Wyns Tor
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK240602 | — | Favourable | 3.05 | 2016-01-08 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Quaternary · Rock Type: Dolomite
Landscape processes: Glacial, Periglacial
Description
Area, 3.1 ha. 7.7 ac. Description Wyns Tor is important for studies of rock weathering, periglacial processes and landscape evolution in the Pennines. It is the best example of the distinctive dolomite tors of the Pennines. Their origin during the Pleistocene has been explained in terms of a simple two stage process involving intensive chemical weathering followed by removal of the weathered detritus by ice or periglacial action. However the present features probably reflect a long and complex evolution under successive glacial, periglacial and interglacial environments of the Pleistocene. At present the tors are slowly weathering through the effects of frost action, tree root penetration and humic acids in the soil.