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Six trails reveal WA’s geological history

Tuesday, 18 August 2009

Tourists can now discover what Western Australia was like more than 3500 million years ago with the help of a new self-drive traveller’s guide to the Pilbara region.

The newly released publication, Discovery Trails to Early Earth, showcases some of the planets best preserved and oldest rocks along six discovery trails which cross the east Pilbara and are centred on Marble Bar.

Created by two geologists from the Geological Survey of Western Australia, a division of the Department of Mines and Petroleum, these trails also uncover ancient volcanoes, the origin of the famed ‘Marble Bar’ and significant events that have shaped the Pilbara’s landscape.

Department of Mines and Petroleum Director General, Richard Sellers, said the publication highlighted the incredibly long history in the development of Western Australia’s geology and will be a valuable resource.

“The description of each trail provides details on where to view specific landforms and rocks, an account of the geological process that formed the rocks, as well as the landscape surrounding the Pilbara region more broadly,” Mr Sellers said

“It also provides an introduction to the extensive geological field mapping and interpretation of the geological history and mineral potential that has been carried out by the department’s Geological Survey team.

“The work of these authors and the rest of the Geological Survey provides us with in-depth knowledge of an important part of our State’s geology, and encourages exploration investment by the world’s resources industry.”

Discovery Trails to Early Earth, by Martin Van Kranendonk and Jean Johnston, is the second geology book to be released by the Geological Survey of Western Australia, following Geology and landforms of the Perth Region.

Author Martin Van Kranendonk said the guide will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about this remote and interesting part of the world.

“This guide will help attract more visitors to the region and give them another reason to travel to Marble Bar,” Dr Van Kranendonk said.

“It attempts to give some sense of the incredible length of time involved in the formation and evolution of the planet, as well as the changes in the geology that have shaped the places where we live today.”

Dr Van Kranendonk said the guide was easy to follow with stops along the trails close to the road and directions outlined for people with global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

Discovery Trails to Early Earth can be purchased for $25 including GST from the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Information Centre by calling (08) 9222 3549, or online by visiting www.dmp.wa.gov.au/ebookshop

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