BRP 232.5 Stone Mountain Overlook https://coord.info/GC77NWW / 
Several sheet joints are clearly visible about halfway down the mountain.
There are parallel joints appearing across about 90% of the face of the mountain.
Answers vary depending on the strength of the binoculars and vegetation cover. We were unable to see the base of the mountain at the time of our visit. However, there should be a considerable amount of rock rubble at the foot of the mountain, but much less than at Three Knobs.
STONE MOUNTAIN
What are sheet joints?
Are the sheet joints smooth or jagged? Smooth due to weathering by wind and water.
What are inclined joints?
Are the inclined joints smooth or jagged? Smooth due to weathering by wind and water.
Using binoculars, do you see evidence of rock rubble at the base? Answers vary depending on the strength of the binoculars, vegetation cover and fog. We were unable to see the base of the mountain at the time of our visit. However, there should be a considerable amount of rock rubble at the foot of the mountain.
You can add a measurement if you wish, or ask the reviewer what he thinks.
Estimate the length/width of the largest sheet joint?
Estimate the length/width of the largest inclined joint?

BRP 236.9 Air Bellows Gap Overlook https://coord.info/GC6TP4K /
ANSWERS
1. gneiss
2. several vertical veins are visible
3. Answers vary – elongated rocks with slight ridges
These are metamorphosed sediments (along with the Ashe Metamorhpic Suite, the Great Smoky Group, the Snowbird Group, and the Grandfather Mountain formation) which form the backbone of the Appalachian range because they are the most resistant to erosion.” This formation was named because the rocks resemble an alligator back.
1. Look at mica schist. a. Compare what you observe at the outcrop with the picture on the cache page. b. Where is it predominantly located (top/middle/bottom/interspersed)? c. Are there any visible quartz veins If so describe their orientation (vertical/horizontal/angled)?
2. Look at amphibolite. a. Compare what you observe at the outcrop with the picture on the cache page. b. Where is it predominantly located (top/middle/bottom/interspersed)? c. Are there any visible quartz veins If so describe their orientation (vertical/horizontal/angled)?
3. Look at gneiss. a. Compare what you observe at the outcrop with the picture on the cache page. b. Where is it predominantly located (top/middle/bottom/interspersed)? c. Are there any visible quartz veins If so describe their orientation (vertical/horizontal/angled)?
4. Why do you think scientists named this the Alligator Back Formation?

BRP 289.6 Raven Rocks Overlook https://coord.info/GC790DJ /
1. Roadside the rock is relatively smooth with some depressions holding water. Mountainside is irregular with large to small rocks visible.
2. The more resistant minerals stand out and are clearly visible within the less resistant rock.
3. This is evident on the mountainside. The rock is irregular with chunks broken off. There is a steep slope on this side of the rock.

BRP 290.4 Thunder Hill Overlook https://coord.info/GC790DN /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
ANSWERS
1. large white feldspar crystals resembling eyes … Answers vary
2. more than 2.5″ long … only a few millimeters above and below the matrix

BRP 299.7 Calloway Peak Overlook https://coord.info/GC7DJMH / 
ANSWERS
1. The sedimentary is lighter in color than the darker metavolcanic rock.
2. The cobbles and pebbles are embedded near the surface, making them the youngest.
My purpose with the BRP caches was to have cachers visit the overlooks and learn a bit along the way. You mentioned having coordinates at the overlooks and parking coordinates as waypoints. You can see the overlook directly across from the parking. For those in a wheelchair, they can remain in their vehicle and use binoculars to better observe the outcrop if they wish. Hence, the reason I chose to use overlook parking for the coordinates. I did not code this as a 1, because most will want to walk over and get a closer look. Actually, I had an elderly cacher (in his late 80s ), who loved the series as he was able to enjoy them with his limited physical ability.

BRP 300.6 Green Mountain Overlook https://coord.info/GC6YHXZ /
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17 – Email previously sent .
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
1. Indicates level of temperature and pressure during during the metamorphic process.
2. Greenish color appearing in 90% of the rocks. Of note are several black streaks which I believe are igneous intrusions.

BRP 302.4/304.4 Boulderdash https://coord.info/GC700KY /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
BOULDERDASH
1. Gravity … At 441.4 one boulder was separated from the parent rock due to erosion. At 302.4 this is a family of giants’ home territory -and- this is their ballfield.
2. 302.4 … There are dozens of boulders ranging in size from a foot to several feet in diameter. All the rocks appear of uniform consistency. There are biological elements on and around further changing the boulders. … Boulders and cobbles
Smaller than at 441 about the same at 302. About the same amount as 302 but vertical rather than horizontal. Same composition.

