The Sand Beach.
The most common type of shoreline in the Great Lakes area is the sand beach. Sand consists of rocks, crystals, shells and the skeletal remains of organisms, eroded over time by wind, water, and ice. Sand composition can differ greatly from one area of the world to another.
Types of Sand.
1. Continental sand generally consists of clear polished grains of Quartz. It often contains small amounts of darker grains of other minerals, such as Magnetite. Deposits of Magnetite in Lake Michigan were caused by glacial erosion of the bedrock found in Canada. This type of sand is made from rock (abiotic) and contains only very small amounts of shells or corals (calcium carbonate). It does not react strongly when mixed with vinegar.
2. Island sand is generally light in color ranging from white to pink. It contains eroded pieces of shells and corals, so it is considered biotic. Biotic sand will react strongly when mixed with vinegar.
3. Volcanic sand having come from eroded lava, is generally black and shiny, and will often contain air pockets within the grains themselves.
1. Sand found near its origin will be of different sizes (not well sorted). Its overall shape will be angular and feel rough to the touch. If it is Continental sand, there may be an assortment of minerals and biotics still visible.
2. Sand found far from its origin will be smooth to the touch and approximately all the same size (well sorted). If the sand is Continental sand, it will be made mostly of Quartz. All other Minerals will have washed away.
1. Sand eroded by water will be angular or rounded, smooth and polished.
2. Sand eroded by wind will be less angular, often pitted, and have a frosted look to it.
Email your answers to the questions, to me, using the link in my profile only. Your answers should be in the correct order. If your answers are not recieved by me, your log will be deleted. Photos are accepted and appreciated as long as the answers are not pictured. You do not have to wait for confirmation from me before logging this cache as completed. Most of all……learn……and enjoy the view.
1. I think the sand is
A. Well sorted
B. Moderately sorted
C. Poorly sorted
2. I think the sand originally came from
A. A mountain
B. An island
C. A volcano
3. I think the sand traveled
A. A long distance
B. A short distance
4. I think the sand was eroded by
5. Put a few grains of sand in your hand. Place a few drops of Vinegar on these grains of sand. Does any bubbling occur and if so, how much?
6. Drop a magnet into the sand and then remove it. Tell me what you see and what could be the cause?
To the left are angular sand grains. In the middle are rounded and highly polished grains. On the right are Cubical crystals of ordinary table salt.
Look for a fairly large rock with a brass plaque on it. Take the gravel driveway just to the left of this rock and continue until you reach the small parking area next to the beach. Pick a spot anywhere on the beach to perform your tasks.
Earthcache Placement Permit #11-26-08 has been submitted to Door County Parks Director George Pinney.