Geologists have discovered three previously unrecorded active volcanoes in southeast Australia, which could yet deliver a blast from the past. The new Monash University research, gives a detailed picture of an area of volcanic centres already known to geologists in the region.
Covering an area of 19,000 square kilometres in Victoria and South Australia, with over 400 volcanoes, the Newer Volcanics Province (NVP) features the youngest volcanoes in Australia including Mount Schank and Mount Gambier.
Focusing on the Hamilton region, lead researcher Julie Boyce said the surprising discovery means additional volcanic centres may yet be discovered in the NVP.
"Victoria's latest episode of volcanism began about eight million years ago, and has helped to shape the landscape. The volcanic deposits, including basalt, are among the youngest rocks in Victoria but most people know little about them," Boyce said.
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