Event Agenda:
This is a earthcache educational event. Probably the first earthcaching type of event in South Africa. A social gathering which will leave you with a lot of thought and it will teach you something new. Anyone is welcome. Barbeton is truly unique and the beginning of life. Many people struggle with geological terms and here you have the opportunity to have a competent guide that will explain some of the geological formations and hopefully you will receive the answers to some of your questions.
Location Background:
In April of 2014, scientists reported finding evidence of the largest terrestrial meteor impact event to date near the Barberton Greenstone Belt. They estimated the impact occurred about 3.26 billion years ago and that the impactor was approximately 37 and 58 kilometers wide. Big enough to end all life on this planet. The crater from this event, if it still exists, has not yet been found. At 3.5 billion years old the Kaapvaal Craton was one of the earliest. Roughly 1.2 million square kilometers in area, it underlies much of Southern Africa as we know it today, stretching from the Barberton mountain land in the East to beyond Gaberone in the West; from the Limpopo in the North to the Free State in the South. It is probably related to the Pilbara Craton, on the west coast of Australia, for the two areas were one at the time. The oldest rocks are exposed near Barberton, and are only rivaled by rocks of a similar age in Greenland. Here you will follow the Barberton geological trail and you will learn about the geology of the area.
Event formalities:
The event organizer will arrange for a guide with no cost to the attendees. The name of the guide is Dave Mourant. The guide will escort us along this trail and he will explain the different sites. We will all gather at the event waypoint at 08h30 for 09h00. The guide will explain how the different geological formation is formed. He will show you in the field the exact example of this geological aspect. It is expected from you to study the earthcaches on the Barberton trail to ensure you understand the basics to appreciate the teaching. For example the word “Biomat” should not be a strange word. Only when your homework is done you will be able to appreciate the geological information and you will be able to grasp all of the information in context. After all we need to rewind time to 4.5 Billion years ago. Also please note that there are no focus on finding caches. There are several traditional caches along the route. It is possible to find them on your return trip to Barberton. Please do not delay the guide and respect his rulings .
Precautions and warnings:
Be warned. There are no toilets, shops or fuel stations along this trail. We will travel for a distance of 37 km from Barberton on a narrow and winding road up to the Bulembu border post close to Swaziland. Also 37 km return to Barbeton. Budget for about 4 hours maximum. If you have a weak bladder than this trail could end as a serious challenge. Stock up in Barberton with drinks, toilet paper, shovel, snacks, fuel, etc. You do not need a 4x4 to do this. Sedans is fine.
Geological formations for discussions and practicals in field:
Some of the geological formations that will be explained and discussed is as follows.
Preparation for event:
Please search for earthcaches on the Barberton trail and study them. You will find them close to the event. There is a lot to learn on this trail. Before the tour begins you will tested, written examination with a pass mark of 95%. If you fail we will leave you behind to do your homework. Lol. No I am not serious. Got you. On a serious note, it is for your benefit to do the background studies to truly enjoy the beauty of the remarkable geological trail. You will be standing in one of the oldest places on earth. If you study the EC's on this trail you will have the correct questions to ask. If you do not study them you will hear the theory and you will have the questions when you are at home.
Outcome
Hopefully the EC owners will join us and you will have the opportunity to discuss with them the answers and tasks to some of the EC's and receive the necessary permission to log. However, the EC owner will make a ruling about permission to log when we meet. We all have to obey their wishes. I hope many geocachers will be able to attend this event. Most important I hope the teams will be motivated to find more EC's when this event is completed. Hopefully we will be able to show geocachers the EC fun part. At least you will have good social company. Many more EC's exist in this area and they all offer good earthcaching learning experience. See you there.
Event summary details – where, when, etc.
Where do we meet? We will gather at S25 47.794 E31 02.833.
At what time? Saturday, 08H30 for 09h00. We will leave at exactly 09h00.
On which date? 08 August 2015.
How? We will visit the geological formation by vehicle one at a time.
Experience level? Beginner to master levels.
Interesting relevant links:
www.geotrail.co.za
http://www.earthcache.org/
Event Viewing Stats:
