Laughter Quarry
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX657763 | — | Unfavourable Declining | 0.99 | 2024-03-05 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Rock Outcrop · Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Rock Type: Granite
Landscape processes: Periglacial, Volcanic / Igneous
Description
Laughter Quarry SSSI Description Laughter Quarry is a site of considerable geomorphological importance for its assemblage of periglacial and granite weathering features typical of Dartmoor slopes. It is particularly noted for a most striking example of outcrop curvature – downslope deformation of the upper part of the weathered granite by solifluction, clearly illustrated by the deflection of tourmaline veins – and convincingly shows its relationships with bedded growan. Head deposits overlie the rotted granite which shows a typical series of weathering zones and differential weathering forms passing down into solid bedrock. Additional interest includes local pneumatolytic alteration of the granite by mineralising fluids from deep within the earth. Laughter Quarry is one of the best sites demonstrating many of the classic slope features of Dartmoor in a single exposure.