Table of Contents
What rock is Peveril Point?
The rocks that make up Peveril Point are shale and Portland and Purbeck limestone in a syncline structure. This has resisted erosion more than the adjacent clay of Swanage Bay; whilst the clay has eroded away over time, the limestone has remained as a promontory.
Is Peveril Point A Headland?
This arrangement of the geology allows for the development of headlands and bays, depending on the relative resistance of the rocks to weathering and erosion. The headlands of Peveril Point (Purbeck Beds) and Ballard Point (Chalk) can be seen in the distance towards the north.
How was durlston bay formed?
The soft rock is made of clay and sands, and the hard rock is chalk and limestone. As erosion processes take place, the clay erodes away quicker than the limestone and chalk. This forms headlands and bays, creating Swanage Bay and two headlands – Ballard Point and Durlston Head.
Why is Swanage Bay popular with tourists?
The area is attractive to tourists because of the dunes and the wide, sandy beach. The beach can get very crowded in summer months. Visitors need somewhere to park and also demand other facilities, such as paths and public toilets.
Is Purbeck limestone hard or soft?
The alternation of soft and hard rock within the Purbeck series allows for large blocks of hard limestone to be undermined, due to the erosive forces of wind and rain acting on the softer mudstones and shales. This can clearly be seen in the image above.
What coastal landforms are there in Swanage?
Swanage is an example of a headland and bay. Old Harry Rocks is an example of caves, stacks and stumps.
Is the Jurassic coast High energy?
The headland is made out of chalk, a hard rock. The headland juts out into the sea, so it is more vulnerable to high-energy waves.
What happened to old Harry and Old Harry’s wife?
Old Harry’s Wife was another stack which was eroded through corrosion and abrasion, until the bottom was so weak the top fell away, leaving a stump. Hydraulic action is the main cause of erosion (sheer force of the wave) that damaged the rock and caused it to fall away.
Why is Purbeck an isle?
Purbeck is a district of Dorset that takes its name from the peninsula known locally as the ‘Isle of Purbeck’. In the past the low-lying land would have been very boggy and difficult to cross in winter, hence the ‘Isle’ of Purbeck.
What is a spit in geography?
spit, in geology, narrow coastal land formation that is tied to the coast at one end. Spits frequently form where the coast abruptly changes direction and often occur across the mouths of estuaries; they may develop from each headland at harbour mouths.
What is it like to live in Swanage?
Perfect for those who want a quieter life, Swanage is known for its stunning sea views, historic pier, and coastal walks. Residents can easily travel to nearby attractions including Corfe Castle, Durlston Country Park, and Studland, which all showcase the county’s beauty.