Mount Wycheproof

Mount Wycheproof is a mountain in the small town of Wycheproof, Victoria, Australia, which stands at 43 metres (141 ft) above the surrounding terrain, making it the smallest mountain in the world. The township of Wycheproof is located on the hillside, and a unique geological substance known as Wycheproofite is exclusive to the local area.

Mount Wycheproof
View from the Mount Wycheproof lookout
Highest point
Elevation148 metres (486 ft) AHD[1]
Prominence43 metres (141 ft) AHD
Coordinates36°4′37″S 143°14′2″E
Geography
Mount Wycheproof
Location in Victoria
LocationWycheproof, Victoria, Australia
Parent rangeTerrick Terrick Range

History

The township of Wycheproof is located on the hill's south western slopes[2] The settlement was started as early as 1846, but the township was not surveyed until 1875. The name 'Wycheproof' originates from the local Aboriginal language, 'wichi-poorp', meaning 'grass on a hill'.[3] The hill plays a role in the local community, with annual races to the hilltop.[3] There are many walking tracks in the area, and local wildlife such as emus and kangaroos can be seen.[3]

Geology

Mount Wycheproof is a granite outcrop. Located in a flat grassland area, the rounded terrain of Mount Wycheproof is consistent with that of the surrounding area.[2][4] Sharing several similarities to nearby Pyramid Hill, Mount Wycheproof is part of the low-lying Terrick Terrick range.[2] The hill rises to a height of 148 metres (486 ft)[1] above sea level or only 43 metres (141 ft) above the surrounding plains,[5] The hill is characterised by a rocky, conical peak, common in the western areas of Victoria.[2] Phosphate materials are relatively rare in Victoria,[6] yet the Wycheproof area is known to have its own unique mineral, known as Wycheproofite.[7] Wycheproofite can be characterised by its pinkish colour and its transparency.[7]

References

  1. St Arnaud (Map) (1st ed.). 1:250,000. Series 1501. The Royal Australian Survey Corps. 1987. § YF0105.
  2. "4.4 Hills and Low Hills". State of Victoria. 24 September 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  3. "Wycheproof - Victoria - Australia". Sydney Morning Herald. 8 February 2004. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  4. "Our Environment". Friends of Mount Wycheproof. Archived from the original on 18 July 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  5. "7:30 Report - 01/11/2004". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 November 2004. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  6. "Mineralogy and Petrology". Museum Victoria. 20 August 1996. Archived from the original on 16 August 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  7. "mineral general info". Queensland University of Technology. Archived from the original on 8 July 2009. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
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