Pesquisadores of Universidade of Melbourne identified the role of tectonic plate movements in the origin of Doze Apóstolos. The limestone rock formations on the coast of Victoria first appeared by geological forces that lifted them from the sea floor. Só later ocean erosion shaped the pillars that attract visitors today. The study was published in Australian Journal of Earth Sciences.
The structures are 275 kilometers from Melbourne and receive more than 2 million tourists per year. Restam today eight pillars. Dois collapsed in 2005 and 2009. Erosion continues at a slow pace.
Camadas of limestone keeps records of millions of years
The rocks have overlapping layers. Cadaa records changes in climate, oceans and geological activity from ancient times. Scientists examined these sequences like pages from an ancient book.
The data shows that the formation process began long before wave action. Movimentos plate tectonics pushed and tilted limestone structures out of the sea for millions of years. Essa slow force prepared the ground for later erosion.
- The layers are not horizontal in the nearby cliffs
- Pequenas faults indicate ancient earthquakes in the region
- Microscopic Fósseis appear at different levels of the rocks
- Análises chemicals reveal environmental variations over time
- The ensemble forms a preserved geological time capsule
Análise of microfossils corrects estimated age of formations
Previous Pesquisas gave a broad range between 7 and 15 million years for the limestone layers. The new investigation used microscopic fossils found in rocks to refine this dating. The range is now more accurate.
The results indicate that the formations are younger than previously assumed in some aspects. The main layers date back to 8.6 to 14 million years ago. A key moment occurred around 13.8 million years ago, when the climate was warmer than today.
Stephen Gallagher, associate professor of Escola of Geografia, Ciências of Terra, and Atmosféricas of Universidade of Melbourne, led the work. Ele highlighted that visually similar layers can register significant environmental differences. Measurements capture variations better than how they appear to the naked eye.
Tectônica prepared the ground for the current erosion
Erosion by waves and winds from Oceano Antártico has carved the pillars over the past few thousand years. Isso occurred after the end of Gelo’s last Era. Antes Furthermore, tectonic action had already raised the structures.
The surrounding cliffs show slopes in the limestone layers. Essas marks reflect the pressure of the plates over the ages. Pequenas fault lines also appear in the rocks. Elas serve as silent records of past seismic events.
The study shows that the complete process involved distinct steps. Primeiro tectonic uplift came. Depois, modeling by marine action. Essa sequence explains the current appearance of Doze Apóstolos.
Entendimento from the past helps project future changes
Cada layer preserves information about Terra’s climate and ocean levels. Researchers see the formations as a window into remote periods. Elas record important environmental transitions.
Erosion continues at the base of the structures. The rate reaches about 2 centimeters per year in some spots. With fewer pillars remaining, the study gains practical relevance.
Gallagher mentioned that analysis also serves to understand current trends. The geological record can inform possible pathways for temperatures and sea levels. The team emphasizes the importance of studying formations while they still exist.
Os Doze Apóstolos continues to attract attention from around the world. The new research adds scientific details to the postcard known primarily for its visual beauty. The work details mechanisms that operated on deep timescales.