BRP 323.0 Bear Den Overlook https://coord.info/GC77HEF /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17 – Email previously sent .
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
1. Answers vary. Some large crevices are visible.
2. Igneous – black streaks / Metamorphic – banding / The rock zones appear to blend into each other.

BRP 329.8 Table Rock Mountain Overlook https://coord.info/GC6ZCM7 /
1.This is an outstanding example of differential erosion. Table Rock Mountain is an erosional remnant of resistant quartzite of the Chilhowee Group.
2. The quartzite was thrust faulted over the less resistant biotite granitic gneiss during Alleghanian mountain-building. Thrust faults are the result of compressional forces.

BRP 338.8 Three Knobs Overlook https://coord.info/GC7CYV8 /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
ANSWERS
1. 40% … 2. Y-shaped / Answers vary. Probably due to more resistant bedrock causing an obstacle.
3. Answers vary depending on the strength of the binoculars and vegetation cover. We were unable to see the base of the mountain at the time of our visit. Based on the scar and info, there should be a considerable amount of rock debris at the foot of the mountain.
Slides of rocks or debris, behaving in a similar way to snow, are also referred to as avalanches.
1. How many avalanche scars are visible on the mountain? Answers vary depending on amount of foliage. At the time of visit, we counted two – one large and one very small.
2. Is the largest scar smooth or jagged? Edges are smooth due to weathering by wind and water, but striations are visible on the surface.
3. Using binoculars, do you see evidence of rock debris at the base of the mountain? Answers vary depending on the strength of the binoculars, vegetation cover and fog. We were unable to see the base of the mountain at the time of our visit. However, there should be a considerable amount of rock debris at the foot of the mountain.
You can add a measurement if you wish, or ask the reviewer what he thinks. Estimate the length/width of the largest scar?

BRP 376.8 Tanbark Ridge Overlook https://coord.info/GC701HZ /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
1. Primary minerals pyrite and pyrrhotite – 70%
2. Secondary minerals hematite and limonite – 30%

BRP 393.8 French Broad Overlook https://coord.info/GC6Z9XV /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
1. crenulations
2. small tight relatively horizontal folds
ROCK OUTCROP – CRENULATIONS
The outcrop is across the road from the overlook. Mountain-building during the Paleozoic deformed the rock. This intense compression formed crenulations aka crinkles (horizontal lines) which are small, tight folds. These crinkles are generally less than one inch.

BRP 396.4 Walnut Grove Overlook https://coord.info/GC7CYVX / 
ANSWERS
1. Begins at an angle, then horizontal, ends vertical – about 6′ in length
2. We saw 2 lenses and 4 pods
MY RESPONSE TO REVIEWER WANTING LANGUAGE EDITED BECAUSE IT IS IN CONFLICT WITH BEING OPTIONAL.
1. I carefully worded the optional tasks to be accurate. Since they are optional, they are in compliance with earthcache guidelines.
2. A and C are the only accurate indicators of an on-site visit. I personally witnessed the following scenarios: a. Heard a phone call asking for EC answers. Cacher logged the find without visiting the site. b. Saw one person at the site. She sent in answers for her group. Everyone logged the find without visiting the site. c. Another group all logged nearly a dozen earthcaches. Not everyone visited the sites as confirmed by a member of the group. Asked those with cut-and-paste logs to at least do B and C to verify they read the page and were on site. They responded with unkindness and contacted groundspeak. B and C were initially part of the logging requirements. Changed ALL my earthcaches to make them optional.
3. Only a very few respect the requirements that “Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find.” I have to verify that ??? sent in the answers for them. Very time-consuming and frustrating. I send messages to either advise or thank based on answers and logs. I usually delete logs that have tftc or something similar with no answers sent. A (pic on-site) B (reading) C (personal on-site) are all optional and most do not do them.
4. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth the immense time and effort to find the site, get permission, do the research, prepare the cache page, submit for review, and as is the case with this series, do multiple re-writes and submissions. If only we could find these interesting places, require a picture to verify on-site visit, and one or two simple questions … but, alas, that is not the case.
NOTE: Reviewing other earthcaches shows the same sentiment worded in a variety of ways.

BRP 424.4 Herrin Knob Overlook https://coord.info/GC77HFH /
1. The dike is darker than the mica gneiss. Also the dike looks like stripes embedded within the mica gneiss.
2. Strikes east-northeast -and- 3. Dips northwest

BRP 428.0 Caney Fork Overlook https://coord.info/GC77HWF /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17 – Email previously sent .
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
ANSWERS
1. Igneous intrusion with large crystals.
2. Over a foot long dike passing through metamorphic rock. Three smaller dikes all less than a foot long. Lighter in color with crystals clearly visible.

