Bellscamphie
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Quaternary of Scotland | Favourable | — | 2009-04-02 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Quaternary · Rock Type: Glacial Till
Landscape processes: Glacial
Description
BELLSCAMPHIE Bellscamphie is located 7 km north-east of Ellon. It is important for a sequence of glacial deposits which provide a unique stratigraphic record of the glacial history of Buchan. The sequence comprises the Bellscamphie Lower Till, the Bellscamphie Middle Till (The “indigo boulder clay” of T F Jamieson), and the Bellscamphie Upper Till, with sands and the Bellscamphie Gravels at the top of the sequence. Each till unit probably reflects a separate phase of glaciation. The Bellscamphie Upper Till, along with the sands and gravels, date from the last (Late Devensian) glaciation, while the middle and lower tills predate the Late Devensian. Such a sequence is rare in Scotland, so that Bellscamphie is a valuable reference site for studies of Quaternary history and for interpreting the patterns of ice movement across the landscape. The Bellscamphie Middle Till was originally described from three sites but is now only accessible at Bellscamphie. The Bellscamphie Lower Till is known only from Bellscamphie. Bellscamphie is, therefore, the type locality for these two till units