Landscapes And Landforms Of England And Wales

This book presents the geomorphological diversity of England and Wales. These regions are characterised by an extraordinary range of landforms and landscapes, reflecting both the occurrence of many different rock types and drastic climatic changes over the last few million years, including ice sheet expansion and decay. The book begins by providing the geological and geomorphological context needed in order to understand this diversity in a relatively small area. In turn, it presents nearly thirty case studies on specific landscapes and landforms, all of which are landmarks in the territory discussed. These include the famous coastal cliffs and landslides, granite tors of Dartmoor, formerly glaciated mountains of Snowdonia and the Lake District, karst of Yorkshire, and many others. The geomorphology of London and the Thames is also included. Providing a unique reference guide to the geomorphology of England and Wales, the book is lavishly illustrated with diagrams, colour maps and photos, and written in an easy-to-read style. The contributing authors are distinguished geomorphologists with extensive experience in research, writing and communicating science to the public. The book will not only be of interest to geoscientists, but will also benefit specialists in landscape research, geoconservation, tourism and environmental protection.

Here is a guide to the most beautiful and important sites of geological interest in England and Wales. Grouped by region, with clear topographical and geological maps, it may be used as a field-guide by students of geology and geography, as well as by interested walkers and ramblers.

The landscape of England and Wales is full of variety, from the heights of Snowdonia to the flat, wet fenlands, from the bleakness of Dartmoor to the richness of the chalk downs. Goudie (geography, U. of Oxford) offers an up-to-date, detailed account of the physical geography of England and Wales, covering the geomorphology and geology of the area, showing how they are interrelated. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book provides an appealing and informative overview of the outstanding landforms and landscapes of Scotland. Scotland is internationally renowned for the diversity of its geology, landforms and landscapes. The rock record spans most of geological time, from the Archaean to the Palaeogene, and represents the outcome of tectonic plate movements, associated geological processes, and sea-level and climate changes. Scotland incorporates primeval gneiss landscapes, the deeply eroded roots of the Caledonian mountain chain, landscapes of extensional tectonics and rifting, and eroded remnants of volcanic complexes that were active when the North Atlantic Ocean opened during the Palaeogene. The present relief reflects uplift and deep weathering during the Cenozoic, strongly modified during successive episodes of Pleistocene glaciation. This striking geodiversity is captured in this book through 29 chapters devoted to the evolution of Scotland’s scenery and locations of outstanding geomorphological significance, including ancient palaeosurfaces, landscapes of glacial erosion and deposition, evidence of postglacial landscape modification by landslides, rivers and wind, and coastal geomorphology. Dedicated chapters focus on Ice Age Scotland and the associated landscapes, which range from alpine-type mountains and areas of selective glacial erosion to ice-moulded and drift-covered lowlands, and incorporate accounts of internationally renowned sites such as the ‘Parallel Roads’ of Glen Roy, the Cairngorm Mountains and the inselbergs of Assynt. Other chapters consider the record of postglacial rock-slope failures, such as the famous landslides of Trotternish on Skye, and the record of fluvial changes since deglaciation. The sea-level history of Scotland is addressed in terms of its raised and submerged shorelines, while several chapters discuss the contrasting coastal landscapes, which range from the spectacular sea cliffs of Shetland and Orkney to the beaches and dunes of eastern Scotland. The role of geoconservation in preserving Scotland’s outstanding geomorphological heritage is outlined in the final chapter. The book offers an up-to-date and richly illustrated reference guide for geomorphologists, other Earth scientists, geographers, conservationists, and all those interested in geology, physical geography, geomorphology, geotourism, geoheritage and environmental protection.

This book discusses the geological history of Britain from the early geological formation of the British Isles, through to the variety of currently visible rock formations and ensuing natural landscapes. It is presented as an accessible narrative which may be utilised in a variety of educational contexts, or simply enjoyed as an holistic overview of the subject. It additionally provides an important visual record of British geology in the 21st century via a portfolio of high quality, scientifically accurate photographs, which are themselves part of a larger collection, being developed to become the definitive image library for British geoscience. In addition, the book provides an insight into the relationship between the geology of Britain and how early settlers interacted with the landscape throughout Mesolithic and Neolithic times. It is a book which serves equally as a scientific reference, an introduction to the subject of British geology and, no doubt, as an edition which will remain a pleasure to own in its own right.

The Jurassic Coast in the United Kingdom is a World Heritage Site and one of the most significant geological and geomorphological locations on earth. Its geology, which dates from the Triassic through the Cretaceous Ages, features a remarkable fossil record, including the remains of dinosaurs. The Jurassic Coast also boasts extraordinary landforms, such as huge landslips, raised beaches, dry valleys, shingle barriers, and coastal lagoons. Many leading geologists, geomorphologists, and paleontologists have worked in the area, making the Jurassic Coast a nexus for the study of earth science. Geological Pioneers of the Jurassic Coast describes the importance of the site and examines the lives and achievements of over forty individuals who studied it. Progressing chronologically, the book tells the stories of early researchers, fossil collectors, geological mappers, stratigraphers, and paleontologists from the seventeenth century to today. These include such groundbreaking figures as Robert Hooke, Mary Anning, William Buckland, William Conybeare, Henry De La Beche, W.J. Arkell, and Joseph Prestwich. Written to appeal to both specialists and general readers, Geological Pioneers of the Jurassic Coast will be of interest to historians of science, geologists and geomorphologists, and students and visitors to the area.

Approaches to Landscape introduces and explores the main perspectives in this increasingly popular field of study. Written in an accessible style and illustrated throughout with relevant photographs, maps and diagrams, it provides a comprehensive review of the literature and key concepts for Landscape Studies.

European Glacial Landscapes: The Holocene presents the current state of knowledge on glacial landscapes of Europe and nearby areas over the Holocene to deduce the influence of atmospheric and oceanic currents and the insolation forcing variability and volcanic activity on Holocene paleoclimates, the existence of asynchronies in the timing of occurrence of glacier expansion and shrinkage during the Holocene, time lags between the identification of oceanic and atmospheric changes and those occurring in glacial extension during the Holocene, the role of Holocene glaciers on the climate of Europe, and on sea level variability, and the delimitation of landscapes that need special protection. Students, academics and researchers in Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Physics and Earth Science departments will find this book provides novel findings of all the major European Regions in a single publication, with updated information about Holocene glacial geomorphology and paleo-climatology and clear figures that model the landscapes covered. Provides a synthesis and summary of glacial processes in Europe over the Holocene period Features research from experts in palaeo-climatology, palaeo-oceanography and palaeo-glaciology Includes access to a companion website with an interactive map, photos of glacial features, and geospatial data related to European Glacial Landscapes