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Stone Mountain Panholes EarthCache

Hidden : 12/8/2012
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   other (other)

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Geocache Description:

This Earthcache is at the Summit of Stone Mountain. You can gain access to this point by taking the hike up the mountain or by riding the Skyride. There is a $15 fee to enter the park and the Skyride is $5.50 each way. There is a discount for round trips and children. The hiking trail is 1.3 miles each way.
The Terrain rating as 3 because of the Skyride. If you choose to hike the trail up or down you should consider it a 4-5.

Stone Mountain is a fascinating place to explore.

This location contains a geological phenomenon known as a "Panhole"

Panholes are also referred to as "weathering pits." Contrary to the eroneous belief that they are the result of lightening strikes, they are actually formed as a result of chemical changes in the granite by water combining with organic acids from plants that have taken root on the granite, itself. This erosion slowly dissolves the granite. Over time, this erosion results in a natural progression of plant growth, and as smaller plants waste away, larger ones take root in the panholes.




To log this cache you must:
#1 - Measure the diameter of both panholes you find at the coordinates from top to bottom as you see them in the picture above.

#2 - Name two examples of plant life that you see within this area that could result in, and benefit from the panhole formation.

#3 - Using your gps, what is the elevation of these panholes?

For further verification:

You must post in your log a picture showing any part of the panholes in the background  

WITH YOUR USERNAME VISIBLE, CLEAR AND READABLE

written on the medium of your choice (paper, hand, phone, t-shirt, etc...)

Pictures taken with only yourself, your GPS or your Logo/Avatar are not accepted nor are photoshopped/edited pictures with your username inserted afterward.

Failure to follow these instructions will lead to your log deleted.

***Remember***
Follow Leave No Trace practices such as staying on marked trails, complying with posted signs, minimizing impacts to plants and fragile mountain habitats, and always packing out trash.
While searching for the cache, be sure to follow Lift-Look-Replace practices and put all stones or logs back where you found them.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)