Mesa Falls EarthCache
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Upper Mesa Falls will give you opportunities to see unique micro climates, two types of volcanic rocks, a spectacular river, and an amazing waterfall. All while strolling on a boardwalk. (Please stay on the boardwalk.)
There is visible evidence of two volcanic eruptions. The first eruption occurred 1.3 million years ago and formed 'Tuff'. Tuff is a composed of volcanic ash and other materials expelled in volcanic eruptions. The hottest and densest ash flowed almost like molten rock. Mesa Falls Tuff welded into a hard rock as it cooled.
Basalt came from a volcanic eruption 200,000 years ago. The nearly straight column walls in the area are known as columnar jointing. As the basalt flow cooled, the rock crystallized forming hexagonal patterns. The cooled rock shrank and fractured along parallel joint lines, creating six-sided rock columns. Freezing and thawing continue to accentuate these forms.
To log the cache answer the following question. Bonus points if you post a photo of yourself at the falls.
1. What type of volcanic rock does Mesa Falls flow over?
Additional Hints
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