There are many conflicting theories on how the Petrified Forest was formed.

The most widely accepted theory was written by Dr. N.A. Boutakoff, (then Director of Geological Survey, Dept. of Minerals and Energy) in his book-“The Geology and Geomorphology of the Portland area”, published in 1963.

The theory is that there was once a forest of trees, probably Moonah (Melaleuca Lanceolata) which was eventually smothered by a large sand dune. Water seeping down through the sand formed a crust of sandstone on the outside of the tree trunks, gradually increasing in diameter. At the same time, the decaying organic matter of the trees produced an acid which dissolved the sandstone crust from the inside, thus pushing out the crust on a chemical front.

So from small trees grew large “petrified trunks”. They are not petrified wood, but sandstone and are of no value once removed from the site. Over the years they have suffered considerably at the hands of the so-called collectors, so please respect our fabulous natural attraction, and leave it there for others to appreciate. 

Petrified Forest, the name itself, creates more questions than it actually answers. Cape Bridgewater is well off the beaten path too, it’s all a little bit of mystery; you just have to see this one for yourself. Hollow tubes of limestone protrude from the cliff top, some towering over 3 metres tall. “Forest”, is indeed a fitting description given that they’ve sprouted randomly but appear in clusters. The closest comparison is stalagmites in a cave but it feels as though these belong on the surface of Mars or even the Moon. For some, these rock structures might be a little underwhelming but for others, their unique formations and science behind how they came to be is really fascinating. Regardless, they make for a very interesting photo, a phenomenon that most people will have never seen. Looking out to sea and back onto land you’ll see fur seals and wallabies that call Cape Bridgewater home. Blue Whales, the largest animal known to have ever existed also visits this coastline November-May. Perched high up on the cliffs, the Petrified Forest is one of the best lookout points to spot one.
 

This is linking Intelliblog My Corner of the World Through My Lens Sunday Best 

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Petrified Forest, Portlanddefault Petrified Forest, Portlanddefault Petrified Forest, Portlanddefault Petrified Forest, Portlanddefault Petrified Forest, Portland Petrified Forest, Portland Petrified Forest, Portland Petrified Forest, Portland Petrified Forest, Portland

Petrified Forest, Portland Petrified Forest, Portland

Petrified Forest, Portland

Petrified Forest, Portland

Petrified Forest, Portland

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