Wooler is one of the most exciting locations from which to explore geological concepts and practice from Key Stage 1 through to university study and beyond

Exploring Geology at Wooler

“ we find no vestige of a beginning, no prospect of an end” James Hutton, one of the founding fathers of geology whose observations at Siccar Point (within easy travelling distance from Wooler) led to the understanding of deep geological time .

Sitting on the boundary between the volcanic rocks that underlie the Cheviot Hills and the fascinating sequence of Carboniferous rocks which stretch along the coast in Northumberland, Wooler provides the perfect access to a natural laboratory of rocks. From a basic understanding of rock types, through to the complex structural controls within which this landscape developed, there are an exciting range of geological topics to explore for geologists of all abilities.

As Professor Harold Reading, the renowned sedimentologist, explained to his undergraduates; a geologist is only as good as the number of rocks s/he has seen. In the Cheviot it is possible to explore the suite of rocks that make up both the plutonic and volcanic elements within the stub of an ancient volcanic complex formed in the aftermath of continental collision. The sequence of Carboniferous sediments, which developed in the troughs structurally controlled by the volcanic edifice, offer a fascinating range of marine and fluviatile

sediments containing a wide range of fossils at a time when the land had only just been colonised by tetrapods. There is also easy access to Silurian and Devonian rock which speak eloquently of the first union of England and Scotland in the Caledonian orogeny.

Explore ! Whin Sill

Cheviot Volcano

Marine Limestones

Amphibian evolution

Cyclothems

Sedimentology

Channel

Plutonic complex

Glacial channels

Mega-vesicles

Sill emplacement

Turbidites Contact metamorphism

Coal genesis Lycopods

Drumlins

Productids

Images copyright Northumbrian Earth

For more information contact:

Northumbrian Earth http://www.northumbrianearth.co.uk/

Geology Projects Ideas from around Wooler Wooler gives access to rocks offering a wide range of possible study areas. Here are some suggestions for a few projects that can be investigated.

Cyclothems and Global Warming The Carboniferous sedimentary cycles which are beautifully exposed along the Northumberland coast are a great introduction to basic sedimentary rock types, sedimentary structures and environments. They also allow an exploration of concepts of continental drift and global changes in sea-level brought about through climate change. The cyclic nature of the marine incursions, marked by limestones, also lead to consideration of astronomical cycles of global temperature variation and man’s contemporary effect on this.

Igneous Underground Between the rocks of the Cheviot Volcano and the Whin Sill it is possible to look at a wide range of both igneous volcanic and plutonic rocks. The Cheviot edifice has been eroded to a level where the central magma chamber is exposed and other minor intrusions can be seen cutting the lava pile. The Whin Sill provides particularly good examples of sill emplacement with chilled margins and contact metamorphism well displayed. Possible feeder dykes and magmatic exploitation of faults can also be seen, and some unique vesicles containing pahoehoe-like structures allow for analysis of magma flow direction. The Whin Sill also provides many iconic landforms, carved by the ice ages and used for building castles.

Industrial Lime The limestones which form distinct landscape features on the Northumberland Coast provide fertile material for studying limestone genesis, early to mid Carboniferous marine fauna and limestone landscape features. They also make the link with our industrial heritage, with lime working common in the area and many remains of lime-kilns to explore. The lime was used for agricultural improvement as well as for building and provided significant employment. This can be studied along with the industrial exploitation of the Whin Sill and the contemporary use of limestones in industrial processes.

Images copyright Northumbrian Earth