Black's Ravine, or more commonly called The Devil's Punchbowl, is located just to the south of Menomonie Wisconsin.
Where you are standing now, was part of a shallow seabed 550 million years ago. Black's Ravine
(also known as The Devil's Punchbowl) is formed out of the Eau Claire Sandstone Formation that was part of these ancient sea deposits. Evidence that this was once an aquatic environment can be found in the form of fossils in the surrounding strata.
What you see today, The Devil's Punchbowl, is a product of the immense erosional forces caused by the melting of glaciers approximately 10 thousand years ago.
To receive credit for this EarthCache, you'll need to take a couple of measurements (and do a little math). Hopefully by doing so, you'll better understand what incredible forces were at work that led to the formation of Black's Ravine
1. At the parking coordinates given, take an elevation reading from your GPS.
2. Now proceed to the final coordinates listed. Take an elevation reading there.
Assuming that the erosional forces that created The Devil's Punchbowl began 10 thousand years ago (and are still at work today).
3. How much rock is being lost per year?
E-mail this information to me when you log this EarthCache.
Also, when logging this EarthCache, please upload a picture of yourself/team, with your GPS clearly visible.
Logs that don't meet these criteria Will Be Deleted. No Exceptions.
Visitors to this area are asked to respect the Punchbowl's fragile soils and plants, its streambed and sandstone slopes, its natural sounds and silences. So please stay on the established trails, the information required can be obtained from these.
Also, even though this EarthCache is suited for the entire family, and can be accessed year round. Because of spring water that is constantly seeping into this area, this area may be icy in the wintertime. Please use caution when visiting this special area during the colder months.