Pitstone Quarry
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP933144 | — | Favourable | 10.32 | 2021-11-16 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Quaternary
Landscape processes: Periglacial
Description
Area, 10.3 hectares 25.4 ac Description This site provides a continuous exposure in Chiltern dip slope deposits of Middle and Upper Pleistone age. Most of the sediments result from slope processes, especially solifluction. The chief importance of the site lies in the fact that a number of channels have been cut in these slope deposits and then filled with water lain sediments. The inter relationship between these various channel fills can be observed from their individual stratigraphic relationship with the slope deposits. Three channels yielding significant faunal and/or floral assemblages have been recognised, each of demonstrably different ages. The oldest stratigraphically of these has been claimed to represent a new interglacial period between the established Hoxnian and Ipswichian interglacials. It lies stratigraphically below the second channel deposit, which contains hippopotamus bones and is thought to represent the Ipswichian last interglacial. The evaluation of these various channel fills and their stratigraphic relationship continues. The results are eagerly awaited and will ensure that the site becomes one of the most important for the British Pleistocene.