Gradually this action causes the dune to “migrate”
inland, as it does so it accumulates more and more sand. Some of
the sand dunes at Stockton exceed 30 metres in height.
Most of the dunes here have ripples on there surface. These sand
ripples form in lines perpendicular to wind direction and occur as
a result of larger grains of sand accumulate as smaller grains are
blown away.
The Stockton Dunes area contain many Aboriginal sites that are
extremely important to the local Aboriginal community.
The earliest inhabitants of this region were the members of the
Worimi Aboriginal tribe. The middens created by the tribe during
the previous 12,000 years can be seen at many points along the
length of the beach. As sand moves and clearing continues new sites
are discovered and old ones covered up.
The Stockton Dunes are also home to many threatened bird
species, including the the Oystercatcher.
There are beach and dune tours available by Four wheel drive, on
Quad or motor bikes or even Camels, through local Port Stephens
tour operators. It is also possible to slide down the steeper dunes
that are free of traffic on your esky lid.
One of the most well known ship wrecks at Port Stephens rests on
Stockton Beach.
The Stockton Bight & sand dune area is an excellent example
of an ecosystem at risk and represents one of the most
comprehensive and accessible records of coastal environmental
change on the New South Wales coast.
One of the main minerals found in all sands is
SILICA
Silica is used in the manufacture of glass, cement, ceramics and as
a foundry sand. It is also used for a range of applications in the
electronics, chemical and construction industries, and as an
abrasive.
Sources of silica are commonly classified as either “fine
silica” which comprises silica sand and friable sandstone: or
“coarse silica " or “lump silica” which includes
quartz, quartzite, and quartz gravel. The main source of fine
silica in NSW are the sand deposits of the Stockton Bight- Port
Stephens area. In 2003-04, a total of about 240,000 t of fine
silica valued at about $6.0 million was produced in NSW.
As well as all this there is an intriguing city. This is a
collection of shacks that had their origins during the Great
Depression. They were built and occupied by impoverished
Australians. The shacks made way for an army camp during the Second
World War and were rebuilt after the war. At this time four men
still live in the remaining shacks. They were utilised as a set
during the Mad Max movie. It is hard to believe that individuals
could live in such an environment soley utilising solar and wind
power.
To log this earthcache you must email
darthtrader77@gmail.com the correct answers to the following
questions AND post a picture of yourself OR your GPS
on the sand dunes
How much do these sand dunes move in one
year?
What is a 'midden'?
What is the fine silica mined from the
Stockton dunes used to manufacture?
What Is the approximate angle of descent
required to sucessfully surf your esky lid down a sand
dune?
What is the name of the city in the
dunes?
What is the name of the shipwreck on the
dunes and how long has it been there?
What was the origional purpose of the
concrete structures at the parking area?
Based on our correspondance over these
questions you should receive permission to log your earthcache
within 3 days.