The quaternary history and stratigraphy of North-East Yorkshire

Edwards, Christopher Andrew

Abstract

A brief history of research during the 19th and 20th centuries is given.

The study area is delimited and sub divided into eight topographically distinct sub-areas.

Detailed descriptions and measured sections of the coastal stratigraphy between Flamborough Head and Robin Hood's Bay are given and the Lower and Upper Till Series are recognised on the basis of mechanical and pipette analyses, Munsell colour notation and field observations. These are correlated with the Skipsea and Withernsea tills of Holderness respectively.

Stone orientations at selected coastal sites are described and demonstrate local variations in ice flow due to obstruction by the pre-Quaternary basement.

A Devensian ice limit at Thornton Dale in the Vale of Pickering is recognised and shown to be contemporaneous with isolated, short-lived lacustrine conditions in the western Vale. Late Devensian and Flandrian deposits in the western Vale of Pickering are described and details of extensive augering presented. Two differing lacustrine lithologies occur; the older being composed of reworked Mesozoic clay and the younger of less consolidated silty alluvium.

A borehole traverse from Malton to Seamer reveals an outwash plain with corresponding lateral facies change associated with ice in the east and westward flowing meltwater.

Periglacial deposits are described, including pre-Hoxnian soliflucted chalk gravel beneath the Speeton Shell Bed, Wolstonian chalk gravel on the Yorkshire Wolds scarp and Devensian tundra polygons on the North Yorkshire Moors.

The chronology of ice retreat has been established by interpretation of associated geomorphological features using aerial photographs. The mode of formation and ages of the North Yorkshire Moors meltwater channels are discussed with particular reference to Newton Dale and Kirkham Priory channel.

The micro fauna and tectonic structure of the Speeton Shell Bed is described and it is considered to be an ice-rafted Hoxnian deposit.

Citation

Edwards, C. A. (1978). The quaternary history and stratigraphy of North-East Yorkshire. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215898

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 25, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Geology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215898
• Additional Information: Department of Geology, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Feb 1, 1978