The Nut (Tasmania)
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Prominence142 m (466 ft)[2]
| The Nut | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 143 m (469 ft)[1] |
| Prominence | 142 m (466 ft)[2] |
| Isolation | 0.63 km (0.39 mi)[2] |
| Coordinates | 40°45′49″S 145°18′11″E / 40.7637°S 145.3031°E |
| Geography | |
 | |
| Location | North West Tasmania, Australia |
The Nut is a volcanic plug near the town of Stanley, Tasmania.[3][4][5] It is formed from basanite dated to 12.5 and 8.5 million years old,[6] the remains of the solidified core of an extinct volcano that was active about 25–70 million years ago. It has an elevation of 143 metres (469 ft) above sea level.[1] It is one of at least 120 volcanic centres recognized across the state.[7]
The Nut's geological characteristics have important implications for the local environment providing unique habitats for flora and fauna, including breeding sites for various bird species.[8]
The basaltic rocks weather to form fertile red soil, which is valuable for agriculture in northwestern Tasmania.[7]