A study from Curtin University has revealed that the limestone ‘warrior pillars’ in Western Australia, thought to be about 100,000 years old, were formed during the area’s wettest climatic period in the past half-million years. This research enhances understanding of past climate conditions and develops new methods for accurate dating of geological formations, revealing their potential as indicators for environmental changes.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Curtin University has unveiled the origin of the enigmatic limestone formations known as the ‘warrior pillars’ in Western Australia’s Pinnacles Desert. These formations, estimated to be 100,000 years old, have long been intertwined with the cultural narratives of Australia’s Aboriginal Yued people, who perceive them as the hands of warriors consumed by the sands of the region called Kwong-kan, extending for 1,000 kilometers. The research indicates that these pillars, which measure approximately 5 meters in height and 2 meters in width, were shaped during an extraordinary wet period in the area’s climatic history, representing the wettest interval in the last half-million years. Study co-author Matej Lipar stated that this period marked a significant departure from the current Mediterranean climate experienced in Western Australia. The researchers discovered that an abundance of water contributed to the dissolution of the limestone, resulting in the formation of these distinctive iron-rich pillars. They noted that similar landscapes are prevalent globally, notably along coastal regions throughout the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Southern and Southeastern Africa, as well as the Indian subcontinent and various Pacific islands. By implementing a newly developed method to investigate these formations, scientists aim to gain deeper insights into geological responses to climate shifts over time. Dr. Lipar emphasized the importance of understanding these geological features within a precise historical context to gauge how Earth’s geological systems react to climatic changes. The iron-rich nodules found within the limestone serve as geological timekeepers by capturing helium from the decay of trace amounts of radioactive materials present in the soil. According to another study author, Martin Danišík, measuring this helium content provides an accurate timeline for the formation of these nodules, which date back to the aforementioned wet climate period. This innovative dating technology developed in the study is pivotal for establishing refined timelines pertaining to past environmental changes that have implications for contemporary climate considerations. Milo Barham, another contributor to the research, remarked upon the dual significance of the findings, noting both the advancement of scientific understanding and the practical implications for addressing present and future environmental concerns.
The limestone formations, referred to as the ‘warrior pillars’, have sparked intrigue not only due to their mysterious origins but also their connection to Indigenous Australian culture. The recognition of the pillars as geological and culturally significant landmarks underscores the complex interplay between natural history and cultural narratives. Understanding the climatic conditions under which these formations were created provides crucial information regarding past environmental scenarios, and enhances our knowledge about climate changes that have affected the continent.
The research conducted on Australia’s limestone ‘warrior pillars’ has successfully identified their origins and the climatic conditions present at their formation. This study not only enriches the scientific community’s comprehension of Australia’s geological history but also highlights the need for continuous exploration of climate change indicators. Furthermore, these findings offer valuable insights for anticipating future environmental shifts affecting both the continent and the planet at large.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
