Wave Rock
Wave Rock is a natural rock formation located east of the small town of Hyden in Western Australia. It derives its name from the fact that it is shaped like a tall breaking ocean wave. The total outcrop covers several hectares. The "wave" part of the rock is about 15 meters high and approximately 110 meters long.
Wave Rock has cultural significance to Aborigines. More than 140,000 tourists visit wave rock every year and an airstrip has even been made to support large aircraft taking people from all over the world to Hyden.
One aspect of Wave Rock rarely shown on photographs is the retaining wall about halfway up the rock. This follows the contours and allows rainwater to be collected in a storage dam. It was constructed in 1951 by the Public Works Department, and such walls are common on many similar rocks in the wheatbelt.
Geology
Wave Rock is composed of granite. It should be pointed out that the 'wave' formation was formed 60,000,000 years ago and the shape of the rock is not caused by a wave phenomenon, rather its rounded wave-like shape was formed by subsurface chemical weathering followed by removal of the soft weathered granite by fluvial erosion, thus the weathering occurred below ground level before it was exposed. The end result is an undercut base, leaving a round overhang.[1] Wave Rock is situated in Hyden,Western Australia and is not the only wave like rock in the area.
Nearby features
Other famous rock formations in the area include The Hippo's Yawn and The Humps.
In Popular Culture
The site of Wave Rock was used as a backdrop for an episode of Japans Next Top Model in 2008. It featured some comedic bloopers containing an inebriated Australian attempting to run up the course of the rock.
Wave Rock Music Festival
Wave Rock hosts the nearby Wave Rock Weekender event, a music festival held once a year. This year the event was held from the 26-28th September, 2009. This will be the 4th Annual event and features Jamie T, Day of the Dead and Sugar Army amongst others. The event is DJ'ed by DJ Charlie Bucket who appeared last year.
References
- ^ Twidale, C.R. (2002). "The two stage concept of landform and landscape development involving etching: origin, development and implications of an idea". Earth-Science Reviews. 57: 37–74. doi:10.1016/S0012-8252(01)00059-9.
See also
- The Wave, Arizona - similar rock formation in the United States.
32°26′38″S 118°53′53″E / 32.444°S 118.898°E
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