Crimdon Dene
Grid Reference NZ 471 371
BGS Sheet 27
OS Sheet 93
Forwarded as RIGS 30/09/2003
Site Description
Site Status SNCI
Description of Geodiversity Deep gorge environment revealing exposures of Magnesian limestone. The gorge forms steep sides consisting of face of Magnesian limestone in a fluvial environment. Glacial erratics can be found in the stream bed.
Literature References The Geology of the Country Between Durham and West Hartlepool - Denis Smith 1967
Site Maps
Ordnance Survey
Site Assessment
| Access and Safety | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Safety of access | Along Hart to Haswell walkway | |
| Safety of exposure | View from river channel | |
| Restricting conditions | High flow episodes | |
| Multiple exposure | Gorge length from walkway to viaduct | |
| Note | It is strongly suggested that on-site safety be the responsibility of the party leader(s), as the safety information above is given only as a guide. |
| Education and Science | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Surface processes | Fluvial processes and glacial processes | 10 |
| Geomorphology | River gorge | 10 |
| Sedimentary rock | Magnesian limestone and possible evaporite layer | 10 |
| Igneous rock | Erratics in stream bed | 2 |
| Metamorphic rock | Erratics in stream bed | 2 |
| Fossils | None specific | 1 |
| Minerals | None specific | 1 |
| Structural features | Dip examples of up to 20° | 7 |
| Stratigraphy | Brecciated Magnesian limestone material above evaporite layer | 8 |
| Geodiversity Value | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Due to access education potential questionable | 1 |
| Scientific | Study of Earth scientists | 10 |
| Historical | Limited historical significance | 1 |
| Aesthetic | Excellent examples of geodiversity and biodiversity | 10 |
Surveyors
Andrew Carter, John Waring
Tags: Magnesian Limestone, Marine, Permian