Mt. Gambier Volcanics (Environmental Region 1.3)
This region consists of six environmental associations. It has a wider range of attributes than regions 1.1 and 1.2 and has a distinctly higher relief and altitude than surrounding regions. It consists of a slightly uplifted limestone plain above which rise several volcanic cones. The youngest of these, Mt. Gambier and Mt. Schank, last erupted about 1500 years ago. Airborne volcanic ash is widespread around the cones. Uplift has been greatest in the north-west where a hilly landscape has developed. Calcarenite dunes extend from regions 1.2 and 1.4 into this region and add to its variability. The combination of permeable limestone rock, deep sands and ash soils in an elevated position have given rise to intensive forms of land use consisting of pine plantations on the sands and agriculture on the ash soils. Little natural vegetation remains. The climate is characterized by a winter rainfall maximum and relatively dry summers. Rainfall is 800 mm per annum and temperatures are equable, varying from warm in summer to moderate in winter.
