Pilot Mountain EarthCache
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Located in Pilot Mountain State Park. Follow up the trail
For Eons this area in Western NC has seen great cataclysmic activity that have given us the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Pilot Mountain, called Jomeokee or "Great Guide" by the Saura Indians has given generations of Americans a reference point for navigation. Pilot Mountain was mapped in 1751 by Joshua Fry and the father of Thomas Jefferson, Peter Jefferson.
More information on the surrounding area. (Taken from the handout):
Pilot mountain and the surrounding area once sat under a shallow sea. Over time, this sea developed large layers of sedimentary rock such as sandstone. This area was then exposed to volatile volcanic conditions. As the magma cooled, the present granite stone was left behind and exposed to weathering. *Note: the rate of magma’s cooling will determine the type of rock that is formed and left behind. Following the volcanic activity, the area experienced strong seismic activity that further changed the geology of the region. Here the immense pressure and grinding caused the igneous and sedimentary rocks to become metamorphic rock. While visiting the area of western North Carolina, one can find many of the metamorphic rocks, such as quartzite, with emerald, aquamarine and golden beryl deposits. Today there are few igneous or sedimentary rocks remaining in the area. The area was once at the bottom of an ocean but like much of the east coast has been pushed up by tectonic actions. (Please note: it is prohibited to remove rocks from state parks)
Things to discover for "credit" for this EarthCache:
1. What type of rock protected the land feature from erosion like the surrounding area.
2. As the force of weather erosion continues, what river carried the debris to the piedmont.
3. When a rock is changed by heat or pressure, it is called ____________ Rock.
4. Using your GPSr or the information in handouts from the park, at what elevation are you viewing the peak, or from the handout, what is the elevation of the peak? __________________
In order to log the EarthCache, please send the answers in an email. Post a picture of yourself at the site in your log.
Resources on Geologic information:
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Additional Hints
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