Sea Arches, Stacks and Caves
Sea arches, caves and stacks are all excellent examples of the power of the ocean. Even Newfoundlands strong, rocky coast are susceptible to erosion and nothing shows that better than these natural features.
To learn more on how these form check out Coast Landforms 101.
The Pouch Cove Sea Arch
Located along the East Coast Trail in Pouch Cove is a large hole near the coast that appears to have a small beach at the bottom of it. This is the result of a small sea cave that allows water to flow in from the ocean. Because of this it is technically considered a sea arch. This is very similar to the Dungeon Sea Arch (Below), except smaller. At the top of the beach is the beginnings of another cave into the rock face.
Dungeon Provincial Park
Dungeon Provincial Park is located on the Bonavista Peninsula near the community of Bonavista. Its main feature is a giant hole in the ground with two caves that lead out to the sea.
This featured formed when the waves began carving two caves into the sedimentary cliff side. As the caves got deeper that eventually carved out an area that could not support the overhead rock which collapsed forming the hole. Eventually the current cave roofs will collapse as well forming a sea stack. Several hiking trails leaving from here also brings you around the coast to visit other sea stacks.
The Raised Sea Stack in Trout River
In the community of Trout River on the island's west coast is a very unique type of sea stack. This is because the rock pillar is located almost 400 metres away from the sea and 20 metres above it. The sea stack is known locally as "The Old Man" as it resembles a man watching over the community.
The "raised" sea stack is located on a terrace of land above the ocean. It was formed when sea levels began to lower at the end of the last ice age, 10-13,000 years ago. Before decresing sea levels in the area were 27 metres higher than what they are today. Once they had lowered the sea stack remained elevated on a terrace above the town.
Getting to the 'Old Man' is rather easy. From the south side of the community, youll find a trail leading up the hill onto the upper plateau. You can then hike across the top to the ancient sea stack. Its surprising that although the feature is quite rare and interesting, it is not seen on many tourist maps nor is there many signs directing you to it. This rare features is clear evidence of how different the world was just 10,000 years ago.
Highlands Sea Stacks
Located south of the communities of Highlands and Robinson's is a small trail at the end of a dirt road that takes you to a lookout over the ocean. The trail then takes you down a number of stairs onto the beach where you can get up and close to a large stack on the beach.
This place may just be one of the most beautiful spots on the island but is known by hardly anyone. Just a short drive from Stephenville, the area offers a great place to camp and hike.
Sources:
Gros Morne National Park - By: Michael Burzynski
The Glaciation of Southwestern Newfoundland - A PhD Thesis by: Ian Alfred Brookes