This Earthcache will bring you to the location of an excellent
example of fossilised beach. Walk along any beach today and you
will see the same ripples in the sand formed by wind, tide and
waves.
The sand at this site last felt the motion of waves 650 million
years ago. The sand ripples were quickly covered with silt and
converted to rock. At this site you will see two distinct versions
of this process. The fossilised beach was laid down soon after the
emergence of the first complex multicelled life forms on this
planet.
Unfortunately you can no longer swim at this beach. You are now
over 25km from the nearest ocean and 450m above sea level. The
seawater and the tides are long gone. Geology has not moved the
location of the beach. Geological forces have elevated and tilted
the earth in this area. The fossil beach is now long separated from
the ocean.
Interpretative signage at the site will introduce you to many
interesting features, including the process of fossilisation that
formed the artefact, and the subsequent geological activity. You
will also learn how the site was exposed and preserved for your
enjoyment and education.
The Earthcache site in the Mawson Trail, a long distance bicycle
route linking many of our states geological features. The display
is open to the public 24/7.
To complete this Earthcache you need to email approximate
current orientation of the fossil beach and when this modification
in the landscape occurred.