This sculpture’s features include a hollow basalt beam, which acts as a solar calendar angled to capture the first rays of light cast by the summer solstice. The sunrise will filter through the hole and be cast dramatically upon the basalt pillars on the other side of the sculpture, signaling the beginning of summer.
Showcased along with the arch are seven different boulders representing the three major rock groups that make up the planet and show its amazing geological diversity. The basalt, rhyolite, gabbro, and granite make up the igneous group of rocks and tell us the story of the Earth’s mantle. The conglomerate and arch give a sedimentary history of ocean environments, and the schist and gneiss show the range of metamorphism in tectonic regions. With these boulders on display, visitors and students gain opportunities to see parts of our planet otherwise impossible to experience inside of South Jersey.
Mallory and Tara’s project provides a detailed geology analysis of the Time Sweeps and photographic examples that can help students learn about the major rock groups. Please use the following link to explore the project:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/32a147449c7b4c29a822bac6ddec9910
Collaborate on a Public Art course project or research:
If you would like to develop a course project with the Rowan University Libraries Public Art Project please visit the Digital Scholarship Center at https://libguides.rowan.edu/DSC.
Explore additional course engagement with Rowan’s Public Art Project: Visit Engagement