Spring Cove Cliffs
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST309625 | — | Favourable | 2.0 | 2010-05-19 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Carboniferous · Rock Type: Carboniferous Limestone, Limestone
Landscape processes: Volcanic / Igneous
Description
Area, 2.0 ha. 4.9 ac. Description Spring Cove Cliffs are of geological importance because of the stratigraphic and igneous features which are displayed. The stratigraphical sequence of rock is part of the Burrington Oolite Group of Arundian age and provides evidence of localised, penecontemporaneous volcanic activity in mid Dinantian times. The sections in the Carboniferous Limestone are unusual for the region; they include carbonate and clastic sediments together with basaltic lavas and agglomerates. Spring Cove Cliffs is a classic locality for the study of volcanic rocks of Early Carboniferous age in southern England. The sequence of Dinantian volcanic rocks, about 18 metres thick, is significant for its southerly position within the Dinantian sequences, lying to the south of the St George’s Land landmass and also because of the submarine character of the lavas and their intimate relationship with adjacent carbonate sediments. The lava, which is pillowed in places, is believed to have been extruded upon a sloping sea floor. As it flowed downslope it autobrecciated and incorporated blocks of limestone from the underlying substrate.