Hoosier CaCO 3 Sinkhole EarthCache
This cache has been locked, but it is available for viewing.
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Located at the Welcome Center on I-64 West, this EarthCache will hopefully provide a simple yet educational opportunity to learn something about this area while you stretch your legs.
If you are a Munzee Hunter there is a bonus nearby for you as well.
The listed coordinates will take you to a plaque where you can find the information required to claim this EarthCache.
A sinkhole is a natural depression or hole in the Earth's surface caused by karst processes - which is the chemical dissolution of carbonate rock such as limestone.
About 10% of the earth's land (and 15% of the United States) surface consists limestone which is known for its durability and resistance to exposure, and is therefore especially popular in architecture.
In fact, it has been used to build many landmarks around the world, including the U.S. Department of Commerce & the Empire State Building, which happen to be made of Indiana Limestone.
It is not however resistant to the weak solution of carbonic acid found in underground water which can easily dissolve the bedrock.
When limestone interacts with underground water, the water dissolves the limestone to form karst topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock.
This geological process, occurring over thousands of years, results in unusual surface and underground features ranging from sinkholes, vertical shafts, disappearing streams, and springs, to complex underground drainage systems and caves.
While karst topography is named for the Kras plateau region of eastern Italy and western Slovenia, the greatest example of it in the world can be found right here in the United States.
About 116 miles south of here you can explore Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. It is home to The Mammoth Cave system which at over 350 miles long is the worlds longest cave system, and an example of the karst process at its finest.
~sources include wikipedia.org , in.gov , & about.com
To claim this EarthCache you must answer the following questions:
The answers to the questions can be found by reading the plaque at the given coordinates.
Once you email your answers, please log your find. There is no need to wait for a reply as incorrect answers or logs without answers will be deleted.
1.) What type of acid is formed as the result of rain & snow combining with carbon dioxide?
2.) What type of sinkhole is this?
3.) What chemical compound is limestone composed of?
4.) What geological time period does this bedrock belong to?
5.) Estimate the length of the sinkhole at it farthest points. (This can be done either by measuring it or walking its length.)
The last question is just for fun and does not require an answer.
6.) What does the title of the cache mean in laymans terms?
***To prevent your log from being deleted***
***PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR ANSWERS IN YOUR LOG***
My address is Mr.GeoZee@Gmail.com
While optional, I would appreciate if you would please take a photo of yourself/team and/or your GPS in hand from the listed coordinates & upload it with your log. - Please be careful to not give away the answers by making them visible in your photo.
Spoiler logs will be deleted
~ As with any EarthCache the point is for you the cacher to learn something new about the area. ~
This EarthCache was developed by a member of
The NorthWest Arkansas Cachers
that has proudly earned the following designations
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Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ernq gur cyndhr - Vs vgf fgvyy gurer... Vir orra gbyq gung qhr gb erprag sybbqvat vg znl or zvffvat, ubjrire znal unir thrffrq naq orra evtug!