Uluru (Ayres Rock) - Northern Territory
Location:
Uluru is situated some 300 km south west of Alice Springs. 25° 20' S 131° 2' E
Photograph:
Scale: 1:25,000 Date 12-7-85
Background Information:
This is one of the most famous natural features in Australia. It is a high, isolated mass of rock which rises precipitously 350 m above a nearly featureless plain. Such a feature is called an "inselberg" (German for island mountain). This inselberg or monolith is a remnant of a once widespread rock unit which has been removed over millions of years by erosion. Other remnants of this larger rock are Mt Connor and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), two equally known inselberg masses. The size of Uluru is decided by its joint spacing. It is flattish-topped and dome-shaped with steep sides. The rock mass consists of a sandstone rich in fragments of granite (called an arkose sandstone) and there is some evidence that the original material may have been deposited during a glacial period. The original sedimentary layers are clearly visible and are now almost vertical. Uluru lies in an arid climate and the surrounding natural vegetation is sparse scrub with scattered stunted trees. The land has been returned to its original Aboriginal owners who now manage the national park for the benefit of tourism.