Torvean Landforms
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Quaternary of Scotland | Favourable | — | 2023-06-12 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Esker · Geological Period: Quaternary
Landscape processes: Glacial
Description
Torvean Landforms Torvean Landforms SSSI lies on the south western edge of Inverness and straddles the A82 Inverness – Drumnadrochit road as far south as Dochgarroch. It is an important site for Quaternary geomorphology (less than 10 million years old) containing an excellent range of fluvioglacial landforms (deposited by meltwater) comprising kame terraces, eskers and kettleholes. The site includes a suite of kame terraces and contains part of the Torvean esker which is one of the largest such features in Britain. Torvean provides an excellent illustration of a complex glacial drainage system and these features are important in understanding glacial processes during the last ice age. The presence of marine-trimmed features and raised shorelines adds a further dimension to the site’s interest in demonstrating links between deglaciation and relative sea-level changes. Torvean is significant, therefore, not only for some classic landforms, but also for a wider assemblage of interrelated geomorphological features.