GEOCACHING POINT
(nearby)
GC1GPGD-Parque das Merendas - Serra do Bando
So far, 22 geosites in all the municipality have been signposted by the MAÇÃO ROTAS team, i.e. 22 sites of geological interest that stand out both for their uniqueness and for their undeniable scientific, didactic and/or tourist value.
In this specific place, white quartzite bars stand out in the landscape, with a north-south orientation leaning towards the east. These bars are organized in a sequence of overlapping layers, whose initial thickness is only a few centimetres, gradually moving to larger thicknesses, in some situations of about 1m.
This gradation is also manifested by the progressive increase in the frequency of quartzite strata in the sequence. In fact, close to the base of the succession one can observe thin silt-sandstone and sandstone layers that disappear almost completely at the top, dominating there the thick layers of quartzite.
The bioturbated sandy layers, white in colour and fine to medium in granularity, are characterized by strongly disturbed benches, usually twisted and interrupted, due to the activity of organisms.
The bases of these benches often have numerous disordered, low-relief load-bearing structures and "flame-shaped" structures. Associated with these benches have been recognized fossil tracks in the form of vertical tubes (Skolithos and Monocraterion) and horizontal, sometimes sinuous (Planolitese Arthrophycus).
Even so, if the aim is just to enjoy the views, we draw attention to the majestic Serra do Bando do Codes with 624 meters of altitude, being the 3rd highest point in the district of Santarém.