Two Scottish places on the world geological list

TWO locations in Scotland have been included in a list of the world’s most impressive geological sites.

Sikar Point near Dunbar and the Moine Thrust Belt in the Northwest Highlands have played an important role in furthering scientists’ understanding of how the Earth formed.

Both have been included in the list of “Top 100 Geological Heritage Sites” by the International Union of Geological Sciences.

“There is a very strong argument that geological science emerged from observations first made in Scotland,” explained Robert Holdsworth, Professor of Structural Geology at Durham University and Chair of the Department Scottish Geological Trust.

“These are places where humanity has made giant conceptual leaps forward in our understanding of Earth processes and the flow of geologic time.

“Such unusual and visually stunning areas are a source of inspiration for current and future scientists around the world and are central to what makes the Cliffs of Scotland so special.”

BBC presenter Iain Stewart, who is also Professor of Geological Communications at the University of Plymouth and UNESCO Professor of Geology and Society, added: “Siccar Point is a holy place of pilgrimage for geologists the world over is a distinctly unattractive rocky shore in which all vast geological time is laid out in the inclined layers of the planet’s natural convulsions.

“The Moina Thrust Zone has given geologists a new way to see how mountains formed—slices of ancient strata stacked on top of each other to create Himalayan peaks that have been eroded to the very core.”

Read more articles at Scottish fieldnews pages.

Also, don’t miss out November issue Scottish field magazine.