MA - Armored Mud Balls EC EarthCache
MA - Armored Mud Balls EC
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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in our disclaimer.
This is an Earthcache, therefore there is no container to discover. The smiley is achieved through a geological lesson. . For more info, consult www.earthcache.org
This may be the ONLY armored mud balls earthcache you ever get to do, since there are only TEN locations in the world (at this time) where armored mud balls can be seen.
For the sake of paperless cachers, the logging requirements are listed first. Please find the complete description below.
Logging Requirements:
Send answers for #1-#4 to my profile contact.
1. Please list the GC# and Earthcache title
2. Find the the conglomerates at GZ -- find THREE mud balls (the darker globs in the lighter matrix) and MEASURE the width and height of all three. 3. Describe the COLOR(S) of the mud balls AND the armor.
4. (From description) What is the armor composed of?
What are Armored Mud balls?
Armored mud balls are round dark "mud" shapes present in a larger sedimentary rock surround with "composite" pebbles, the "armor."
How do Armored Mud Balls form?
They form when a chunk of mud from a stream bank falls into the water. As the chunk moves downstream, it is tumbled and rounded by the current, and eventually is pushed to the side of the stream where it picks up pebbles or "armor." It is then QUICKLY buried in sediment before it loses its distinct shape and form. The sediment (over time) turns into rock, completely encasing the armored mud ball.
Where can one find them?
Typially, armored mud balls are found in glacial deposits or frozen in stone near ancient or current ocean beaches. THIS IS THE ONLY KNOWN LOCATION where armored mud balls appear at an inland or terresterial (ancient) freshwater lake.
References:
"Geology Walking Tour Booklet." Turners Falls Riverculture. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2012. .
Skehan, James William. Roadside Geology of Massachusetts. Missoula, MT: Mountain Pub., 2001. Print.
Additional Hints
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