Seaham Quarry

Item details


Name of item:	Seaham Quarry
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Natural
Category:	Geological site or area
Location:	Lat: -32.6631167424 Long: 151.7271690840
Primary address:	Torrence Street, Seaham, NSW 2324
Parish:	Seaham
County:	Durham
Local govt. area:	Port Stephens
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Worimi

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	10		DP	258195
LOT	95		DP	42639

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Torrence Street	Seaham	Port Stephens	Seaham	Durham	Primary Address
Torrence Street	Seaham	Port Stephens	Seaham	Durham	Alternate Address

Statement of significance:


	Seaham Quarry is significant to the history of Australian geology and its associations with the famous Australian geologist, Professor Edgeworth David who first recognised the glacigene origin of the Carboniferous sediments in the Seaham area in 1914. Seaham Quarry is of international scientific importance because of the perfection of preservation of its varied shales and the associated contorted beds exposed in them. The shale deposits are estimated by scientists to be more than 300 million years old. The quarry contains, in its shale deposits, evidence of the galcial origin of rocks in the Hunter River Valley. (Heritage Office file notes 1979)
	Date significance updated: 05 Jan 00
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Physical description:	Seaham Quarry is a small, disused shale quarry at Seaham, 14 kilometres northwest of Raymond Terrace. The quarry walls are north facing and one to two metres high. In 1925 a signboard was erected by Edgeworth David proclaiming the area is to 'preserved in perpetuity'. The varved sediments in the Seaham Quarry belong to the Upper Carboniferous Seaham Formation (Engel, 1966), equivalent to the Main Glacial Beds of Osborne (1922). In the Seaham area the formation consists of 600mm of tillite, varved shale, aqueo-glacial conglomerate, tuffaceous sandstone, and mudstone. Osborne (1925) recognised three tillite and three varved shale horizons, of which that exposed in the quarry is the lower-most and thickest. Crowell and Frakes (1971,p.137) described the appearance of the strata in the quarry as follows: 'Laminated clay-shale layers, from 5 mm to 10 cm are separated by thinner fine-sandstone layers, from a few millimetres to a centimetre in thickness. Many thin sandstone units are graded, and locally display starved ripples with shapes and internal cross-laminations indicating the sense of current transport. Scattered through the section are rounded pebbles up to 6 cm in diameter...which occur within thicker mudstone layers as well as on bedding planes demarcated by graded sandstones'...Occasional pockets of such pebbles were observed by Sussmilch (in Sussmilch and David, 1920). Glaessner (1957) described and illustrated a new species of arthropod trace fossil, Isododichnus osbornei, from varve shales at Seaham. The exact locality is not stated but the specimens were most likely collected from the quarry where they had previously been recorded (Sussmilch and David, 1920) as annelid tracks. The probable depositional environment of the quarry strata, as envisaged by Rattigan (1967) and other workers, was a shallow periglacial lake which received sediment influxes via turbidity currents. Low velocity traction currents modified the surface of these lake bed deposits, and ice-rafted pebbles (derived from moraines) were dropped into them at intervals from melting floes and icebergs. Crowell and Frakes (1971) consider that this glaciation was of alpine type and took place at a (late Carboniferous) latitude of 45-50 degree S. Perhaps the most spectacular features exposed in the quarry are localised contorted beds interstratified between apparently undisturbed layers and laterally continuous with undeformed planar strata. The height of the contorted layers ranges from a few centimetres to a metre or more. In David Edgeworth's day, the cause of the deformation was thought to be 'the dragging force of glacial ice or icebergs'. - However Fairbridge (1947), who reviewed in detail seven possible explanations of the origin of the contortions, concluded that -ravitational slumping - probably due to release of water from impounded glacial lakes, or over loading, was the most likely cause. Subsequent investigators (Rattigan, 1967; Crowell and Frakes, 1971) considered that some of the contorted layers could equally well have resulted from groudning of icebergs and floes. Rattigan (1967) described a variety of other deformational phenomena from these strata, including lode and flow structures, intraformational facturing, penecontemporaneous sand intrusions, and non-hydrodynamic ripple forms. He proposed earthquake-activated slumping as a possible mechanism of formation. The other feature of the strata exposed in the quarry which has attracted scientific interest is the significance of the laminations. The explanation on the signboard reflects the view of early workers in the area that the alternation of coarse and fine bands was attributable to seasonal deposition, and that the approximate time taken for accumulation could be established by counting pairs of layers. Sussmilch (in Sussmilch and David, 1.920) in fact estimated that all-out 3000 years would have been required to deposit the total thickness of varve shales (some 60 m) in the Seaham, district, but the accuracy of this measurement was questioned by Osborne (1925) because it disregarded the effects of contemporary erosion, non-annual depositional rhythms, and weathering-induced variability in prominence of laminations. The exceptional preservation of the Seaham varves (considering their age) prompted the Swedish scientist Carl Caldenius to investigate their potential use in geochronology (a section was actually measured for this purpose at Paterson nearby (Caldenius, 1938). However, subsequent workers (e.g. Crowell and Frakes. 1971) have been more cautious about use of the term 'varves' in reference to the Seaham strata, as the rhythmic bedding exhibited has not been proven to follow an annual cycle. (Percival)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The quarry and signboard are in good condition (1979)
	Date condition updated:05 Jan 00
Further information:	The quarry itself could be detrimentally affected by indiscriminate and quite unnecessary use of geological hammers.


