Isle of Wight: Landscape and Geology

The Isle of Wight has a 110km (68-mile) long coastline with a variety of rocks dating from Lower Cretaceous to Oligocene age, including fossil bivalves and gastropods. Its scenic beauty is due to its differing strata, former earth movements, and the erosive power of the sea and rivers. This book discusses the geological processes that created the island's distinctive landscape, provides a field guide to the identification of rocks and fossils, and includes nineteen itineraries to discover the geological examples and fossils discussed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2021
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

The Isle of Wight, a geological treasure, boasts a captivating 110km (68-mile) coastline adorned with a diverse array of rocks spanning from the Lower Cretaceous to the Oligocene epoch. Within its sandy shores and clay deposits, numerous fossil bivalves and gastropods can be discovered, drawing the attention of both geologists and tourists alike. However, the island's scenic allure arises from a combination of factors, including the varying strata, past earth movements, and the erosive forces of the sea and rivers. The monoclinal fold that traverses the island gives rise to the chalk downland ridge, culminating in the magnificent cliffs of Culver in the east and The Needles in the west. In contrast, the softer rocks yield low, slumped cliffs, frequently punctuated by steep-sided chines or, on the north coast, branching estuaries and salt marsh creeks. Accompanied by over 120 color illustrations, this comprehensive book delves into the geological processes that shaped the island's unique landscape. It serves as a valuable field guide for identifying rocks and fossils, while also offering nineteen itineraries to explore the geological specimens and fossils discussed in detail.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 165 x 235 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785008924