The 12 apostles are a group of limestone rock stacks located off the Great Ocean Road near the shore of Port Campbell. Made up of Miocene limestone extending from the water in Port Campbell, the 12 apostles got it significant shape due to erosion 10-20 million years ago. Over a period of time erosion in the lime stone cliffs created caves in the cliffs, and eventually these caves became arches which turned in and collapsed, leaving rock stacks highest being about 45 metres high. Today the 12 apostles are exposed to further erosion from the waves, the rate of erosion is approximately 2 cm per year which could also possibly create new apostles for the future.
Originally the 12 apostles were called "Sow and Piglets," referring to the rising stone structures (piglets) but had changed its name for tourist reasons even though there are only 9 apostles. |
http://www.mck.com.au/users/brett/index.html?content=the12Apostles.htm - 5/08/14
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