Pre-Quaternary Geomorphological History and Geoheritage of Britain
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Date
2012
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Publisher
Wydział Nauk Geograficznych i Geologicznych UAM
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Abstract
Substantial parts of the British Isles preserve landscapes that are the legacy of pre-Quaternary times.
Some of these may be the result of burial and exhumation of pre-Cenozoic features. However, most landscapes
post-date the Cretaceous transgression during which a Chalk mantle was laid down. Much of the British Isles
became land during the Palaeogene and the Chalk cover was rapidly removed over large areas. Sea floor spreading,
thermal uplift, and intrusion and extrusion of igneous material occurred. Landscapes also evolved in
response to warm climatic conditions and this may have led to etchplanation. In the Neogene various surface
formed and were affected by ongoing tectonic activity. Various estimates have been made of Cenozoic denudation
rates and amounts, but they appear to have varied spatially and temporally. Landscapes which provide
tangible evidence of pre-Quaternary times include those of north-east Scotland and southern England. Such
ancient landscapes are important components of the Geoheritage of Britain.
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Keywords
Geoheritage, Britain, Long-term landform development, Cenozoic
Citation
Quaestiones Geographicae vol. 31 (1), 2012, pp. 67-79
ISBN
978-83-62662-62-3