Selim's Silk Road EarthCache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(other)
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Seilim's
Pass
This impressive mountain pass has been used for many
centuries. The pass brings travellers from the valley below
(village of Aghnjadzor) to the Caravanserai. The pass meanders up
through a sedimentary rocks and a wonderful example of a hard
volcanic layer preventing the softer layers underneath from being
eroded. Leading to an impressive looking "castle-like"
mountain.
As you drive up (or down) the pass,
you will notice lighter coloured rocks on layers. These are
sedimentary rocks laid down under the basalt plateau. you will also
notice that these layers are not flat but at an angle, indicating
that tilting has occurred in the past.
The caravanserai itself is constructed from
basalt, a harder, darker rock. this caravanserai formed part of the
Silk Road from China to Europe. It is believed that there was not a
single route but a number of branches and alternative routes
preferred by various traders and that changed according to safety,
weather, personal preference and political turmoil in the region.
The building itself is incredibly interesting with three areas -
including an area for animals to rest and feed. The building has an
inscription dating it to at least 1332!
In order to substantiate your visit and be able to claim this
Earthcache, a number of questions need to be answered and submitted
to the cache developer, via e-mail.
You should also post a photograph on the site with your log of you
or your team and GPSr standing near GZ. There are stunning views
here and it would be an absolute shame to come here without a
camera to preserve your memories [OPTIONAL].
1. Describe your trip up (or down) the pass. Particularly mention
the points of geological and geographic interest (rock formations,
rivers, gorges,rock colours, shapes of folding etc.).
2. Describe the rock that is used in the construction of the
caravanserai Describe the crystals and any layering you may
see int he rock. Is this IGNEOUS (volcanic); SEDIMENTRAY or
METAMORPHIC rock?
3. Please note and post photographs of any other interesting things
you saw at this cache or in the area. I look forward to all the
interesting logs. You are welcome to add this part to your cache
log too.
NOTE: You may log your visit prior to approval, but e-mail
submissions that do not meet the above criteria will be
deleted.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Erzrzore gb fraq lbhe rznvy naq ybt n cubgb va lbhe cbfg! Ab culfvpny pbagnvare urer – guvf vf n IVEGHNY pnpur.