North Esk and West Water Palaeochannels
Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #2518 | Geomorphology | Fluvial Geomorphology of Scotland
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Summary
An excellent example of an assemblage of late glacial and Holocene fluvial ( landforms. It includes meltwaterchannels, moraines and a particularly fine example of sandur (glacial outwash plain) sediments which have been dissected to form four main terrace systems.
This site provides a good example of sandur sediments which have been dissected to form four main terrace systems. It also demonstrates three types of palaeochannel, associated with different alluvial processes, on a single terrace surface. Each of the terrace systems exhibits well-developed, braided palaeochannel networks. The individual terraces are also locally incised by relatively well-defined, low gradient, sinuous channels and conspicuous meander scars. In addition, there are deeper, wider channels, possibly cut by meltwaters draining off stagnant ice. As well as the distinct palaeochannels on a single terrace level, clear inter-terrace changes in palaeochannel form are also evident. Meltwater channels and moraines provide complementary geomorphological interests and form part of the essential landform assemblage.
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