Scientists Just Solved the Mystery of the Twelve Apostles

University of Melbourne researchers say the Twelve Apostles in Victoria were lifted from the seafloor by tectonic movement over millions of years.

After the last Ice Age, coastal erosion carved the uplifted limestone into the sea stacks seen today.

Microfossils dated the limestone layers to about 8.6–14 million years old and showed tilted, fractured strata linked to ancient earthquakes.

The findings improve understanding of a major Australian landmark and add geologic context for past climate and sea-level change.