS) – Child waypoint below.
Follow the road - a well graded dirt road. Park off to the side of the road anywhere you are comfortable.
This is a bowl-shaped geological formation, part of the Weiser Ridge, and Weiser Valley. It is formed by high ridges on all four sides.
Definition: Bowl
1 : a concave usually nearly hemispherical vessel; specifically : a drinking vessel (as for wine)
2 : the contents of a bowl, 3 : a bowl-shaped or concave part: as a : the hollow of a spoon or tobacco pipe b : the receptacle of a toilet, 4 a : a natural formation or geographical region shaped like a bowl b : a bowl-shaped structure; especially : an athletic stadium, 5 : a postseason football game between specially invited teams (Definition from www.merriam-webster.com)
The most commonly known bowl formations are impact craters. A famous example would be at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Another carter example can be found at Cinder Cone in Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County GCZCK0.
OBSERVATION: Unlike a crater, or cinder cone this bowl is formed by a combination of tectonic activity and erosion. “Most of the rocks exposed at the surface of Earth are sedimentary--formed from particles of older rocks that have been broken apart by water or wind. The gravel, sand, and mud settle to the bottom in rivers, lakes, and oceans. These sedimentary particles may bury living and dead animals and plants on the lake or sea bottom. With the passage of time and the accumulation of more particles, and often with chemical changes, the sediments at the bottom of the pile become rock. Gravel becomes a rock called conglomerate, sand becomes sandstone, mud becomes mudstone or shale, and the animal skeletons and plant pieces can become fossils.”(*) In “The Bowl” there are two main types of rock. You will be able to see the two clearly at the site. The most prevalent is the volcanic rock. Easily identified by its grey color and sharp feeling, often causing a “shredding” effect to the bottom of shoes. Additionally Aztec Sandstone is also present, identifiable by is red/orange color and sanding feeling. While Aztec Sandstone is well known in the area, this location only has one major deposit. This deposit adds to the shape and over all interest in “The Bowl”.
When two plates press against each other until the land is lifted and folded over itself. Plates pushed up and over each other on four sides of this area. This forces the layers of rock to put up vertically to form mountains or tall ridges. Once the mountains or ridges were in place this bowl continued to form through erosion. Erosion carried small pieces to the valley floor until the bottom is full, creating a very rounded circular shape, like the bottom of a bowl. Erosion can be caused in several ways. Most common, water cutting a path from high to low ground. This is shown in deep cuts to the ground or rock. Wind carries small particles that are smashed/thrown on to larger rocks until pieces wear away. For an example of this visit Earthcache The Beehives-An Example of Wind Erosion GC1PPNG. Wind erosion can also come in the form of wind moving or “knocking off” larger pebble sized rocks that tumble to lower ground. Very much in the same way a child might toss a rock of the edge and watch it fall. (Of course this is not recommended, just an illustration of this example.)
At this location you will be able to see examples of and answer these questions to complete the Earthcache:
Rock layers or strata
a) How many obvious layers of rock are in the “The Bowl” (volcanic, Aztec sandstone etc)?
b) What are the three main colors of rock or layers in “The Bowl”?
c) What is the most pronounced ring of color, and what type of rock is it?
d) **Bonus Question: What causes this pronounced color?
Erosion and it’s roll in the formation of “The Bowl”
a) What two forces of nature contributed to the formation of "The Bowl"
b) What is the color of the bottom of “The Bowl”, and why?
Capability in use of your GPS
a) What is the elevation at the edge of the bowl at the posted coordinates (from your GPS)?
Another more well known bowl formation formed in the same way is the "valley" Las Vegas, NV sits in, approximately 35 miles south, Or the lesser know Delamar Valley approximately 100 mile north.
This is a great place to take the kids and have a picnic. Of course please be careful at or near the edge of the bowl. If you like this stop, there are many BLM marked off road trails below that will take you into the bowl and the surrounding areas for a closer look. High clearance and 4x4 recommended on the trails.
Don't miss these caches on the way in or on your way out!
GCPPM8 Billy Bob's Teeth
GC1ZFJD On The Way To Or From?
GC201H1 Up up and Away
GCQ4H9 Test Tube 3
GC206GE Elephant Trunk Cache
GCQ62P One More For The Road
GCZGER The Bowl
FURTHER EXPLORATION NEARBY:
• From I-15 Exit 75 Visit the Valley of Fire State Park – incredible Aztec Sandstone, with petro glyphs
• From I-15 Exit 93 Visit the Lost City Museum – early man site
• From I-15 Exit 93 Visit the Lake Mead National Recreation Area
BASIC VISITOR-USE AND PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC LANDS IN NEVADA:
All visitors need to plan ahead and prepare for outings in Nevada’s public lands by:
• Knowing the regulations and special concerns for the area you are planning to visit (obeying laws that prohibit collection or destruction of artifacts);
• Carrying a map and a GPS unit and/or compass (Maps are available for purchase at all BLM offices and from the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, www.nbmg.unr.edu.);
• Staying on existing roads and trails;
• Staying away from all mine shafts and adits;
• Planning for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies;
• Carrying a full-size spare tire, extra food, water, and warm clothing;
• Being aware that cell phones DO NOT usually work in the rural areas away from the major highways;
• Leaving your travel plans with a responsible party, including the date and time of your return;
• Linking to “Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace” websites (www.treadlightly.org and www.lnt.org).
(*) From (visit link)
Additional Hints
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