The Breadknife
30°3′S 150°3′E / 30.050°S 150.050°E
The Breadknife is a volcanic dyke in New South Wales, Australia. It is nearly 90 metres high,[1] but often is only 4 m wide, which is particularly rare. The Breadknife was part of a large shield volcano, that first erupted about 17 million years ago and stopped about 13 million years ago.[2] It is composed of peralkaline trachyte.[3]
Nearby volcanic remnants include the Belougery Spire, Belougery Split Rock, Crater Bluff, Bluff Mountain and Mount Exmouth. A network of walking tracks are used to access the steep mountains and ridges surrounding the dyke. The shortest walk completely around the Breadknife is hard and steep, taking roughly five hours to complete.
Origins
A huge shield-shaped volcano formed as volcanic explosions occurred over millions of years. This shield volcano rose about 1,000 m and is now largely eroded, forming the Warrumbungles.[3] The Breadknife was formed when hot magma spread through a soft rock. When the magma solidified and became harder than the soft rock, erosion exposed a dyke.
In popular culture
The village in the Animated series Adventures of the Little Koala took place within the shadow of the Breadknife.
See also
References
- ^ Ken Eastwood (9 May 2014). "Warrumbungles: a climber's paradise". Australian Geographic. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ David, Johnson (2009). The Geology of Australia. Cambridge University Press. p. 191. ISBN 0521767415. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ^ a b Duggan, M B (1989). "Northern New South Wales: Warrumbungle". In Johnson, R. Wally; Knutson, Jan; Taylor, Stuart Ross; Australian Academy of Science (eds.). Intraplate Volcanism in Eastern Australia and New Zealand. Cambridge University Press. p. 121. ISBN 0521380839. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
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