Home > Quaternary geological processes and natural resource management of the coastal plain adjacent to northern Ningaloo Marine Park
Quaternary geological processes and natural resource management of the coastal plain adjacent to northern Ningaloo Marine Park
| Title | Quaternary geological processes and natural resource management of the coastal plain adjacent to northern Ningaloo Marine Park |
| Publication Type | Thesis |
| Year of Publication | 2004 |
| Authors | Hahesy, C |
| Advisor | Collins, L |
| Academic Department | Applied Geology |
| Degree | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Number of Pages | 1-125 |
| Date Published | 2004 |
| University | Curtin University of Technology |
| City | Perth |
| Keywords | geology, Ningaloo |
| Abstract | The northern area of Ningaloo Marine Park incorporates a 40 m strip inland of the
modern shoreline along Cape Range Peninsula. The reef forms a segmented barrier off
the coast, controlling oceanic processes and related coastal evolution.
The Tertiary Cape Range Anticline extends along the central region of the peninsula,
expressing past tectonism as a series of emergent terraces on the western flank.
The area has been relatively tectonically stable since the Last Interglacial, peaking
between 121 and 128 ka BP. Reefs colonised Tertiary limestone at this time and form
the foundation of the modern coastal plain, influencing its morphologic development.
Climate and related eustatic fluctuations since the Late Pleistocene are primarily
responsible for the geologic and geomorphologic development of the coastal plain, with
6 distinct stages recognised as dominant controls in evolution. These stages are; 1) The
Last Interglacial highstand 2) a related second phase of Interglacial highstand (?118 ka
BP); 3) an overall regressive phase lasting from 118 to 30 ka BP; 4) a glacial peak and
lowstand between 20 and 30 ka BP; 5) transgression to a highstand at 5.3 ka BP, and, 6)
a regressive phase to the present.
GIS analysis of spatial variations in substrate and geomorphology enabled delineation of
zones at risk of degradation from anthropogenic activities. It is evident that the majority
of current coastal tourism access nodes are at high risk of degradation and careful land
use planning is essential to ensure sustainability of tourism in these areas.
Furthermore, storm surge associated with tropical cyclones, tsunamis and potential sea
level rise are capable of impacting low relief coastal areas and it is vital that these
hazards be considered in future planning for projected tourism increases in the region. |
| Refereed Designation | Refereed |
