Jurassic Coast: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Gbdot Jurassic Coast.png|thumb|right|120px|Location in the United Kingdom]] |
[[File:Gbdot Jurassic Coast.png|thumb|right|120px|Location in the United Kingdom]] |
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The '''Jurassic Coast''' is a stretch of [[coast]] in south-west [[England]]. It is between Orcombe Point near [[Exmouth]] in East [[Devon]] and Old Harry Rocks near [[Swanage]] in East [[Dorset]]. This is 95 miles long (153 |
The '''Jurassic Coast''' is a stretch of [[coast]] in south-west [[England]]. It is between Orcombe Point near [[Exmouth]] in East [[Devon]] and Old Harry Rocks near [[Swanage]] in East [[Dorset]]. This is 95 miles long (153 km). |
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It is a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>UNESCO, [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1029 "Dorset and East Devon Coast"]; retrieved 2012-4-19.</ref> |
It is a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>UNESCO, [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1029 "Dorset and East Devon Coast"]; retrieved 2012-4-19.</ref> |
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Its entire length can be walked on the South West Coast Path.<ref name="SWCP">{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2004 | url = http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/ | title = The Official Guide to the SWCP | format = | work = | publisher = SWCP Team | accessdate = 2007-01-14}}</ref> |
Its entire length can be walked on the South West Coast Path.<ref name="SWCP">{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2004 | url = http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/ | title = The Official Guide to the SWCP | format = | work = | publisher = SWCP Team | accessdate = 2007-01-14}}</ref> |
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*The first [[plesiosaur]] |
*The first [[plesiosaur]] |
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*The first [[pterosaur]] outside Germany |
*The first [[pterosaur]] outside Germany |
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These finds were by [[Mary Anning]] in the first part of the 19th century. This area was home to Mary, a collector who searched for fossils of the coastline around [[Lyme Regis]] and discovered several complete [[Ichthyosaur]] [[fossil]]s. |
These finds were by [[Mary Anning]] in the first part of the 19th century. This area was home to Mary, a collector who searched for fossils of the coastline around [[Lyme Regis]] and discovered several complete [[Ichthyosaur]] [[fossil]]s. |
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== Geology == |
== Geology == |
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The Jurassic Coast is made of [[Triassic]], [[Jurassic]] and [[Cretaceous]] cliffs, spanning 185 million years of [[Geology|geological]] history. |
The Jurassic Coast is made of [[Triassic]], [[Jurassic]] and [[Cretaceous]] cliffs, spanning 185 million years of [[Geology|geological]] history. |
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The site contains a number of special features and shows different landforms, including the natural [[arch]] at [[Durdle Door]], the [[cove]] and [[Fold (geology)|limestone folding]] at [[Lulworth Cove]] and an island, the [[Isle of Portland]]. |
The site contains a number of special features and shows different landforms, including the natural [[arch]] at [[Durdle Door]], the [[cove]] and [[Fold (geology)|limestone folding]] at [[Lulworth Cove]] and an island, the [[Isle of Portland]]. |
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[[Chesil Beach]] (or Chesil Bank) is one of England's three [[shingle]] ([[gravel]]) beaches. It is a barrier beach which runs parallel to the [[coastline]] and connects to [[Portland Bill]] (see photo). Between the barrier and the regular coastline is a [[lagoon]]. |
[[Chesil Beach]] (or Chesil Bank) is one of England's three [[shingle]] ([[gravel]]) beaches. It is a barrier beach which runs parallel to the [[coastline]] and connects to [[Portland Bill]] (see photo). Between the barrier and the regular coastline is a [[lagoon]]. |
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==== Blue Lias ==== |
==== Blue Lias ==== |
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[[Image:Blue lias cliffs at Lyme Regis.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Blue Lias cliffs at Lyme Regis, Dorset]] |
