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1-27 River cliffs exposures of Whalers Bluff Formation near Dartmoor

This information has been developed from the publications:
  • An assessment of the Geological/Geomorphological Significance of Private Land in the Shire of Portland (1981) by N. Rosengren, J Mallen, T Shepherd.
Geological heritage sites, including sites of geomorphological interest and volcanic heritage sites, are under regular revision by the Geological Society of Australia, especially in the assessment of significance and values. Reference should be made to the most recent reports. See the Earth Science Heritage section of the Geological Society of Australia website (external link) for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Locality:

7122-255095. One kilometre north-east of Dartmoor.

Access:

Dartmoor - Hamilton Road.

Geology:

River cliffs on the east of the Glenelg River expose Whalers Bluff Formation limestone. The Lower (main) Oyster Bed comprising large entire Ostrea shells is well displayed at several points along the cliff. Whalers Bluff Formation calcarenite displaying dune forest bedding is found above the main oyster bed.

Significance:

Regional. This is a very clear exposure of the Whalers Bluff Formation and is one of the best displays of the Lower Oyster Bed in the Dartmoor area.

Management:

Control should be exercised on the disposal of material from road works and clearing operations to avoid pushing this material over the cliff edge and obscuring the section.
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