How much of Uluru is still underground?
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone rock formation located in the Northern Territory, Australia. This iconic landmark is famous for its size, beauty, and cultural significance to the Indigenous Anangu people. However, have you ever wondered how much of Uluru is still underground?
Formation of Uluru
To understand how much of Uluru is still underground, it’s important to know how this magnificent rock formation was created. Uluru was formed over 550 million years ago through the process of sedimentation, uplift, and erosion.
During the Petermann Orogeny, a mountain-building event, sand and sediment were deposited in the area. Over time, these sediments were compressed and cemented together, forming the sandstone that makes up Uluru.
Visible Portion of Uluru
Uluru appears as a massive rock rising from the flat desert plain. Its visible portion, above the ground, is estimated to be around 348 meters (1,142 feet) high. This makes it taller than famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building.
However, what’s intriguing is that approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) of Uluru’s bulk lies beneath the surface, invisible to the naked eye.
Extent of Underground Portion
While we cannot see the entirety of Uluru’s underground portion, geologists have used various techniques to estimate its extent. Through drilling and seismic surveys, it has been determined that the rock extends as deep as 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) below the surface.
This means that around 75% of Uluru’s total mass remains underground, hidden from view. The majestic rock that we see today is just a fraction of its true size.
Importance to the Anangu people
The Anangu people, the traditional owners of Uluru, have a deep spiritual connection to this sacred site. They believe that the land is imbued with ancestral beings and their creation stories.
For the Anangu, the underground portion of Uluru holds as much significance as the visible rock, as it represents the physical and spiritual connection between the present-day and the past.
Uluru is not just a remarkable tourist attraction; it is a symbol of cultural heritage and natural wonder. With approximately 75% of its mass hidden beneath the surface, Uluru’s true size and beauty extend far beyond what meets the eye.
The underground portion of Uluru holds immense value for both geological and cultural reasons, highlighting the importance of preserving this iconic landmark for future generations to appreciate and respect.