BRP 439.4 Cove Field Ridge Overlook https://coord.info/GC77HZ7 /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17 – Email previously sent .
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
ANSWERS
1. Light-colored igneous intrusion. Answers vary.
2. All are dikes. Looks darker than expected. Half-dozen + intrusions averaging 2″ wide and 12″ long.

BRP 452.3 Woolyback Overlook https://coord.info/GC77J0P /
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17 – Email previously sent .
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
This outcrop gives an excellent view of large folds produced by deformation of the metagraywacke.
Large gentle folds indicating a relatively low degree of compression.
ANSWERS
1. Anticline – An arch-like shape with its oldest layers at its core. – Seven strata easily seen.
2. The white dike cuts through more layers than the black dike. This means the black dike is older. Also, these dikes only intrude through the darker red rocks. The lighter colored rocks above the red rocks do not have either the while dike or the black dike.
Bullhead Mountain N 36° 26.529 W 081° 04.696
Bluff Mountain N 36° 24.507 W 081° 11.738
Grandfather Mountain N 36° 04.097 W 081° 50.546
Bald Knob N 35° 42.431 W 082° 15.065
Glassamine Falls N 35° 44.059 W 082° 20.654
Graybeard Mountain N 35° 42.650 W 082° 21.855
Pink Beds N 35° 23.235 W 082° 46.520
Pounding Mill N 35° 21.458 W 082° 47.593
East Fork N 35° 19.270 W 082° 50.403
Devils Courthouse N 35° 18.304 W 082° 53.969
Cowee Mountain N 35° 21.336 W 082° 59.275
Woodfin Valley N 35° 27.151 W 083° 05.575
Cranberry Ridge N 35° 27.957 W 083° 08.616

BRP 441.4 Standing Rock Overlook https://coord.info/GC6KJBF /
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL THE BRP OVERLOOKS – 6/22/17
“You can use my contact information to give them as permission to seek their review. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Lillian”
lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov … BRP 828-348-3400
RESOURCE
I personally spoke with Mark Carter via phone over a year ago. He gave me permission to use information within his book for these earthcaches.
OVERLOOK … Also N 35° 26.293 W 083° 03.287
“The rock is a thin- to medium-layered, complexly folded biotite gneiss and biotite-hornblende gneiss with abundant quartz- and feldspar-rich layers showing curved banding.”
1. Back shows curved banding. Significant areas of staining appear on the front.
There is a single rock 13′ tall perched on the side of the mountain. On the backside, banding is evident. There is nothing surrounding it and no biological elements are present. There is an inclusion that is quite different from the parent rock.
2. Rock was much larger. Different forces acted on front and back causing the differences.
3. I believe this is both caused by differential erosion and transport by gravity.

Everglades National Park North https://coord.info/GC7NP2T /
N 25° 44.914′ W 80° 46.013′ NP Everglades – Solution Holes … PARKING N 25° 45.418′ W 80° 45.954′ … More solution holes on Pinelands Trail N 25° 25.392′ W 80° 40.776′ 6-12-18
Hattie Bauer Solution Hole – Earthcache … https://coord.info/GC49KRY
PERMISSION kimberly_oppen@nps.gov
Shark Valley Visitor Center – 305-221-8776
ANSWERS
1. Middle / The bedrock is exposed here. The other parts of the trail are covered by soil.
2. Holes varied in size from 1-12″ in diameter and 3-18″ in depth. / Variation in the thickness of the limestone bedrock
3. Chemical weathering via carbonic acid – we did not see pine trees along the trail
ANSWERS
1. Middle … Bedrock is covered and not exposed
2. Smallest is half an inch wide and an inch deep … Largest is a foot wide and two feet deep … Probably due to the amount of organic material alternately covering/exposing (wind/rain/fauna) the area. Answers will vary since it is a thinking question.
3. Dissolution of the limestone due to chemical weathering.

