The grotto
The Grotto is a breakthrough in the rock on the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell in Victoria , Australia . It owes its formation to natural causes, erosion .
Description and origin
The landmark was created by the pressure of the wave movement of the local tidal range and the dissolving influence of salty sea water: In the dry phases during the ebb tide, the water evaporated and the salt of the sea water formed salt crystals, which exerted pressure in the pores, cracks and crevices of the rock replaced. The natural structure got its name because of its arch shape, which is reminiscent of a grotto . The impression that it could have been created by human hands is reinforced by the horizontal layers of rock.
The "grotto" became a tourist attraction on the Great Ocean Road because of its shape and the viewing platform that can be reached via wooden stairs . At low tide you can enter the inside of the cave, which is otherwise washed up by the water. This opens up a view of the water basin behind it, which is not emptied at low tide.
The Grotto viewed from the elevated viewing platform
The Grotto viewed from the last steps of the wooden stairs
See also
- Twelve Apostles
- London Arch (formerly called London Bridge)
- Loch Ard Gorge
- Gibson Steps
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ panoramicearth.com : The Grotto (with 360-degree view), in English, accessed on February 27, 2012
Coordinates: 38 ° 36 ′ 58 ″ S , 142 ° 54 ′ 56.9 ″ E