The 12 apostles

                                

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are humongous giant rocks that magically rose from the ocean due to erosion and is located in Victoria at the Port Campbell National Park. The Twelve Apostles have been created by endless erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland that began around 10 to 20 million years ago. The wild storm of the Southern Ocean and blasting winds eventually battered the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. The caves eventually became curves and when they collapsed, the rocks which were up to 45 metres high were left alone from the shore.

The twelve apostles is an interesting site as the sunset and sunrise gives the rocks spectacular colours ranging from a dark to a murky colour. These tremendous rocks have attracted over 2 million visitors every year as it is Victoria’s biggest attraction area. Parks Victoria has built planks, pathways, and viewing areas to make sure that you get spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles.

I chose this site because of its marvellous sight and it reminds Christians about Jesus’ 12 apostles who took his body and blood. The rocks are very beautiful especially during at night as it changes colour and the caves are also quite magnificent. Though the Twelve Apostles only have 8 rocks, (Used to be 9 until a large wave made a 50m rock collapse) it is still quite extraordinary and it is said to be that there is 2cm of erosion every year.

The Twelve Apostles fulfil the following criteria for the World Heritage Listing;

1.To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.

The 12 Apostles is very spectacular especially during sunset when its colour changes.

2.To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.

This is an example of the earth’s history because it demonstrates erosion which made the Twelve Apostles to split into parts.

5 features in which why The Twelve Apostles should be preserved:                                                              1. This masterpiece made by erosion was made millions of years ago and if it is destroyed, it can never come back as it is nature-made.
2. These stunning rocks need to be preserved because some insects are living inside these rocks and if it is destroyed, then these insects will lose their habitats which could make them threatened or extinct.

<!  3.The caves made by the erosion are quite interesting because the caves are big enough to fit a number of people inside and if it is destroyed, the caves would turn about to be plain old rocks.

<!  4. It is very precious as during sunset and sunrise, the rocks show its true form by presenting an attractive and breath-taking array of colours.

<!  5. The Parks Victoria have paid millions of dollars to make planks for tourists to see a great view of The Twelve Apostles but if the twelve apostles is destroyed, Parks Victoria would have to make a longer path to a different area which would cost even more money.

If The Twelve Apostles would to be on the world heritage site, it would raise awareness about the significance and beauty of its nature, thus there would be more conservation and protection programs implemented.

Bibliography:

http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.000B0BDC-CFBC-1A5C-BC6180C476A90000/, retrieved 22/03/11, Information on The Twelve Apostles.  

www.whc.unesco.org, retrieved 22/03/11, Unesco site on world heritage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Apostles_(Victoria), retrieved 22/03/11, Information on The Twelve Apostles.