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Granite Shores

Photo of the Granite Shore of Victor Harbor, South AustraliaLarge granite domes form a distinctive shoreline in Tasmania, some South Australian capes and in south-western Australia. These dome-like formations are locally known as "turtlebacks". These rounded domes plunge into the sea with no associated reefs or platforms.

This is the granite dome at Victor Harbor in South Australia.

On these domes, only a narrow band of almost vertical rock is intertidal. It is not a particularly good habitat, so not many species are adapted to live here.

The animals and algae found here are very hardy, because they are subjected to the full force of huge cold-water waves, and fierce storms from the Southern Ocean.


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
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Biogeography
Rocky Shores
Tidal Levels
Intertidal Zonation
Environmental Factors
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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