Be swept away by the majestic Twelve Apostles
Witness the rugged splendor of the renowned 12 Apostles, outstanding rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria's histrionic coastline. Take time to view these fascinating land forms at sunrise and sunset as they change colour from dark and mystical in shadow to a brilliant sandy yellow under a the full glory of the sun.
how to get there
The 12 Apostles are located 275 kilometers west of Melbourne, approximately a four-hour drive along the Great Ocean Road. The latitude and longitude of the Twelve Apostles is 38.6406° S, 143.0494° E.
The Apostles are also within relatively close distance from other famous and beautiful land formations such as the Gibson Steps, the Loch Ard Gorge, the London Arch and the Grotto. So be sure to visit these grand Land forms during your travels.
What do these grand formation look like?
There are not actually twelve limestone rock stacks today. Only Eight of these rock stacks stand today. They rise up majestically stretching across the ocean road coastline with the highest stack reaching 45 meters. The sun plays on the sandy limestone throughout the day giving the rocks different shads in the morning through to the after noon.
The geographical process that have formed the Twelve Apostles
These magnificent lime stone stacks were created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning 10-20 million years ago. Constant waves and blasting winds caused caves in the cliffs. The caves eventually became arches which intern collapsed, leaving rock stacks up to 45 meters high isolated from the shore.
So, what is erosion?
Erosion of an object occurs when wind or water or other natural agents weather it away, breaking it down slowly. This is what happened to the rock stacks, known as the twelve Apostles. The Apostles are being eroded at a 2 cm rate per year.
What is sand stone and is it easier to be eroded than other rock forms?
There are three types of rocks, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock, meaning it is made up of little pieces of rock. Sedimentary characteristics are that they are grainy and easy to brake up. They are the least solid form of rock. This makes it simple to be eroded away. The twelve apostle rock stacks are currently being eroded 2 cm every year.
Along the Victorian coast there is varied geology and range of distinct ecosystems, the coastal weather along the Great Ocean Road can vary greatly having sunny Skye but strong winds and large waves. The stretch of coastline that is home to the twelve Apostles is known as the Shipwreck Coast because more than 80 ships have sunken along the stretch due to the rough ocean, stormy winds and rugged rock stacks.
Does the weather impact the speed at witch the Twelve Apostle are being eroded?
The weather has a significant impact on the erosion of the Apostles. The Southern Ocean on Victoria's coast line is notorious for rough and traitorous seas. The Southern ocean has a low pressure system this makes sense because low pressure systems are responsible for creating good and strong waves. In deep low pressure systems, wind speed is greater and more waves are created by the power of the gusts. The friction made by these winds helps to form energy waves. these can travel thousands of miles, sometimes eventually hitting coastal areas where we live.
So, come and be one of the many that have the chance to see geography in action!
Date accessed: 18/4/13
Title: Melbourne, Australia, great ocean Rd.
Organisation: Tourism Victoria
Last Modified: Friday, 16 November 2012
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road/Activities-and-attr
Date accessed: 27/4/13
Title: Get swept away to the twelve Apostles
Organisation: Tourism Australia
Last Modified: 2013
http://www.australia.com/explore/states/vic/vic-12-apostles.aspxactions/Nature-and-wildlife/Beaches-and-coastlines/12-Apostles.aspx
Date accessed: 27/4/13
Title: The Twelve Apostles - Australia
Organisation: About.com
Last Modified: 2013
http://goaustralia.about.com/cs/vicsightseeing/a/greatoceanroad3.htm
Date accessed: 6/5/13
Title: great ocean road
Organisation: how is a wave formed, understanding swell and surf forecast.
Last Modified:
http://www.surfertoday.com/wave-height-forecast/6760-how-is-a-wave-formed-understanding-swell-and-surf-forecasts
Date accessed: 6/5/13
Title: Australia's twelve apostles
Organization: coastal care
Last Modified:2013
http://coastalcare.org/2010/12/australias-twelve-apostles/
So, come and be one of the many that have the chance to see geography in action!
Date accessed: 18/4/13
Title: Melbourne, Australia, great ocean Rd.
Organisation: Tourism Victoria
Last Modified: Friday, 16 November 2012
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road/Activities-and-attr
Date accessed: 27/4/13
Title: Get swept away to the twelve Apostles
Organisation: Tourism Australia
Last Modified: 2013
http://www.australia.com/explore/states/vic/vic-12-apostles.aspxactions/Nature-and-wildlife/Beaches-and-coastlines/12-Apostles.aspx
Date accessed: 27/4/13
Title: The Twelve Apostles - Australia
Organisation: About.com
Last Modified: 2013
http://goaustralia.about.com/cs/vicsightseeing/a/greatoceanroad3.htm
Date accessed: 6/5/13
Title: great ocean road
Organisation: how is a wave formed, understanding swell and surf forecast.
Last Modified:
http://www.surfertoday.com/wave-height-forecast/6760-how-is-a-wave-formed-understanding-swell-and-surf-forecasts
Date accessed: 6/5/13
Title: Australia's twelve apostles
Organization: coastal care
Last Modified:2013
http://coastalcare.org/2010/12/australias-twelve-apostles/