NOTE ... Unless you have a senior pass, there is a $25 fee to enter the park.
EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:
NOTE: The trail is closed and underwater due to the restoration project. Use the sign at the beginning of the trail -and- assistance from the rangers to answer the questions until the trail reopens.
1. MESSAGE …. At the posted coordinates, walk the Otter Cave Hammock Trail (0.2 miles). ... a. Where (beginning/middle/end) are the solution holes located? ... b. Explain why solution holes do not occur along the entire trail.
2. MESSAGE …. The solution holes vary in size. ... a. What is the diameter and depth of the smallest solution hole? ... b. What is the diameter and depth of the largest solution hole? ... c. Explain what causes the variation in size of these holes.
3. MESSAGE …. What process is responsible for the formation of the solution holes along this trail?
LOG …. Post a picture of you or your signature item at or near the coordinates. This picture is your log signature.
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in creating this earthcache by adding A and B to your log.
A. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.
B. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.
Journeys of Heart and Mind ...
Stories to Touch the Heart and Puzzles to Challenge the Mind / Rainbow Tree Story
THANK YOU Kimberly (Park Ranger) for permission to share this learning adventure.
"Primarily consisting of limestone, the bedrock geology of Everglades National Park has responded over time to the ongoing processes of weathering, erosion, compaction of organic sediments, unique hydrologic conditions, and episodes of sea-level rise and fall to produce the landscapes we see today." NPS Everglades
There are two main types of weathering. Mechanical weathering changes only the shape and size of the rock. Chemical weathering changes the shape, size, and composition of the rock. Solution holes are a result of chemical weathering. One process is the formation of carbonic acid. This occurs when carbon dioxide in the air dissolves in water. Another process is the formation of tannic acid. This occurs when rainwater mixes with the pine needles and other leaves in the forest. Both carbonic acid and tannic acid dissolve the limestone bedrock, resulting in solution holes.
RESOURCES
NPS - https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/evergeology.htm
EVERGLADES FOREVER - https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.egusd.net/dist/9/20/files/2014/09/Everglades-Forever-2gcphak.pdf
SINKHOLES - https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/acidsandbases/chemmatters-april2014-sinkholes.pdf