There is a major geological boundary that runs beneath Muckross Lake. To the south and west there is a mountainous area of Devonian rocks, and to the north and east there is an area of Carboniferous rocks.
Devonian rocks were formed during the Devonian Period (around 416 million to 358 million years ago) and are composed of layers of sandstone that are interbedded with conglomerates (coarse ground sedimentary rocks), slates (metamorphic rock that splits easily), and grits (coarse grained sandstone). These rock formations are mostly green, red, purple, and grey. See the gallery image for an example of Devonian rocks.
Carboniferous rocks were formed during the Carboniferous Period (around 360 to 300 millions years ago), and although the period gets its name from coal deposits the Carboniferous rocks around Muckross Lake are mainly made up of limestone. See the gallery image for an example of Carboniferous limestone.
To claim credit for this earth cache, please go to the coordinates and look towards your right. There you will see a larger rock formation under the tree line. After reading the information on this page and examining the rocks, please send me the answers to the following questions:
1) Based on the information on this cache page, do you think the rock formations are Devonian or Carboniferous and why do you think that?
2) Please describe the color and size of the rocks and make a guess as to what rock material(s) they are composed of.
3) To verify you visited the site, please also post a picture of yourself (or your favorite geocaching tool) at the posted coordinates.