Phillip Island (Pi)

Geology

Older basalt, or volcanic rock extruded in the early Tertiary Era, now called the Paleogene period. The geological map (Queenscliff Geological Mapsheet 1:250 000) classifies the underlying basalt as early Tertiary basalt.

Landform

Generally on the crests of undulating low hills.

Original Vegetation

Grassy woodland including Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and Allocasuarina spp.

Soils

The typical surface soil is dark brown light clay or clay loam with a strong crumb structure often containing weathered basalt fragments which at about 200 to 300 mm, grades into a strong brown or reddish brown medium clay with some basalt fragments. From about 600 mm, mottled reddish brown and yellow brown medium clays occur, and these continue until decomposing basalt is encountered, generally within 1.5 metres. Odd floaters (small pieces of basalt) and large ironstone concretions may be scattered in the soil profile. Site GP57 is an example of a Red Chromosol in this mapping unit.

Chemical and Physical Analysis

Site GP57 provides chemical and physical analyisis for a Red Chromosol on Phillip Island.