The Pinnacles Volcanic Formation formed approximately 23 million years ago, extruded through many vents and deposited atop the granite ‘ basement’ forming a vast volcanic field.
Some pinnacles reach 3.5m. Some are jagged, sharp-edged columns rising to a point, while others resemble tombstones. Many pinnacles display cross-bedding structures, where the angle of sand deposition changes abruptly. As rainwater comes into contact with dune sands, it dissolves the calcium carbonate. As dunes dry out, the calcium carbonate recrystallises and cements sand grains and sea shells together, forming limestone.
Drove a 4.5km trail that winds through the amazing limestone formations that create this strange ‘other world’ environment.
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