Current use:	Geological site
Former use:	Aboriginal land, quarry

History

Historical notes:

The glacigene origin of the Carboniferous sediments in the Seaham area was first recognised by Professor Edgeworth David in 1914. Subsequently Sussmilch (in Sussmich and David, 1920) reported the occurence of varved shales in the Seaham Quarry, which rapidly gained famed in Australia and internationally because of the perfection of preservation of the varves and the associated contorted beds exposed in them. David exhibited specimens of the varved shales in Honolulu in 1920 at the First Pan Pacific Science Congree, and three years later led a party of visiting scientists to the quarry on the occasion of the Second Pan Pacific Science Congress. In 1925 a signboard describing the phenomena exposed in the quarry was erected in the site.

Tannat William Edgeworth David was a Professor of Geology at the University of Sydney. He was also on Douglas Mawson's and Allistair Mackay's expediction to be first to reach the magnetic South Pole in 1908 (David, aged 50). David had been Mawson's geology lecturer and mentor. David was already a houshold name in Australia for identifying the Greta Coal Seam, which became the motherlode of the Hunter Valley coal (mining) industry, setting New South Wales on a path to previously-unimagined prosperity. Talking about it at public meetings, David demonstrated he was a compelling speaker with great charm, intelligence and humour. His fame grew as well as his capacity to fundraise for his projects, including the Ernest Shackleton Antarctic expedition.

David was born in Wales and first came to Australia in his 20s to recover from a nervous breakdown likely caused by the loss of his Christian faith: tricky in a deeply religious era, especially when his father was an admired reverend who expected David would take up holy orders. Returning to the UK still faithless, David pursued a longstanding interest in geology and quickly began producing learned papers that impressed the geological academic community. Meanwhile in NSW, the job of Assistant Government Surveyor to the NSW Government became available and David returned, to take it. This led him to identifying the Hunter Valley coal seam, putting him in good stead to apply for the Chair of Geology and Palaentology in 1891 at the University of Sydney.

A subsequent mining boom allowed David to convince the University that it needed a school of mines, and soon his one-man geology department in a shabby cottage became a new building and lecture hall with a growing number of students. More international attention came when David led a team to Funafati Atoll, in the central western Pacific, to deep drill for evidence to prove a theory about how reefs were formed. Two previous teams, including one from the Royal Society of London, had failed the attempt. With the world watching, David's attempt was a spectacular success, though the reef evidence uncovered was inconclusive.

Returning to the University, his popularity grew. With World War 1, David convinced the government to let him lead a team of Australian geologists and miners to France and the Western Front, which he did in 1915. He was 58 at the time. The specialised knowledge of his team, the so-called Australian Mining Corps, led to pioneering thinking on how to place and dig trenches and deal with ground water. David's bigger plan was to dig tunnels under the German lines on the Messines-Wytchaete Ridge, fill these with TNT and detonate them. Which he did spectacularly in 1917, changing the course of the battle. David died in Sydney in 1934, aged 76, after being professor of Geology for 35 years. Unheard of for a lowly geologist, he was given a State Funeral and thousands crowded the streets to farewell a person of truly heroic stature (Dodd and Bennett, 2020, 25).

In 1979 the Geological Society of Australia (NSW Division) nominated the site for an Interim Conservation Order. The order was sought as the site was for sale and possible development. On 12 April 1979 an Interim Conservation Order was placed over the site to provide time for further investigation. On 14 December 1979 a Permanent Conservation Order was placed over the site. The site was transferred onto the State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Modification of terrain-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of industrial production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Energy supply industry-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Mining-Activities associated with the identification, extraction, processing and distribution of mineral ores, precious stones and other such inorganic substances.	Mining for coal-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working complex machinery and technologies-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in mines and quarries-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working as a manager or executive officer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	(none)-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Sir Tannat William Edgeworth David KMG, Professor of Geology, Assistant Geological Surveyor for New So-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Seaham Quarry is significant to the history of Australian geology and its associations with the famous Australian geologist, Professor Edgeworth David who first recognised the glacigene origin of the Carboniferous sediments in the Seaham area in 1914. (Heritage Office file notes 1979)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Seaham Quarry is of international scientific importance because of the perfection of preservation of its varied shales and the associated contorted beds exposed in them. The shale deposits are estimated by scientists to be more than 300 million years old. The quarry contains, in its shale deposits, evidence of the galcial origin of rocks in the Hunter River Valley. (Heritage Office file notes 1979)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00023	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00023	14 Dec 79	178	6348

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Hornsby Heritage Study Review	2013		Chris Betteridge		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written		1925	The Geology and pertology of the Clarencetown - Paterson District. Part III
Written	Caldenius C	1938	Carboniferous varves, measured at Perterson, New South Wales
Written	Dodd, George; with Bennett, Professor Maxwell	2020	'Pioneering Geologist and National Hero: Tannatt Edgeworth David'
Written	Engel B A	1966	Newcastle 1:250 000 Geological Series Explanatory notes. Geol. Surv. NSW
Written	Fairbridge R W	1947	Possible causes of intraformational disturbance in the carboniferous varve rocks of Australia
Written	Glaessner M F	1957	Palaezoic arthropod trails from Australia
Written	Osborne G D	1922	The Geology and pertology of the Clarencetown - Paterson District. Part I
Written	Percival I		Report (Undated)
Written	Rattigan J H	1967	Depositional, soft sediment and post-consolidation structures in a Palaeozoic aqueglacial sequence
Written	Sussmilch C A & David T W E	1920	Sequence, glaciation and correlation of the Carboniferous rocks of the Hunter River district of NSW

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045417
File number:	S90/06099 & HC 32203

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