Geosites Project

A classic example of a subglacial meltwater channel system. The principal characteristics of the channels, which are cut in bedrock, include braided forms with isolated rock islands, up-and-down long profile forms, forms cut obliquely across divides and chute forms. The forms, positions and relationships of the channels indicate a subglacial origin through superimposition of a braided englacial stream system on the underlying topography. North-east of Carlops the channels join the deep trench now occupied by the River North Esk and are bordered by, and truncate fluvioglacial deposits comprising eskers, flat-topped mounds and terraces interspersed with kettleholes. Here a phase of fluvioglacial deposition was superseded by one of fluvioglacial erosion in which a progressive change from subglacial to open, ice-walled, to proglacial drainage occurred as ice wastage progressed. Carlops is an important site illustrating the form and evolution of a complex meltwater drainage system; the subglacial channels are particularly fine examples of their type.