The geology of the North of England is where our modern industrial civilisation was born, based on the burning of fossil life. I’ve wanted to write about the fascinating geology I grew up with for a while. I’ve been spurred into action by Accretionary Wedge #46 where Cat asks us to write about “Geology, Life and Civilization”. The… Continue reading Geology and life in the English ‘Coal Measures’
Category: England
Like talking about a stone wall
I grew up surrounded by stone walls, something which certainly nurtured the geologist in me. I certainly didn’t view them in any negative Pink Floyd kind of way. These were outdoors walls, field boundaries tracing across the hills for miles. They were easily scaled, fun to walk on top of and a place to store contraband,… Continue reading Like talking about a stone wall
Sediments and shiny shoes
I’ve come across a most remarkable field area. I think I’m probably the first Geologist to study it. The samples are an extreme case of ‘float’ – they are very detached from bedrock. Exposure is excellent. Samples are nicely polished and form neat pavements, but blocks are never large and randomly arranged. Field work is… Continue reading Sediments and shiny shoes
Relict of the flood?
I’ve recently spent a lot of time with my kids in the fabulous public parks of Macclesfield. An ex-mill town in the north of England, Macclesfield expanded greatly in the Nineteenth Century and the civic leaders at the time took care to build large green spaces into the town. In a nicely manicured lawn in… Continue reading Relict of the flood?