Everglades National Park South https://coord.info/GC7RXH3 /
PERMISSION kimberly_oppen@nps.gov
Shark Valley Visitor Center – 305-221-8776
N 25° 26.049′ W 80° 43.618′ Tree Islands … ELEVATION Rock Reef Pass 3′ N 25° 26.006′ W 80° 44.911′ NP Everglades – 6-12-18
N 25° 26.029′ W 80° 45.203′ Skeleton Forests and Clumps of Life NP Everglades – 6-12-18
N 25° 08.337′ W 80° 56.067′ Coastal Prarie NP Everglades – 6-12-18
N 25° 25.633′ W 80° 46.309′ NP Everglades – 6-12-18
PERMISSION kimberly_oppen@nps.gov
Shark Valley Visitor Center – 305-221-8776
ANSWERS
Both trails are near the posted coordinates.
1. Soil Seasons Elevation
2. Marl located in drier areas / Peat located in wetter areas / Since all the areas surrounding the Anhinga Trail are wet, the drier areas (prairie) are actually a mix of marl and peat. / See pics
3. MARL Since this is a tropical hammock, the area is relatively dry so you will find marl along the trail.
4. PEAT There is a watery hole after the gumbo tree sign (about half way along the trail). Here you will find peat.
5. Marl is formed from inorganic limestone bedrock. Peat is formed from organic decaying plantlife.
Marl – Inorganic / lighter / muddy … Peat – Organic / darker / squishy
General park information 305-242-7700
As water moves through the Everglades, it causes the sawgrass to ripple like green waves; this is why the Everglades received the nickname “River of Grass.”

Everglades Depression Wetland https://coord.info/GC7M3Z7 /
N 25° 26.049′ W 80° 43.618′ Tree Islands … ELEVATION Rock Reef Pass 3′ N 25° 26.006′ W 80° 44.911′ NP Everglades – 6-12-18
N 25° 26.029′ W 80° 45.203′ Skeleton Forests and Clumps of Life NP Everglades – 6-12-18
N 25° 08.337′ W 80° 56.067′ Coastal Prarie NP Everglades – 6-12-18
PERMISSION – Email from NP forwarded
kimberly_oppen@nps.gov … Shark Valley Visitor Center – 305-221-8776
ANSWERS
1. 1000+ square feet … same because “solution hole it is growing in mirror each other” … NOTE – We estimated actual dome area to be about 3200 square feet. Any answer over 1000 square feet is acceptable. Depends on individual cacher skill at estimating. Purpose is to show how large the dome is.
2. Limestone is dissolved at the surface. Organic matter fills the depression. Cypress trees take root. The process continues deepening the center and expanding outward.
3. flowing / several knees – water is clear – depth appears to be 2-3′
Per cacher …
There is error in your calculation of area of circle: dont multiple by 2 Area = Pi (r) squared Circumference = Pi D or 2 Pi r”

Everglades Rock Reef Pass https://coord.info/GC7WG70 /
PERMISSION
kimberly_oppen@nps.gov
Shark Valley Visitor Center – 305-221-8776
ANSWERS
1.. 3′ … There are a few pine trees behind the sign. Pine trees grow at the highest elevations in the park. Rock reef is a narrow, raised reef that extends for several miles through the park. It stands out from the surrounding grass prairie.
2. Trees … lighter/muddy … marl
3. Grass … darker/squishy … peat

Everglades Tree Islands https://coord.info/GC7WG6F /
Address: 40001 State Road 9336 / Homestead, FL 33034 / Phone: (305) 242-7700
Mahogany Hammock Trail
https://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/infobank/programs/html/factsheets/pdfs/2004_3095.pdf
PERMISSION
kimberly_oppen@nps.gov
Shark Valley Visitor Center – 305-221-8776
ANSWERS
1. Able to get an overview of a tree island. You could easily traverse it within several minutes. Several islands, but no open water.
2. The island is huge compared to the one at the roadside. There is an observable difference in the soil – peat in the hammock / marl in the wetland. Elevation is raised above the wetland attesting to the buildup of calcrete.
3. Domes (holes) … Islands (mounds)

Florissant Fossil Beds https://coord.info/GC99QJB /
PERMISSION – per phone conversation on 4/19/21
Therese Johnson – Park Manager
719-748-3253-ext 101
ANSWERS
1. a. weather station and time-lapse camera / b. develop a conservation plan to stabilize the loose pieces of petrified wood
2. 56F/13C
3. a. 3 / b. redwood that is toppled or burned
4. exploitation, constant collecting, thoughtless destruction
5. a. Lahar deposit / b/ giant mudflow caused by volcanic activity
6. a. more than 230’ tall (70 meters) / b. 500-1000 years old
7. This is the remains of a stump with pieces only a few inches above ground. Perhaps this was one that many of the tourists were allowed to chip off a piece for a souvenir.
8. There are 4 additional stumps to choose from.
N 38° 54.811 W 105° 17.125 … N 38° 55.081 W 105° 17.051
N 38° 54.039 W 105° 17.016 … N 38° 55.041 W 105° 17.018