[[Image:Blue lias cliffs at Lyme Regis.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Blue Lias cliffs at Lyme Regis, Dorset]] |
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The '''Blue Lias''' is a geologic formation in the Jurassic Coast and parts of south [[Wales]]. It is part of the [[Lias Group]]. |
The '''Blue Lias''' is a geologic formation in the Jurassic Coast and parts of south [[Wales]]. It is part of the [[Lias Group]]. |
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The [[Blue Lias]] consists of a sequence of [[limestone]] and [[shale]] layers. It was laid down in late [[Triassic]] and early [[Jurassic]] times, between 195 and 200 million years ago. The Blue Lias is famous for its [[fossil]]s, especially [[ammonite]]s. Also found were remains of a number of [[dinosaur]]s, and the pterosaur ''[[Dimorphodon]]''. |
The [[Blue Lias]] consists of a sequence of [[limestone]] and [[shale]] layers. It was laid down in late [[Triassic]] and early [[Jurassic]] times, between 195 and 200 million years ago. The Blue Lias is famous for its [[fossil]]s, especially [[ammonite]]s. Also found were remains of a number of [[dinosaur]]s, and the pterosaur ''[[Dimorphodon]]''. |
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[[Category:Geography of England]] |
[[Category:Geography of England]] |
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[[Category:World Heritage Sites in |
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in the United Kingdom]] |
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Revision as of 00:48, 18 March 2014
The Jurassic Coast is a stretch of coast in south-west England. It is between Orcombe Point near Exmouth in East Devon and Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in East Dorset. This is 95 miles long (153 km).
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[1]
Its entire length can be walked on the South West Coast Path.[2]
Major fossil finds
Some of the greatest fossil discoveries were made in this area.
- The first ichthyosaur skeleton
- The first plesiosaur
- The first pterosaur outside Germany
These finds were by Mary Anning in the first part of the 19th century. This area was home to Mary, a collector who searched for fossils of the coastline around Lyme Regis and discovered several complete Ichthyosaur fossils.
Geology
.jpg)
The Jurassic Coast is made of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs, spanning 185 million years of geological history.
The site contains a number of special features and shows different landforms, including the natural arch at Durdle Door, the cove and limestone folding at Lulworth Cove and an island, the Isle of Portland.
Chesil Beach (or Chesil Bank) is one of England's three shingle (gravel) beaches. It is a barrier beach which runs parallel to the coastline and connects to Portland Bill (see photo). Between the barrier and the regular coastline is a lagoon.
Golden Cap is the highest place on the south coast of England. It is 191 metres (627 ft) high.
Sequence of rocks
This section notes the main rocks found on the coast, starting with the lowest (earliest).
Blue Lias
The Blue Lias is a geologic formation in the Jurassic Coast and parts of south Wales. It is part of the Lias Group.
The Blue Lias consists of a sequence of limestone and shale layers. It was laid down in late Triassic and early Jurassic times, between 195 and 200 million years ago. The Blue Lias is famous for its fossils, especially ammonites. Also found were remains of a number of dinosaurs, and the pterosaur Dimorphodon.
The Blue Lias alternates between limestone, (with some clay), and mudstone.
Gateway towns
These are special towns that are related to the Jurassic Coast:
- Weymouth
- West Bay
- Abbotsbury
- Bridport
- Budleigh Salterton
- Charmouth — Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
- Exmouth
- Lulworth
- Lyme Regis
- Seaton
- Sidmouth
- Swanage
Gallery
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The Jurassic limestones on the Isle of Portland. -
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Landslip near Lyme Regis -
Man O War Cove -
Old harry rocks -
Lyme Regis, England -
Ammonite from the Jurassic Coast, Dorset.
.jpg)
Related pages
References
- ↑ UNESCO, "Dorset and East Devon Coast"; retrieved 2012-4-19.
- ↑ "The Official Guide to the SWCP". SWCP Team. 2004. Retrieved 2007-01-14.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)
Other websites
- Jurassic Coast official website
- The South West Coast Path National Trail
- Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage site datasheet
