Wellington Caves, located in central western New South Wales 2019 скачать в хорошем качестве

Wellington Caves, located in central western New South Wales 2019

Wellington Caves, Australia's "birthplace of paleontology," boasts a 400-million-year geological history in Devonian limestone, famous for Stalagmites like "Altar Rock" in Cathedral Cave, but its real fame comes from 1830s discoveries of megafauna fossils (marsupials, thylacines) that revolutionized understanding of ancient Australia, attracting early scientific study and debate. The caves, significant to the Wiradjuri people, became a State Heritage site, blending natural wonder with profound scientific history, featuring fossils, formations, and a Visitor Centre. Geological & Aboriginal History Ancient Origins: Formed from Devonian marine sediments (around 400 million years old), revealing ancient coral reefs and folded rock layers. Wiradjuri Land: Situated on Wiradjuri country, with indirect evidence of their awareness of the caves, notes Wikipedia. Paleontological Significance (1830s Onwards) "Birthplace of Palaeontology": In the 1820s/30s, rich deposits of extinct megafauna (giant kangaroos, marsupial lions) were found, providing the first glimpses of Australia's unique past fauna to the world. Scientific Debate: These fossils challenged prevailing theories (like Biblical Deluge) and spurred debates between catastrophic and evolutionary science, reports Australian Museum and Australian Speleological Federation. Cave Formations & Tourism Cathedral Cave: Features stunning stalagmites, including the famous "Altar Rock," once used for church services. Garden Cave: Another key tour site with impressive formations. Phosphate Mine: An older mine (1914-1918) used for fertilizer, also revealing megafauna bones. Modern Experience: Now a popular tourist destination with guided tours, an Ancient Landscapes exhibition, and a Holiday Park, Wellington Caves. Heritage Status The Caves Reserve is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, recognizing its vital historical and natural importance, according to NSW Crown land.