Tracing Ancient Ice from Scotland to Seaham
The Story of Glacial Erratics: Discover fascinating evidence of ancient glacial erratics at Seaham, offering clues about the ice’s remarkable journey from Scotland to the northeast coast. As we examine the upper till, we encounter a diverse range of glacial erratics. These tell us that the ice likely originated from Scotland, passing through the Midland Valley and via the Cheviots.
The presence of old red sandstone, probably from the Midland Valley, and volcanics, likely from the Cheviots, strengthens our understanding of the ice’s north to south flow trajectory
Granite boulders may also originate from the Cheviots or northern Scotland. Carboniferous limestone and Whin sill dolerite relates to ice travelling east and southeast from the northern Pennines and Northumbria.
Limestone Types: We can differentiate between two distinct limestone types—local Permian Magnesian limestone and Carboniferous limestone. The Permian limestone is softer and often bored by marine molluscs. This contrasts to the harder, darker Carboniferous limestone adorned with coral fossils.
Whin Sill: The Whin sill is an intrusive rock formed when magma was forced into the layers of Carboniferous rock. This dolerite is a fine-grained, dark in colour and very hard. It will hold a striae very well.
Conclusion: Seaham’s collection of glacial erratics tells us that ice arrived in County Durham via a number if different flow pathways which changed through time.
360 Degree Interactive Panorama
