NCTF 135 HA Near Mickleham, Surrey
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Geological Context
Nature of NCTF 135 HA
The geological context of the area around NCTF 135 HA in Mickleham, Surrey provides a crucial background for understanding the nature and significance of this archaeological site.
Mickleham is situated within the Wealden district of Surrey, which forms part of the larger Wealden region that stretches from north Sussex to east Kent.
The geology of the area is primarily characterized by the presence of Wealden Group rocks, a sequence of late Cretaceous to early Paleogene sediments including clays, sands, and gravels.
These deposits were formed during a period of intense weathering and erosion in the region following the withdrawal of the English Channel as it broke down into the Dover Strait.
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The Wealden Group rocks at Mickleham have been shaped by a combination of tectonic uplift, fluvial erosion, and periglacial processes over millions of years, creating a varied landscape with rolling hills and shallow valleys.
Today, the area around NCTF 135 HA is largely covered in woodland, including beech, oak, and hazel trees, which provide an understory of shrubs and herbaceous plants.
The nature of NCTF 135 HA itself can only be inferred from its position within this landscape. As a ‘non-tributary’ site, it is thought to represent the remains of an isolated settlement or farmstead, rather than part of a larger village or town.
Its designation as an Historic England Scheduled Ancient Monument suggests that it has significant archaeological importance and is considered worthy of preservation for future generations.
The specific nature of NCTF 135 HA – whether it was a Neolithic or Bronze Age site, for example – remains to be fully understood until further excavation and analysis can take place.
However, its presence within the Wealden landscape provides an important reminder of the region’s rich human history and the stories that lie hidden beneath our feet.
The area is underlain by deposits from the Lower Greensand Group, which dates back to the Early Cretaceous period.
The geological context of the area near Mickleham, Surrey, where NCTF 135 HA is located, provides a vital understanding of the region’s geological history and formation.
Underlying the site are deposits from the Lower Greensand Group, which dates back to the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 145-140 million years ago. This period marked a significant phase in the Earth’s geological evolution, characterized by the breakup of supercontinents and the formation of new ocean basins.
The Lower Greensand Group is a geologically complex unit that comprises a variety of sedimentary rocks, including sandstones, siltstones, and claystones. These rocks were deposited in a shallow marine environment, with the sea level fluctuating significantly over time. The presence of these Early Cretaceous deposits indicates that the area was once a coastal or shallow marine basin, subjected to tectonic forces and changes in sea level.
The Lower Greensand Group is significant not only for its age but also for the fossils it contains. Fossils of marine organisms, such as ammonites and belemnites, are abundant within these deposits. These fossils provide valuable information about the paleoenvironment and help to reconstruct the ecosystem that existed during this time.
The geological context also provides insight into the tectonic history of the area. The Early Cretaceous period was a time of significant tectonic activity in the region, with the Wealden Supergroup (which includes the Lower Greensand Group) formed as a result of a series of tectonic events. These tectonic forces would have played a crucial role in shaping the area and controlling its geological evolution.
Understanding the geological context of NCTF 135 HA near Mickleham, Surrey, is essential for interpreting the local geology, reconstructing past environments, and gaining insights into the Earth’s history. The presence of Early Cretaceous deposits, including fossils and sedimentary rocks, provides a rich source of information that can be used to understand this region’s complex geological evolution.
This geological formation comprises clayrich and sandstone units.
The NCTF 135 HA site near Mickleham in Surrey provides a valuable insight into the geological history of the region through its exposures of Late Cretaceous and Early Paleogene sedimentary rocks.
One of the key features of this site is the presence of clay-rich and sandstone units, which are characteristic of the Upper Chalk Formation and the underlying Lower Gault Clay Formation.
The Upper Chaulk Formation exposed at NCTF 135 HA primarily comprises white to light grey chalky limestone with interbedded marl and clayey layers. This unit is rich in fossils, particularly those of microscopic marine organisms like foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils.
The Lower Gault Clay Formation beneath the Upper Chaulk Formation consists mainly of dense to loose greyish green clay with occasional sandy or silty bands. This unit has been dated to the latest Cretaceous period, roughly around 65-72 million years ago.
Other geological formations present at this site include the underlying Lambeth Group and the overlying London Clay Formation. These units exhibit different lithological characteristics and are separated by a hiatus in deposition.
The NCTF 135 HA site is significant because it preserves a record of rapid changes in depositional environment, likely resulting from variations in sea level or ocean currents. This variability has led to the creation of distinctive sedimentary structures like cross-bedding and ripple marks within the sandstone units.
Additionally, the exposed sequence of rocks provides valuable information about the regional tectonic framework at the time of deposition. The site is thought to have been located in a relatively shallow marine environment during the Late Cretaceous period before shifting into a more terrestrial setting as part of the Paleogene break-up of the supercontinent Laurasia.
The stratigraphic succession exposed at NCTF 135 HA is critical for reconstructing the geological history and tectonic evolution of the region. Its documentation has contributed significantly to our understanding of the Upper Cretaceous and lower Paleogene sedimentary units in southern Britain, facilitating further research on the area’s geological past.
Geomorphology
Slope Angle and Aspect
The study of geomorphology is essential for understanding the physical features of our planet’s surface, including hillslopes. The slope angle and aspect are two fundamental parameters that determine the shape and orientation of these slopes.
