8. Coastal Cliffs West of Adams Road

This information has been developed from the publication:

Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the South Gippsland Marine and Coastal Parks (1989) 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	255057. Three hundred metres north-west of Adams Road. The cliffed section extends for about 200 metres.	Pleistocene lagoonal sediments resting on Pliocene clay beds, (near Adams Road)
Access:	Walk from south end of Adams Road.
Significant Features:	Cliffs eroded along the northern shore of Shallow Inlet west of Adams Road expose Pliocene and Pleistocene sediments. The Pleistocene sediments are leached fine sands (lagoonal sediments) overlying coffee-rock which rests unconformably on Pliocene clays. The site is of interest both for exposures of sediments and because a Juncus marsh is spreading in front of this formerly active cliffed sector. The marsh is advancing across firm sandy tidal flats derived from former episodes of cliff erosion. As the marsh is widening, the rate of cliff erosion reduces due to protection from wave action.
Significance Level:	Regional. The site is an example of ecological change (marsh growth) leading to a change (reduction) in shoreline stability. It is also significant for sections of Pleistocene lagoon deposits exposed in cliffs.
Management Issues:	This sector of coast should be excluded from erosion protection schemes. The impact of the erosion needs to be evaluated as to purpose and effectiveness. The viability of using vegetation as a protective measure need evaluating.
Research & Monitoring Requirements:	Establish detailed mapping project to monitor rates of cliff erosion and development of marsh.
Public Interpretation Possibilities:	Not applicable.
Main Reference:	Smith, A. S. (1969). 'The geomorphology of Shallow Inlet, Victoria.' B.Sc. (Hons) Thesis. Dept. of Geography. Univ. of Melb.

Sites of Geological & Geomorphological Significance - Figure 34

Shallow Inlet (south and north)

Image: Marine and Coastal Parks Sites of Significance

Juncus marsh advancing in front of eroded cliffs west of Adams Road

Page top