|
|
|
Local Geology - Landscapes - Page 1, 2 |
||
| This part of West Yorkshire is an area of contrasting landscapes, from scenes of industrialisation in the main valleys to sparsely populated moorland valued for its recreational use and rugged beauty. | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
The present scenery is a reflection of how geological processes
operating over millions of years have moulded the original rock
foundations into the hills and valleys of today. The landscape is
continually changing in response to the earth's natural processes
and human activity.
From the summit of Castle Hill near Almondbury can be seen varied landscapes, from the bleak Pennine gritstone moors to the gentler countryside stretching out to the east. |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Deeply cut into the landscape, the rivers of the Colne and Holme
valleys lie hidden from view as they flow from upland sources towards
the industrial town of Huddersfield.
The town is located at the confluence of the Colne and Holme valleys
where there is relatively flat ground formed by the lowest beds of the
Coal Measures.
From the higher ground, wooded tributary valleys (cloughs) carry fast
flowing streams to the main rivers.
On the gentler slopes above the valleys, villages and farms can be
seen scattered across the landscape with distinctive patterns of dry stone walls
and hedges enclosing cultivated land.
The underlying rocks have played an important role in the development of this Pennine landscape. The Millstone Grit Series and Coal Measures comprise alternate beds or layers of sandstones and shales with different rates of erosion. The harder sandstones create distinct landforms known as benches or plateaux, whilst the softer and more easily eroded shales form the steeper valley slopes. Some over-deepening of the Colne and Holme valleys occurred towards the end of the last ice age, approximately 15,000 years ago. Rising temperatures melted immense quantities of snow and ice from the frozen ground. The release of this vast amount of post-glacial meltwater deepened the two valleys, erosion being promoted by a lack of vegetation cover. For more information about the Rocks and Landscapes of Huddersfield see our other pages on Local Geology and our guide to the Geology of Huddersfield. Publications |
|
| Alternative links for those wishing to view the site without the navigation frame |
|---|
|
Home |
Local Geology |
Features |
Talks |
Field Trips |
Evening class | About Us | Newsletter | Publications | Useful Links | |
| Links with the navigation frame |
|---|
|
Home |
Local Geology |
Features |
Talks |
Field Trips |
Evening Class | About Us | Newsletter | Publications | Useful Links | |