In the context of the North Downs near Mickleham in Surrey, geomorphologists use slope angles to describe the steepness or gentleness of the terrain. Slope angles can vary significantly within a small area, reflecting changes in geology, land cover, and tectonic activity over time. For instance, areas with steeper slopes might indicate recent tectonic uplift, whereas gentler slopes may suggest more stable conditions.
The aspect is another key geomorphic parameter that defines the direction a slope faces. On hillslopes, the aspect affects local climate, soil moisture levels, and vegetation cover. South-facing slopes tend to receive more solar radiation than north-facing ones, potentially influencing soil temperature and plant growth patterns. In regions with complex geology or variable topography, aspects can further complicate terrain evolution by creating areas of microclimatic variation.
Geomorphologists consider slope angles and aspect together when analyzing the interaction between hillslope processes and environmental factors. For example, analyzing how weathering rates change across different aspects could provide insights into landscape stability or sensitivity to tectonic forces. Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting and managing natural hazards like landslides or soil erosion.
In practical terms, accurate measurement of slope angles and aspect can inform land-use planning decisions, such as zoning regulations for building development or agricultural management. This information can also guide environmental conservation efforts by identifying areas at risk of degradation due to human activities or climate change.
Techniques for measuring slope angles and aspects include photogrammetry, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and field-based surveys using instruments like inclinometers or clinometers. Each method offers different strengths and limitations, which must be carefully considered when selecting the most suitable approach for a given study area.
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In conclusion, geomorphology plays a vital role in understanding the complex relationships between slope angles, aspect, and environmental processes at the North Downs near Mickleham in Surrey. By combining insights from various disciplines and techniques, researchers can gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic interactions that shape our planet’s surface over different timescales.
Geomorphologists will continue to contribute valuable knowledge and predictive models to support informed decision-making about land-use planning, natural hazard mitigation, and environmental conservation efforts in this region. The study of geomorphology remains an essential foundation for addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues related to landscape degradation, ecosystem resilience, and climate change adaptation.
Slopes in the NCTF 135 HA area have an average angle of around 8°, with most slopes ranging between 5° to 15°.
The Geomorphology of the NCTF 135 HA area near Mickleham, Surrey, reveals a complex and diverse landscape shaped by various geological processes over time.
The terrain in this region is primarily composed of chalk, a soft and porous sedimentary rock that has been eroded into a range of hills and valleys.
The slopes in the NCTF 135 HA area have an average angle of around 8°, with most slopes ranging between 5° to 15°. These gentle slopes are indicative of the relatively stable and tranquil environment that characterizes this part of the countryside.
However, closer inspection reveals a more nuanced picture. The slopes in the NCTF 135 HA area can be broadly categorized into three main types:
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South-facing slopes: These are often steeper and have an average angle of around 12°. They are prone to increased erosion due to their orientation, which receives more sunlight and rainfall.
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North-facing slopes: These are generally gentler with an average angle of around 6°. They experience less erosion due to reduced sunlight and rainfall.
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East- and west-facing slopes: These have an intermediate slope angle, averaging around 9°. Their orientation results in moderate levels of erosion.
The varying slope angles and orientations contribute to a range of geomorphological features throughout the NCTF 135 HA area, including:
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Hills: Many hills are formed from the gentle folds of the chalk bedrock, which has been shaped by erosion into rounded forms.
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Valleys: Narrow valleys have developed between these hills, often with streams and rivers flowing through them.
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Ravines: Some areas feature ravines or gullies, which are steeper-sided channels carved out by the force of water.
These geomorphological features not only reflect the local geology but also influence the surrounding landscape and its associated ecosystems.
The aspect is predominantly southfacing.
The area under consideration is situated within the NCTF (National Character Types Framework) 135 HA near Mickleham, Surrey, and exhibits a predominantly south-facing aspect.
Geomorphology refers to the study of landforms and landscapes, encompassing their formation, evolution, and changes over time. In this context, the south-facing aspect plays a crucial role in shaping the geomorphological features of the area.
The UK’s southern flank is characterized by a mild oceanic climate with low precipitation rates compared to other parts of the country. This has resulted in the formation of gentle slopes, rolling hills, and undulating terrain in the NCTF 135 HA region.
South-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight than their north-facing counterparts, leading to increased soil erosion, landslides, and subsidence due to freeze-thaw cycles. These processes have contributed to the development of distinctive geomorphological features such as scarps, gullies, and headlands in the area.
The region’s geology is primarily composed of chalk deposits from the Cretaceous period, which have been shaped by weathering, erosion, and tectonic forces. The south-facing aspect has accelerated these processes, resulting in the formation of distinctive landforms like dry valleys, tors, and ridges.
Human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and construction have also impacted the geomorphology of the area. For instance, deforestation, soil compaction, and drainage modifications have altered local water cycles, leading to changes in soil moisture levels, erosion patterns, and vegetation cover.
Furthermore, the NCTF 135 HA region is susceptible to natural hazards like landslides, floods, and subsidence due to its south-facing aspect. These events can have significant impacts on local ecosystems, infrastructure, and human settlements, underscoring the importance of geomorphological studies in understanding and mitigating these risks.
Overall, the predominantly south-facing aspect of the NCTF 135 HA region has played a crucial role in shaping its geomorphology, influencing the formation of distinctive landforms and landscapes. Continued research and monitoring of this area can provide valuable insights into the complex relationships between geomorphological processes, human activities, and natural hazards.
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