compass

[faca]

Hi after reading that I´ll try in my local desert.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6853431/
Enjoy

 

[hootchi]

That is very interesting. Thanks faca :biggthump:

 

[Moonraker]

Interesting but I would have thought it has more to do with the orientation of the stratified layers within the rock (presuming it is sedimentary). If it is a conglomerate I guess it could split any way like this? but then they would tend to be harder rocks less prone to splitting like this I would have thought. Any geologists?. Still, something to add to the check list.

I would have thought more accurate would be a 'shadow stick' during the day and using the stars at night given there is little cloud generally in the desert.

Nicely illustrated guide to these, and some other methods here:

Navigation using sticks, stones and the stars

 

[PurpleHeath]

intereting thought, i like the advert of the mobile phone in the middle of the acticle! :rolmao: very good!

 

[ChrisKavanaugh]

How large of a breaker bar is needed for compensating deviation? :?:

 

[greg2935]

This would only work if there is little or no chance of ice or water and a large temperature differential between night and day. I would also suggest that the rocks would have to have a low metal content. Water and ice have numerous other methods of cracking rock and you would need a rock with low thermal conductivity.


Greg

 

[Chip Dale]

I have seen this a number of times, while on exercise in Arizona, however i have never noticed all splits to fall along the N/S axis.

But you never know, worth more research maybe.....?