Mr Smith explained that the coastal plain was around five kilometres wide and provided access to freshwater, vegetation and a wide range of animals. Neanderthals were generally short and stocky, with a pronounced ridge above the eyes and wider noses with larger nasal passages, Mr Smith explained. The result was a series of archaeological layers, with each layer providing another part of the story, Mr Smith explained. Today, the Rock rises 426 metres above the sea, Mr Smith explained. Later, the boat continued past the caves, with the children able to see the archaeologists at work below their distinctive orange helmets.