Hot Springs National Park https://coord.info/GC7RDVV /  
N 34° 30.962′ W 93° 03.156′ NP Hot Srings 6-2-18
Nalissala_Allen@NPS.gov / Ranger Lisa Allen / Office 501-620-6701
PERMISSION
Allen, Nalissala
Sep 13, 2018, 1:55 PM
Hi…..Guess what?
I need to give you some update information but other than that…..it is approved.
Nalissala L. Allen
Park Guide / Eastern National Liaison
Hot Springs National Park
Office: (501) 620-6701
Nalissala_Allen@nps.gov
ANSWERS
1. Rainwater 4,000 years old heated to an average temperature of 143° F (61°C)
2. Yes. There is a break in the rocks where water emerges.
3. Answers vary. I was only able to keep fingers immersed for 2-3 seconds. My geo-partner was able to keep his fingers immersed longer.
4. Answers vary. Several falls, Several pools, Rocks do not have as much vegetation.
It appears the water flows underground (probably following the fault line) and is overgrown by vegetation. There is also a narrow flow vs a wider cascade shown in the NP photo.

Jewel Cave National Monument https://coord.info/GC9BXMN
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for reaching out to us about the possibility of creating a virtual earthcache at Jewel Cave NM.
This sounds like a neat idea. Where I have seen this done in the past, a visitor would be guided to a specific place or answer a question that can only come with first-hand knowledge of a place. Can you please confirm that in being virtual, you would not alter any object at the monument in any way or leave a physical marker or object for someone to find later.
Thanks in advance for your clarification on this point.
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for clarifying and for providing those examples, that is great. Due to recent turnover in staff at Jewel Cave National Monument, feel free to use my name and number (below) as the point of contact for now as you develop these virtual earthcaches.
Best regards,
Lennie Ramacher
Assistant Chief of Interpretation
Wind Cave National Park
605.745.1131
lenard_ramacher@nps.gov
ANSWERS
1. The rock walls are lined with calcite crystals (unless they have fallen off).
2. Nailhead Spar – more triangular shaped / 90%
3. L 570′ x W 180′ x H 30′ / The Big Duh / When first entered someone said the room sure is big. Another answered “Duh”. The room became known as the Big Duh
4. A breccia – B paleofill – C flowstone – D drapery – E hydromagnesite balloon – F frostwork – G boxwork – H popcorn – I gypsum spiders – J gypsum flowers – K gypsum needles – L gypsum beard – M stalagmites – N stalactites

Mammoth Cave National Park https://coord.info/GC640J0 / 
vickie_carson@nps.gov (Public Relations Officer) … lora_peppers@nps.gov (Chief Ranger)
MARY CONNOR … http://coord.info/GLKVMZ0J
1. It has water dripping through the cracks.
2. GEORGE MORRISON ….. Graffiti on the cave walls / Stalactites broken off and sold as souvenirs / A 5-women photoshoot / Concrete post erected / Black cave walls where human touch occurred
3. a. column – Rainbow Dome
b. drapery – Frozen Niagara
c. flowstone – Frozen Niagara
d. stalactites – Crystal Lake
e. stalagmites – Crystal Lake
f. straws – Rainbow Dome
What is different about the geology here that allows the speleothems to form? Is there no sandstone cap here and if so, why not?

National Seashore MD https://coord.info/GC9E07J /
PERMISSION
NPS Ranger Zack Yurek … (410) 641-1441
ANSWERS
1. dark and moist / decaying organisms
2. Marsh Grass – Marsh grasses are among the most important of all wild plants. They support a vast array of seashore animals and furnish much of the nutrient material that is the food base for coastal bay communities and shallow seas along the coastline.
2. Marsh Bird – The snowy egret wades in the shallows stirring up the sediments with its yellow feet and snatching invertebrates and small fishes with its bill.
3. See Gallery
4. dark and dry / decaying organisms
5. Loblolly Pine – The twisted Loblolly Pine began growing when this site was open duneland. Ocean winds and salt spray prevented it from achieving the height and symmetry characteristic of this species in protected zones. It is called a “pioneer” because it was among the first to gain a foothold in the harsh environment, and because it helped to create conditions that enabled other species to become established.
6. See Gallery
7. Natural dunes are formed from very fine, windblown sand that accumulates around beach debris and other obstacles. Fast spreading grasses and other plants build up dunes by trapping sand as they grow.
8. Dune Shrubs – The primary dune provides protection from saltspray allowing beach grass and other plants to dominate this interdune area. Vegetation builds up organic matter in the soil and provides food and cover for many creatures.
BALTIMORE BOULEVARD
1b. The broken slabs are used only by gulls to drop and crack clams on the hard surface.
2a. paved and sand
2b. The paved roads are inland / sand roads parallel the beach
3. The Baltimore Boulevard was built parallel to the ocean in the direct path of the storm waves. Current solid roads are away from the ocean. Sand roads change with the storms so they are not destroyed.
According to the sign, why might you see clam and oyster shells on the beach?
Evidence that where you are standing was once the marsh side of the island.

