What is it?

[thestig1001]

Can somene please tell me what earthcaches are

[+geodarts]

That is a big question. In essence, as I understand it, an earthcache is a virtual cache that teaches people about geology. Unlike traditional caches, they have no container with a log book to sign. The cache is the earth itself, but it is presented in the context of what we can learn about the earth. I am sure that others can describe it better. The Geological Society of America (GSA) states:

 

EarthCaches are in effect a type of virtual cache. They have no physical container or log book. However, EarthCaches are different from other virtual caches in so much as they teach the visitor something about the site. An EarthCache is not just a scenic view or a locality. They present some lesson on how that place formed, about why that place is important scientifically or what that site can tell us about our planet.

 

As the GSA also says: "Visiting an EarthCache site is a great way to learn more about our wonderful world. It can take you to many places that you would not normally visit, and teach you about why those places are special or unique." Accordingly, you "find" an earthcache by going to the site that is identified through gps coordinates, learning about geology, and answering questions that are typically based on what you have learned at the site.

 

Earthcaches were established as part of special partnership with Groundspeak (geocaching), the GSA, and others. As such they are listed on the geocaching site and are a special type of cache. Perhaps it is best to visit the GSA's Earthcache web site and if you have specific questions after that we would be glad to help.

Edited August 22, 2010 by mulvaney

[ThomasFamily102]

Mulvaney did a good job explaining it. In short...the CO will send you to coordinates. Normally something in nature....waterfall,esker, natural spring...etc. They will then give you a couple of questions for you to answer and alot of times they will tell you to take a picture of you at that site for proof you were there. They are pretty neat.