Scientists reveal formation process of Australia's Twelve Apostles limestone stacks
Updated
Updated · Australian Geographic · Apr 26
Scientists reveal formation process of Australia's Twelve Apostles limestone stacks
9 articles · Updated · Australian Geographic · Apr 26
New research led by Stephen Gallagher at the University of Melbourne shows the limestone formed 14–8.6 million years ago, with current sea stacks shaped only in the past few thousand years.
The study combines high-resolution digital mapping, fieldwork, and fossil analysis, revealing tectonic uplift and post-ice age sea level rise as key factors in the stacks' creation.
The findings offer a detailed climate archive spanning millions of years, highlighting the Twelve Apostles as both a geological wonder and a crucial record for understanding past and future climate change.
What secrets of ancient earthquakes are hidden within the cliffs of the Twelve Apostles?
Could a 14-million-year-old rock formation hold the key to our planet's future climate?
Beyond science, what ancient stories do Australia's Indigenous peoples tell about these sea stacks?
How can 760 trillion microscopic fossils in one rock rewrite the history of an icon?
Why were they named the 'Twelve Apostles' if there were likely never twelve stacks?
As the Apostles crumble, are we losing a landmark or witnessing its natural evolution?