NP National Seashore – Man vs Nature MD Roads https://coord.info/GC9KRGK /
PERMISSION
NPS Ranger Zack Yurek … (410) 641-1441
ANSWERS
1a. Destruction of the Baltimore Boulevard.
1b. The broken slabs are used only by gulls to drop and crack clams on the hard surface.
2a. paved and sand
2b. The paved roads are inland / sand roads parallel the beach
3. The Baltimore Boulevard was built parallel to the ocean in the direct path of the storm waves. Current solid roads are away from the ocean. Sand roads change with the storms so they are not destroyed.
4. Answers vary – My feet sank in the sand with water swirling around. It was amazing to experience the awesome power of the ocean even at only ankle deep. There was quite a difference based on wave heights. The shallower waves moved the sand around my feet. The higher waves caused sand to wash over my feet akin to overwash during a storm event. It is no wonder that storms cause so much change when their power is unleashed on the land.

National Seashore VA https://coord.info/GC9FPR0 / 
PERMISSION
NPS Ranger Heather … (757) 336-6577
ANSWERS
1a.. The dune sands are usually smaller and rounder than the adjacent beach sands.
1b. This is due to the tumbling/abrasive action of wind carrying the grains from beach to dune.
2a. There are alternating bands of light and dark. There were no large dark bands indicating a hurricane level storm did not occur.
2b. The layers of coarser material or darker, heavier mafic (iron-rich) material were likely deposited during storms. The larger the dark band, the more severe the storm.

National Seashore VA Man vs Nature Buildings https://coord.info/GC9HEXY /
PERMISSION
NPS Ranger Heather … (757) 336-6577
ANSWERS
1. moveable buildings due to westward movement of the island
2. crushed clam shells / reduce storm runoff and are more sustainable
3. solar panels for light / buildings without a foundation
4. Education about the negative impact of using the dunes as a personal toilet required to enter the park -and- stiff fines
5. Answers vary – My feet sank in the sand with water swirling around. It was amazing to experience the awesome power of the ocean even at only ankle deep. As the water flowed toward land, the grains of sand also moved landward akin to island rollover.

National Seashore NC https://coord.info/GC9FQGV /
PERMISSION – NPS Ranger Stephanie Dematteo … (252) 473-2111
ANSWERS
1. In 1870 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was located 1500′ from shore. In 1999 it was moved 2900′ to preserve the lighthouse and maintain this distance from shore.
2. They rapidly go from 35-40 feet to 12 feet, extend 12 miles, are constantly changing.
3. 1870 (1500′) – 1970 (120′) = 13.8’/year … 1380′ / 13.8’/year = 100 years … 1970 + 100 = 2070 when the lighthouse will again be only 120′ from shore and would need to be moved again to 1500″
4. Answers vary – My feet sank in the sand with water swirling around. It was amazing to experience the awesome power of the ocean even at only ankle deep. I had to work at keeping my balance otherwise I would have been moved toward shore. (westward migration of the islands). The sand was continually shifting akin to littoral drift.

Niagara Glen Fossils https://coord.info/GC8ABTE / 
PERMISSION was sent directly per following response:
Hi Elaine,
Once I submit the approval to Geocaching.com, which I did on July 9, I recieve no further correspondence from them. So if it is not active yet, you may want to follow up with them.
Thanks
Corey
ANSWERS
1. Trilobite about 3″ long … mold
2. picture posted

Paw Paw National Historic Park https://coord.info/GC6DYJB /
http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-shale-and-slate/
SIM – Color / Sparse vegetation / Height.
DIFF – Huge slabs broken off and resting at various angles along the cliff bottom vs Even layered shale layers / Dry vs Wet / Pegs hold shale layers in place vs No pegs
Iron Oxide from the shale / Metal pegs
Linzy French 301-745-5876
https://irma.nps.gov/PartnerSTS/Account/Activate?UserId=dc480435-df50-4b95-ac24-1b79383ee514
Andrew P. Landsman 301-739-6072

Shenandoah National Park https://coord.info/GC69N5A /
VIRTUAL TOUR http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway-places/
Mark Carter – 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr – Reston, VA 20192 – 703-648-6910 – 804-543-0486 – Mobile … mcarter@usgs.gov
Robert Badger … 315-267-2624
badger@potsdam.edu
ANSWERS
1. A geographic region with similar characteristics.
2. Valley and Ridge – rolling hills
3. Blue Ridge – sharp peaks

SD 5.7 – Signal Knob Overlook https://coord.info/GC6A06G /
ROBERT BADGER badgerrl@potsdam.edu ….. 315-267-2624
TIM TAGLAUER tim_taglauer@nps.gov ….. 540-999-3500, ext. 3488
1. Basalts are igneous … Metabasalts are metamorphic
2. Answers vary

