Geology of the Isle of Wight. Extended sheet explanation for E330, E331, E344 and E345

This Sheet Explanation provides a summary of the geology of the Isle of Wight district (Special Sheet) arising from the British Geological Survey’s Isle of Wight Integrated Project.

The island has long been regarded as one of the most significant of the classic areas of British geology. It has been of interest for geological studies since the early 19th century, and is very popular for geological field excursions to satisfy all levels of academic attainment from primary and secondary school levels through to academic research studies. It is used by industry as a laboratory for the understanding of onshore exploration analogues and, size for size, has probably the greatest concentration of widely ranging research articles of anywhere in the UK. A great part of the island forms Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOBs) and a considerable length of the coastline in the south-west and north-west of the island is designated as Heritage Coast.

The Isle of Wight, the largest island in England at 384 km2, is separated from the mainland by the Solent; a body of water that essentially represents the drowned lower reaches of an extensive Quaternary river system draining much of southern and central England.

The island has the most complete succession of the Cretaceous and Palaeogene strata that are found widely across south-eastern England. This succession is laid bare in spectacular sea-cliffs, stretching for a total of 98 km that provide essential viewing for both the amateur and professional geologist. The steeply dipping strata exposed at the eastern and western extremities of the island, provide the best example of Alpine tectonics in southern England. The hydrocarbon potential offered by these structures has led to significant exploration, by borehole and seismic survey, that illuminates this Purbeck–Wight Structure at depth throughout the Island.

Author Hopson, P M

ISBN 9780852727720

Year Published 2015