The Wee Jasper Valley is a popular drive with its winding roads, shear drops and impressive valley views. The area has some well known caves nearby and a very visible geological feature that flows through the region. The hills have what look like stripes of rocks running and undulating for many kilometres. This unique feature is the seabed which has been turned on its side creating longitudal visible bands.
Parking at the GZ is possible above or below it. It is easily accessible, but some care should be taken at night.
The Taemas - Wee Jasper area is one of the most diverse geological landscapes in Australia. The dramatic limestone outcrops of the Wee Jasper Valley are highly scenic and have significant scientific and educational values associated with their structural geology, caves and diversity of marine fossils.
The predominantly sedimentary rocks at Wee Jasper have been folded significantly. The Wee Jasper Valley is cut into the western arm of a huge U-shaped synclinal fold; the complex folding of the limestone is clearly visible in extensive rock exposures, which are obvious when entering and leaving the valley.
Wee Jasper has two different types of limestone: Taemas Limestone, overlying non-carbonate rock units, and Cavan Limestone. Both of these formed about 400-415 million years ago in the Devonian period, when they were laid down in shallow marine waters populated by species of lungfish, predatory fish and an abundance of trilobites (extinct arthropods) and molluscs. Some of the world's most significant and best preserved Devonian fossils have come from the Wee Jasper limestones.
The limestone bands running all over the land in a linear pattern parallel to the valley. This longitudinal pattern has resulted from the seabed being turned on its side to expose the layers of sediment. The stratigraphy exposed covers a 10-12 million year time span, revealing rich coral reefs, algae and fish remnants. The area is world renowned for the quality of preservation of specimens. Guided tours by Cooradigbee Fossil Tours are available (by appointment only and no collecting is permitted). Tours take up to 2.5 hours and there is a fee per person. For extra information log onto www.cooradigbee.com.au/activities.htm
FTF was Sumbloke. Thanks to Specimen X for the suggested parking co-ordinates
At the GZ:
1. Note the Elevation
2. Confirm if quartz bands are visble in the adjacent rock cut
3. How many colours are visible in the adjacent rock face
4. Take a photo of yourself at the site and post if you want too.
Please submit your answers as soon as you can. It's ok to post prior, I will check your findings and respond if there are issues. Feel free to add a photo of yourself at the site if you want too. Group visits are encouraged. I hope you enjoy the experience, this is a very special area.