It may surprise many to know that the Cup and Saucer on Manitoulin Island is one of the most popular hiking trains in Ontario and is part of the Niagara Escarpment which was formed over 450 million years ago.
The Niagara Escarpment is a long escarpment or cuesta, that runs predominantly east/west from its eastern most point near Watertown, New York, through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. It is composed of the Lockport geological formation of Silurian age, and is similar to the Onondaga geological formation.
The escarpment's caprock is dolomitic limestone ("dolostone"), which is more resistant and overlies weaker, more easily eroded shale as a weathering-resistant "cap". The escarpment thus formed over millions of years through a process of differential erosion of rocks of different hardnesses. Through time the soft rocks weather away or erode by the action of streams. The gradual removal of the soft rocks undercuts the resistant caprock, leaving a cliff or escarpment. Manitoulin Island is physio-graphically part of Southern Ontario, and is a continuation of the Bruce Peninsula and Niagara Escarpment, a geological rock formation running south into Niagara Falls and continuing into New York. The region characterized by low relief and sedimentary underpinnings.
While the Niagara Escarpments most famous feature is Niagara Falls, the Cup and Saucer is also part of the Escarpment and is the highest point on Manitoulin Island, well known to the residents and visitors to Manitoulin Island providing spectacular views for those who hike to its top.
Interesting fact #1 - The Lafarge Quarry, located about six kilometers from the village of Meldrum Bay, is the largest quarry operation in Canada, mining a common mineral found in the Niagara Escarpment which is used in concrete and road construction. This product is shipped all over the world from the quarry in ocean going freighters.
Interesting fact # 2 - The mineral composition of the Niagara Escarpment has protected the lakes and fish on Manitoulin Island from "acid rain" .
Interesting fact # 3 - Manitoulin Island, in Lake Huron, is the world’s largest island surrounded by freshwater. The island itself has 108 freshwater lakes; its area is 2,766 km² (1,068 square miles) and; has a permanent population of 12 thousand people.
To meet the requirements of this cache you must:
1 - Post a photograph you (or a member of your party) at the Cup and Saucer Lookout (- This is OPTIONAL but adds to the enjoyment of the game) and;
2 Email me (do not post) the answers to the following:
(a) What is the height of the Cup and Saucer
(b) What is predominate rock (mineral) forming the Cup and Saucer
(c) How does the mineral composition protect the lakes and fish from "Acid Rain"? You may register the find however if you do not fulfill the requirements of this cache, your log will be deleted.