SD 10.7 Indian Run Overlook https://coord.info/GC6E6W0 /
Volunteer Hours – Scout Masster … 864-244-6852
Lillian McElrath … 828-765-6082 … Asheville … lillian_mcelrath@nps.gov
Resource Management Specialist … BRP 214 Parkway Maintenance Rd. Spruce Pine NC 28777
1. Formation of columns as magma cools.
2. 6″-8″ – about the width of your hand

SD 20.1 Little Devil’s Stairs Overlook https://coord.info/GC642WH /
1. Sill horizontal – Dike vertical
2. At least 5
3. Dikes

SD 21.0 Hogback Overlook https://coord.info/GC6A0TM /
1. Quartz and feldspar in equal amounts vs Quartz and feldspar in unequal amounts.
2. Answers vary – More granodiorite

SD 35.1 Pinnacles Overlook https://coord.info/GC6KTBK /
1. Old Rag Granite is coarser-grained and has more orthoclase feldspar.
2. Old Rag Mountain has a sharper peak.

Smoky Mountains Clingmans Dome Concretions https://coord.info/GC6TRMK /
CLINGMANS DOME TOP … DELETED TO USE CONCRETIONS INSTEAD
…I sought help from Matt Dawson, the GSA administrator of the EarthCache program. He looked at the other EarthCaches you developed in the area and was complimentary of the finished pages.
…He and I are both are both stuck trying to help you move this EarthCache to being published. His comments are:
“Task 1. This doesn’t work because it is not “unique” and essentially the same answers can be used for any mountain chain viewed in the distance. It is very generic and does not really teach any lesson. It can be answered without visiting.
Task 2. This does not teach any specific lesson. I do like “open ended” questions, but they work best when paired with something more specific. It does force one to make some observations, so that is good. But I always have issues with caches that are asking you to look off in the distance. It’s hard to have a lesson at such a distance, with a few exceptions (looking at the shape of a glacial valley, perhaps). So let’s look at 3…
Task 3. Gosh, this is still very general too.
…I also looked at one of their other nearby caches: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC77NX0_clingmans-dome-1-outcropsThat one looks good to me! It does what I’d expect a cache in that area to do, talks about the geology right there at the spot. For that one, logging task 2 is pretty general, but logging task 1 has a very specific, localized geological question, so that totally works for me.
…I think I don’t really see the point of the cache at Clingman’s Dome 3. #1 and #2 both look good to me, and #3 seems to be a “trophy high point” that doesn’t add much to the lessons of #1 and #2. The second one, on concretions, is also nice, specific, and geological, and localized. I like that one too. I can see why the cache owner might think adding another cache up at the high point might make sense, but I’m not seeing the geology or teaching yet to make it valid.”
…Mr. Dawson’s comments are pretty consistent with mine posted on 24 September. This EarthCache page content may need to be significantly curtailed and focused on features more readily observable from ground zero, regardless of the weather and air quality conditions. Alternatively, perhaps you could make this a wide-ranging multi-EarthCache with waypoints that take visitors “up close and personal” to the features you want them to observe from the viewing platform. Once the visitor has visited the various other sites and answered logging tasks associated with them, then they can visit the High Point for a final logging task that pulls everything together. This approach would be consistent with the concept of “a local observation that is related to the Earth Science lesson you are trying to teach” (italics added by me) being applied to multiple locations for the punch line of the Blue Ridge Parkway EarthCache series.

Smoky Mountains National Park https://coord.info/GC77NX0 /
PERMISSION
Dana Soehn … 865-436-1203 … jamie_sanders@nps.gov … 6/13/17
“Sounds good Elaine. After developing your material if you would like to send to me for fact checking I will do my best to assist. Consider this your approval. Keep visitors on the established trail. Thanks- Jamie:”
ANSWERS … 70 – clear – sunny … 40 – cloudy – misty
1. OUTCROPS … Regional deformation … a. Looks like a Tic-Tac-Toe grid. … b. Veins of white quartz crosscut the rock and blue quartz pebbles are embedded in the conglomerates.
NOTE: Thunderhead conglomerates … mostly near the beginning of the trail.
2. CONCRETIONS … Compact mass formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between particles. / Calcium Carbonate Disk – calcium carbonate minerals weathered quicker than the other parts of the rock / 1/4″ to 4″ … Almost even with rock to 1/8″
3. ON THE WAY … Answers vary from rocks containing small spots to fairly large streaks.. Staining is found in a lot of rocks along the trail, including at the Outcrops waypoint.
4. AT THE TOP … a. NORTH wind and water … b. SOUTH Newfoundland Gap 5046′ vs 6643′ … c. EAST Mt. Mitchell, highest point east of the Mississippi / All are within the 6000+ elevation … d. WEST Thunderhead Mountain @ 5527′ is 1116′ lower in elevation than the Dome. We did see mostly vegetation. However, using the viewing scopes, we did see some of the gray rock characteristic of Thunderhead sandstone.

