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YY1 - Kirks Bridge - Lava Flows

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

Location:You Yangs - 785025. Shire of Corio. Valley of Little River 500 m south of Kirks Bridge.
Image: Sites of Significance Werribee
Kirks Bridge - Lava Flows

Access:
Kirks Bridge Road.

Ownership:
Private land.

Site Description:
Incision by Little River has exposed an 8 m section in Newer Volcanics basalt. At least two lava flows are present and many primary and secondary lava structures are evident. These include several horizontal and vertical joints, columns, spheroidal weathering, corestones, flow structures, elongated vesicles, ropy lava and small lava stalactites. The jointing pattern on the channel floor forms a tessellated pavement. Flood debris on the incised channel includes quartzose gravels and sands washed from the Brisbane Ranges. There are different channel forms including long deep pools lined with reeds and sedge and short sections of rapid with potholes.

Significance:
Regional. The site is a very clear natural exposure of the lavas of the Werribee Plains and shows a variety of basalt structures and weathering forms. It demonstrates the capacity of a relatively small stream to incise hard rock - much of the incision taking place at a lower sea level. The presence of flood gravels derived from the Brisbane Ranges illustrates the important of extreme events in shaping the nature of the valley. The site is an excellent example of the variety of channel forms and processes that can occur along a short sector of stream cut into rock-lined channel.

Management:
Class 1. Dredging, deepening, filling or draining of the channel should not be permitted. Public access along the river should guaranteed by clearing of a walkway and provision of stiles across fences. Subdivision to river frontage should not be permitted.

Image: Sites of Significance Werribee
Kirks Bridge - Lava Flows
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