Phosphate Ore

September 06, 2009

Phosphate

Photographer: Greg Rutter
Summary Author: Greg Rutter

The photo above features a freshly mined face of phosphate ore in northwest Queensland, Australia. This deposit was laid down some 500 million years ago when the region was a warm, shallow inland sea and has since been subjected to dramatic geological forces, resulting in the severe folding of the strata shown. The height of the mine face is approximately 25 feet (eight meters). If you look closely interesting patterns can sometimes be picked out in the abstract folds. Note the "love heart" at upper left. Photo taken on July 7, 2009.