Wind Cave https://coord.info/GC9BXNJ /
PERMISSION
Thanks for reaching out to us again. As long as creating an earthcache is an entirely virtual presence, leaving no marker or other physical object in the park, then you are free to create them for Wind Cave National Park.
Thank you and safe travels,
Lennie Ramacher
NP 605-745-4600
ANSWERS
1. Streamers are blowing outward. The outside pressure is dropping, so air is flowing out of the cave.
2. See picture at time of visit. screen removed so removed question
3. Cave breathing is an indicator of the size of the cave.
4. No. Wind erosion is due to abrasion by particles, not simply air flow.
5. Place of emergence for their people / Pte Oyate the Buffalo Nation – cave represents the buffalo’s interior (organs meat medicine) and Black Hills are in the shape of a buffalo lying down facing east

Wind Cave Driving Tour https://coord.info/GC8Y2DQ / 
Greetings Elaine,
Thanks for reaching out to us again. As long as creating an earthcache is an entirely virtual presence, leaving no marker or other physical object in the park, then you are free to create them for Wind Cave National Park.
Thank you and safe travels,
Lennie Ramacher
ANSWERS
1. Mississippian 359 mya / gray to light tan / This formation is locally 300 to 600 ft. thick, and composed of massively bedded, cliff forming limestone and dolomite that is notably flinty and cavernous in it’s upper portions. / erosion of the limestone and dolomite
2. Permian 299 mya / gray to purplish gray / prominent layers and folds
3. Pennsylvanian-Permian 318-299 mya / yellow to red with the shales a grayish cream / no prominent folds
4. Cambrian 542 mya / brown to light gray / aquatic
5. Precambrian 2.5 bya / Answers vary depending on section chosen – in order of % quartz-feldspar-tourmaline
6. Precambrian 2.5 bya / east west / rock layers form at right angles to the pressure so north south / yes several
7. Permian-Triassic 299-252 mya / red / iron oxides / uneven rock faces indicating erosion
https://lowestravels.com/2015/08/31/why-are-the-badlands-so-colorful-theodore-roosevelt-np/

Wind Cave Signal’s Buddy https://coord.info/GC99T3R / 
PERMISSION – roadside none needed
However, do have permission to place earthcaches in Wind Cave National Park
Greetings Elaine,
Thanks for reaching out to us again. As long as creating an earthcache is an entirely virtual presence, leaving no marker or other physical object in the park, then you are free to create them for Wind Cave National Park.
Thank you and safe travels,
Lennie Ramacher
ANSWERS
1. South
2. The predominant minerals are quartz and feldspar. There appears to be more quartz on the south side. Surface mica appears to be absent both front and back.
3a. The crevices are not as distinct. Does not look like a frog when viewed traveling north.
3b. The differences are mostly due to differential weathering. Also, road abrasion by passing vehicles may cause some of the differences.

Wright Brothers Granite Monument https://coord.info/GC9FQGP
PERMISSION – Ranger Karen Warlitner … (252) 473-2111
1. Order 5 4 3 2 1 6 … The stone in photos 1 & 2 is Mount Airy granite. The material in the third photo is some type of man-made material such as terrazzo or pre-cast concrete. The paving in photo 4, also, seems to be a type of concrete or man-made paver. The cobblestones in photo 5 and the block in photo 6 are made of Mount Airy granite.
2. grains visible so deep within the Earth / feldspar and biotite
From internet – composed of quartz, plagioclase, orthoclase, biotite and accessory minerals (magnetite, monazite, apatite, and sphene).
3. This is not Mt. Airy granite. Each quarry has its own unique granite, featuring colors and textures not found anywhere else.
Hey Elaine,
Thanks for the photos.
I believe the stone in photos 1 & 2 is probably Mount Airy granite.  Looks like they may be a little dirty or stained.  The material in the third photo is some type of man-made material such as terrazzo or pre-cast concrete.  The paving in photo 4, also, seems to be a type of concrete or man-made paver.  The cobblestones in photo 5 are made of Mount Airy granite.  Photo 6 is very blurry, but I would guess it is also some type of concrete or man-made material.
Let us know if you need anything else.
Dale Marion – Chief Estimator – North Carolina Granite Corp.
336-786-5141 … dale.marion@polycor.com … info on Mt. Airy White