Science Lesson #4: Geology - Where to See Liesegang Bands

     USA Today lists Illinois Garden of the Gods as the most natural wonder in the state according to it's article "The most beautiful natural wonder in every state, from Lake Tahoe to Niagara Falls."  It's taken over 320 million years to sculpt the beauty of the Garden of the Gods State Park in Hebron, IL (not to be confused with Garden of the Gods in Colorado).  Take a day to visit Shawnee National Forest.  Enjoy the panoramic views and appreciate the geology. 




     According to the University of Illinois Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability Illinois State Geological Survey, Garden of the Gods park in IL is one of the most geographically complex areas of Illinois.  Bring water and snacks for the car ride and use the restrooms ahead.  You'll only find pit toilets at the park, even in the campground.
For edutainment, hike the easy 0.25 mile Observation Trail.  When described as easy, this does not mean safe - there's no rails and rocks can be slippery.  Described as an interpretive trail, the trail includes history and geology informational signs.

The "Bizzare Bands" sign helped explain the geology:  "Bizarre Bands.  The dark, reddish-brown swirls and rings on these rocks are called liesegang bands (pronounced L EE' ZEH GANG) named after German chemist Raphael Liesegang.  Long ago when this sandstone was underground, it was saturated with groundwater mixed with iron.  Chemical changes caused the iron to solidify as rust between the rock particles.  Held together by iron, the raised dark bands have resisted weathering as compared to the softer, light-colored rock.  the pattern of bands are the result of these chemical changes.