John Day Fossil Beds (Mascall Formation Overlook) EarthCache
John Day Fossil Beds (Mascall Formation Overlook)
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We decided to place this cache as a Thank You to all of the Oregon
Cachers who have placed and continue to maintain caches in this
fine state. It made our adventures here memorable. Plus, Mini R
(4yrs old) is going to be a Paleontologist so this is a fitting
location for our first Earth Cache.
This location provides an observation platform from which you can
envision a world from long ago. Unlike the more popular Dinosaur
fossil beds & related museums, this area is a treasure trove of
fossil records from the time of early mammal development.
At the nearby Thomas Condon Paleontology Center you can see many of
the fossils that have been recovered from the surrounding
area.
This Earth Cache is focused on the forces that created such a
fossil rich environment. Between 16.6 & 15 million years ago
this area was flooded with lava basalts that covered much of the
area. Later, 15-12 million years ago, volcanic eruptions from over
80 miles away covered this area with hot ash and volcanic debris
fossilizing plant and animal life from that time period.
The perpetual cycle of volcanic activity in the Oregon area has
produced much of Oregon's beautiful landscape. In this particular
area, this volcanic activity also entombed a large amount of plant
and animal life that has created a fossil record and greatly
assisted humankind in understanding the evolution of life through
an important time of transition.
To log this cache please e-mail us the answers to the following
questions:
1. Estimate the thickness of the basalt flow at Picture Gorge and
the ridge lines to the north.
2. What is the name of the fiery deposit that long ago settled into
the valley bottoms and now creates the rim rock layer atop the
mesas around you?
3. What is your elevation at the Earth Cache location?
It in not a requirement to post a photo of you at the site but Mini
R would love the chance to see your adventures!
***At the request of the Chief of Interpretation at the John Day
Fossil Beds National Monument we are adding this very appropriate
caution: "The soil, vegetation and formations of John Day Fossil
Beds National Monument are very fragile. As you explore the
monument, please stay on designated trails to help us all protect
this fascinating place." Please keep this request in mind both at
this Earth Cache site and while exploring the surrounding
area.***
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