GC5WCMG Drip Drop (Earthcache) in London, United Kingdom created by mr matto

This cache has been archived.

geoawareUK2: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. It is not normal to unarchive a cache, which has been archived due to a lack of maintenance.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile and quote the cache name and number.

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GeoawareUK2

GC5WCMG ▼

A cache by mr matto Message this owner

Hidden : 5/27/2015

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Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Enter the Subway from Altyre Road, and just beyond the entrance have a look up, and down!

A stalactite is a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves, hot springs, or manmade structures such as bridges and mines. Directly below on the ground stalagmites form.

Stalactites can also form on concrete. The way stalactites form on concrete is due to different chemistry than those that form naturally in caves and is the result of the presence of calcium oxide in the concrete. This calcium oxide reacts with any rainwater that penetrates the concrete to form a solution.

Over time this solution reaches the edge of the concrete and, if the concrete is suspended in the air, for example, in a ceiling or a beam, then this will drip down from the edge.

As it drips the solution comes into contact with carbon dioxide in the air resulting in another chemical reaction where calcium carbonate is produced.

As this solution drips down it leaves behind particles of calcium carbonate and over time these form into a stalactite.

On the ground below where the drips fall you will often see a white patch - the beginnings of a stalagmite. These tend to get damaged by people walking on them and rarely form more than a faint bump, however when seen underground they can be many meters high.

To log this earthcache please email me the answers the following 4 questions. The first and last questions will require some research, the second and third can be answered at the location. You do not need to wait for a reply before logging, however if I don't receive an email within 2 weeks I may delete your log!

1) What solution is created when the calcium oxide in the concrete reacts with rain water?

2) On which side of the path (looking from the entrance ramp) are the beginnings of stalagmites on the ground more pronounced, near the left hand wall or the right hand wall? Remember they are just going to be faint white patches on the ground.

3) Bearing in mind that stalactites can grow 1cm a year in these conditions, how old do you think the longest ones have been growing?

4) Is this growth rate faster or slower than you'd expect to see underground?

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Drip Drop EarthCache

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