Marine Education Society of Australasia Home Page
banner image for Life on Australian Seashores Website

Basalt Shores

Basalt shore of the Great Coast Road, Victoria

Basalt Shores erode to form extensive low-ridged rock platforms backed by steep cliffs, such as those in central Victoria along the Great Coast Road.

This Basalt Shore is near Apollo Bay, near Cape Otway, Victoria.

Gutters, channels, and small protected embayments are excellent shelters for intertidal creatures such as mussels, anemones, limpets and top shells, and a great variety of algae species. Rocky basalt shores and sandy beaches alternate along the shore.

Click here to see a Quicktime VR movie of Marengo Head, near Apollo Bay, Victoria. Click on the image with your mouse pointer.


References

Bennett, I. (1987) W. J. Dakin's classic study: Australian Seashores. p. 3-12, Angus & Robertson, Sydney.

Davey, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. p.8, New Holland, Sydney.

Types of Rocky Shore

Granite Shores
Basalt Shores
Limestone Shores
Sandstone Shores
Metamorphic Shores
Boulder Shores


Home Page
Taxonomy
Biogeography
Rocky Shores
Tidal Levels
Intertidal Zonation
Environmental Factors
Biological Factors
Feeding Relationships
Activities

Glossary
References

 

photo of Keith DaveyLife on Australian Seashores
by Keith Davey (C) 2000

Learning Consultant - Media
The University of Newcastle

email at australian_seashores@hotmail.com

Scientific Consultant: Phil Colman
site created 01.01.98 : updated 01.04.2000