Sahul Shelf

The Sahul Shelf extends from Australia's northern coast to New Guinea, covering 120,000 square miles beneath the Timor Sea.

During the Pleistocene ice age, approximately 18,000 years ago, the entire shelf surface remained exposed as dry land due to lower sea levels.

The shelf's name first appeared on Dutch maps in the 17th century, marking a submerged sandbank between Australia and Timor.

The continental platform reaches depths of 2,000 feet, featuring numerous erosional marks from ancient river systems that crossed its surface.

Three major sections form this shelf: the Arafura Shelf, the Sahul Shelf proper, and the Rowley Shelf, each spanning different maritime zones.

GPS coordinates: -9.60000,131.70000

Latest update: May 26, 2025 14:31