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The cliffs of Hunstanton

Welcome to these famous cliffs. We did want to walk the full length of this stripped part but the incoming tide did not allow us to do that. So a car ride to the other side and the previous photo (PiP) shows the results.

The stripes in the cliffs are caused by layers of different-coloured rock. The main layers are carrstone and chalk. Carrstone is the brown layer and consists of sandstone - sand cemented together by iron oxide (rust). In places where the cement is stronger, the rock is darker and less crumbly. There are no fossils in this layer apart from a little fossilised wood. The red and white chalk is made of limestone. Limestone forms in warm tropical climates, which suggests that Hunstanton's climate was once warmer than it is today. The colour of the red chalk is due to iron staining.

See PiP for opposite direction

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23 comments

Annemarie said:

this is a wonderful landscape Herb
7 weeks ago ( translate )

Annemarie said:

weldone
Have a pleasant day!
7 weeks ago ( translate )

uwschu said:

was für eine schöne Küstenlinie, macht sich sehr gut im Foto.
Auch die oberste Schicht, der Mutterboden ist meist weniger als 30cm dick
7 weeks ago ( translate )

Herb Riddle replied to uwschu:

Yes this coast has a lot of very fragile cliff with, as you say, a very thin layer of top-soil. Glad you liked it.

Herbert
7 weeks ago

Jaap van 't Veen said:

Stunning coastal scene !!
7 weeks ago ( translate )

Jean-louis Thiaudier… said:

Magnifique prise de ces falaises!!
7 weeks ago ( translate )

David G Johnson said:

Thanks for the Geology write up - Herb,. it's fascinating too - to think back how many millions of years will have passed in order to form that huge depth of layer - 'enjoy your day too' Herb,..
Cheers from Dj...
and,.. 'added to the 'Landscape group' thanks,..
7 weeks ago

Herb Riddle replied to David G Johnson:

Haha, I know that some of my viewers appreciate such writeups David. Those with a thirst for knowledge at least. When I see these places closeup I think as you do and gaze on in wonder. I have in fact been to these cliffs at least three times previously over many years now but never taken such successful photos. Good that you enjoyed it.

Cheers. Herb
7 weeks ago

Colin Ashcroft said:

That’s a good geology lesson and some excellent photos of the cliffs.
7 weeks ago

Herb Riddle replied to Colin Ashcroft:

Thanks Colin, I would have liked to say it was all from the top of my head but the Internet is a wonderful tool for such info ( did know about the iron staining though!)

Cheers. Herb
7 weeks ago

Mireille Marignac-Vi… said:

Magnifiques falaises.
7 weeks ago ( translate )

Herb Riddle replied to Mireille Marignac-Vi…:

Glad you liked them Mireillle.

Herb
7 weeks ago

Keith Burton said:

A fascinating and very well detailed shot Herb, with an interesting narrative too.

The cliffs don't look that stable to me and I wouldn't have risked getting too close to them, even if the tide had been lower, but you've achieved a great perspective on both the cliffs and the rocks below.......and some nice wave action too.

Nice to be reminded of the view from the other direction in the PiP.

Splendid work sir..!!
7 weeks ago

J.Garcia said:

Excellent diagonal and excellent explanation, Herb!!!
7 weeks ago ( translate )

Jo WaLo said:

Toll finde ich die Felsbrocken im Vordergrund.
7 weeks ago ( translate )