CANBERRA’S Mark Jekabsons has taken out the 2014 Top Geoshot photo competition run by Geoscience Australia, for his photo of Gibraltar Falls.

Chosen from a tough field of over 360 entries from across Australia, Mark’s photo highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Great Southern Land’, capturing mountain and valley formations from the top of Gibraltar Falls.

Dr Chris Pigram, Geoscience CEO, reflected on the aim of this annual competition, the highlight of Earth Science Week.

“While Earth science is all around us, many of us barely notice the influence it has on our everyday lives. This competition aims to raise awareness of this with entrants encouraged to demonstrate the importance of geoscience,” Chris said.

Callum Porter from New South Wales took out the student category with his photo of the distinctive volcanic ‘Cathedral Rocks’ formation in Kiama.

Geoscience Australia’s Top Geoshot photo competition is run annually as the highlight of Earth Science Week. Entries are judged on their creativity and suitability to the theme – this year, ‘Great Southern Land’. Entries were submitted in two categories, Open or Student.

The winning entries are available on Geoscience Australia’s website: www.ga.gov.au/top-geoshot. A selection of entries are also on display in Geoscience Australia’s foyer as part of Earth Science Week celebrations and continue to be displayed throughout the year.