The Formation of Mount Warning

The original Shield volcano of Mount Warning that ceased to erupt about 20 million years ago was over 2 km high. This enormous mountain attracted moist air from the coast resulting in a high rainfall. Over time the water forming streams and rivers carved out a caldera. Much of the volcanic rock basalt from the Mount Warning volcano has eroded away to form the rich red soils of the Lismore area.

It was these red soils that supported the growth of the enormous Big Scrub Rainforest which was the largest continuous expanse of subtropical rainforest in Australia before European settlement.

Adapted from NSW National Parks and Wildlife (1993)

References:

Adam, P. (1987) Cultural History, from New South Wales Rainforests: The Nomination for the World Heritage List. Sydney: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

BSRLG, (1998) Subtropical Rainforest Restoration A Practical Manual for Landowners and Landmanagers on Caring for Subtropical Rainforest Remnants and Establishing Rainforest Plantings. Lismore Region: Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group

Stubbs, B.J. (1996) The Place of History in Vegetation. Lismore: Conservation Centre for Coastal Management,Southern Cross University

NPWS. (1993) Mount Warning National Park National Parks and Wildlife Service

White, M. (1986) The Greening of Gondwana. Frenchs Forest: Reed Books.