Gd4 - Pykes Creek - Permian Glacial Features

This information has been developed from this publication:

Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne (1986) by Neville Rosengren

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 (external link) section of the Geological Society of Australia website for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location:	Greendale - 614334. Shire of Ballan. (i) steep northern slope of Korjamnunnip Creek below Pykes Creek Reservoir, 200 m south of Western Freeway; (ii) cuttings on Western Freeway on either side of the Western Freeway bridge, (iii) parking area at edge of Pykes Creek recreation area.	Pykes Creek - Permian Glacial features
Access:	Pykes Creek Reservoir parking area.
Ownership:	Crown land (Rural Water Commission)
Site Description:	Permian glacial tillites outcrop in the cliffs above Korjamnunnip Creek below the reservoir. At several localities, the angular unconformity of the Permian with the underlying Ordovician sediments is exposed. The contact surface on the Ordovician varies from uneven to smooth and in places there are small striations. The sections exposed in the road cuttings are complex and these extend into the parking areas in the reservoir reserve.
Significance:	State. These are major exposures of the Permian rocks. The road cuttings show many complex features and the glacial pavements are good examples, although access is difficult as they are located in a restricted area high on a steep slope.
Management:	Class 1. The exposures in the road cuttings are deteriorating due to slumping and rill development in the soft Permian sediments. An engineering method of stabilizing the slope without the need for concrete, masonry or timber walls should be investigated, with the aim of maintaining the clarity of the exposure. The small exposure in the parking area provides safer viewing of Permian rocks, and would benefit from being cut back to remove weathered material washed downslope and down small gullies. This slope also should not be stabilized by covering with solid materials.
References:	Bowen RL and Thomas GA (in Douglas JG and Ferguson JE) (1976) Crowell JC and Frakes LA (1971) Roberts P (1984, 1985) Jacobson R and Scott TR (1937)

Site - Gd4

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 for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

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