THE GEOLOGY OF MAGNETIC ISLAND
Magnetic Island is well known for its distinctive environment and picturesque landscape featuring large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs.
The story of Magnetic Island began 275 million years ago when molten granite was pushed to the earth’s surface with volcanic force.
Over time the overlying volcanic rocks weathered away. The underlying granite mass has decomposed along fracture lines, creating today's extraordinary landscape of rounded domes and boulders (tors), many of which are larger than a house and spectacularly perched.
Fault lines have eroded to form gullies and valleys. Today, a shallow sea separates the island from the mainland. However, before the sea level rose 7,500 years ago, Magnetic Island was connected to the mainland between Cape Pallarenda and Kissing Point.
(Source: QPWS)
The story of Magnetic Island began 275 million years ago when molten granite was pushed to the earth’s surface with volcanic force.
Over time the overlying volcanic rocks weathered away. The underlying granite mass has decomposed along fracture lines, creating today's extraordinary landscape of rounded domes and boulders (tors), many of which are larger than a house and spectacularly perched.
Fault lines have eroded to form gullies and valleys. Today, a shallow sea separates the island from the mainland. However, before the sea level rose 7,500 years ago, Magnetic Island was connected to the mainland between Cape Pallarenda and Kissing Point.
(Source: QPWS)
A typical Island headland after the wet. (Photo: Pen Sheridan)
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Magnetic Island is known for it's distinctive granite boulders.
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From boulders to beach. (Photo: Sara Shaw)
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THE GEOLOGY OF ARCADIA, MAGNETIC ISLAND
Visit arcadiacoastcare.com.au for more information on the geology specific to the area in and around Arcadia on Magnetic Island.
Help us build the Magnetic Island Environmental Resource Centre!
ECOSYSTEMS | GEOLOGY | WORLD HERITAGE |
BIRDS | BUTTERFLIES | FROGS & TOADS | LIFE IN THE OCEAN | PLANTS | WEEDS | MAMMALS | REPTILES | SPIDERS & INSECTS
BIRDS | BUTTERFLIES | FROGS & TOADS | LIFE IN THE OCEAN | PLANTS | WEEDS | MAMMALS | REPTILES | SPIDERS & INSECTS
