These red stones represent sand, gravel, and silt, eroded by rivers from a volcanic mountain range 550 million years ago that accumulated on a riverbed and along its shores. The volcanoes were still active at the time, so beds of ash (and occasionally rock fragments) are mixed through the sediment layers. This muddy surface would have been periodically exposed to open air as sea level changed, causing minute air pockets to develop between the sediment grains as the water evaporated. These air pockets would eventually develop into cracks, which were sometimes preserved by sand or silt burying the exposed beds and filling in these fissures. Dessication cracks can be elongate or irregular; when shrinkage occurs evenly in all directions, polygonal fracture may be produced. Large amounts of fine, iron-rich grains are found in this sediment. Upon exposure to oxygen, these iron grains oxidized before turning to stone and became the red colour you see today – in other words, they have turned to rust!
The cove in Duntara is often sheltered from winds, and as a result, is a great place for whales to feed and rest. It’s not uncommon to see a whale ‘logging’ in this area after filling its belly with capelin, much like you would nap after a big meal!
Getting Here
Exit Route 235 at King’s Cove and proceed to along Top Rd to Duntara. Turn right off Top Rd towards the shore rd.
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