Oscar Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oscar Range |
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The Devonian Reefs of the Oscar Range surround the range's quartzite core.
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | unnamed |
| Elevation | 325 m (1,066 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Native name | Error {{native name}}: an IETF language tag as parameter {{{1}}} is required (help) |
| Geography | |
 Location in Western Australia
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Western Australia |
| Region | Canning Basin |
| Range coordinates | 17°49′S 125°9′E / 17.817°S 125.150°E |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Proterozoic core / Devonian hills |
The Oscar Range is a small, low mountain range in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is about 40 kilometers long and 6–8 kilometers wide. This range sits on the edge of a flat area called the Lennard Shelf. It is famous for its amazing fossil reefs.
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What is the Oscar Range?
The Oscar Range might not be as tall as some mountains, but it's very special! It's a low mountain range found in the northern part of Western Australia. It stretches out for about 40 kilometers (that's like 25 miles) and is around 6 to 8 kilometers wide.
Where is the Oscar Range?
You can find the Oscar Range in a place called the Kimberley. This region is known for its rugged landscapes and ancient history. The range is located on the edge of the Canning Basin.
What is the Oscar Range Made Of?
The main part of the Oscar Range is made of very old rocks. These rocks are called quartzites and shales. They are from a time called the Precambrian period, which was billions of years ago. These rocks have been folded and changed over time.
The lower hills around the range are made of different rocks. These are called carbonates. They are often found where ancient seas once existed.
Ancient Reefs and Islands
One of the most exciting things about the Oscar Range is its fossil reefs. These reefs are from the Devonian period, which was about 400 million years ago. They are incredibly well preserved, meaning you can still see many details.
How Did the Reefs Form?
During the Devonian period, the peaks of the Oscar Range were actually islands! Imagine a group of islands sticking out of an ancient sea. These islands were surrounded by living reefs. These reefs were built by tiny sea creatures called stromatoporoids.
Over millions of years, the sea dried up and the land changed. Erosion has slowly worn away the softer rocks. This has left the hard fossil reefs exposed for us to see today.
The Mowambini Archipelago
The group of islands that formed the Oscar Range in Devonian times is known as the Mowambini Archipelago. This name comes from the Aboriginal name for the Oscar Range. It helps us remember the area's long history and its connection to the local Aboriginal people.
