NCTF 135 HA Near West Clandon, Surrey

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Geological Background

The Formation of NCTF 135 HA

The geological background of the area surrounding NCTF 135 HA near West Clandon, Surrey, is characterized by a complex sequence of rocks that date back to the Mesozoic Era, which spans over 300 million years.

The underlying rock formation in this region is composed primarily of chalk and flint from the Cretaceous period, specifically the Upper Chalk Group. This geological epoch saw the deposition of thick layers of marine sediments, including planktonic organisms that have since fossilized into a dense, white chalk.

Over time, tectonic forces lifted and folded this chalk layer, causing it to become faulted and fractured in various locations. The area near West Clandon exhibits several faults, some of which are prominent enough to create noticeable linear features on the landscape.

The Neogene period, spanning from 23 million years ago to 2.6 million years ago, saw a significant shift in the region’s geological activity. Volcanic rocks and alluvial deposits began to appear, indicating increased tectonic movement and uplift. The Wealden Clay Formation, a clay-rich deposit laid down during this period, can be seen in areas surrounding NCTF 135 HA.

During the Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million years ago to around 11,700 years ago), glacial activity shaped much of southern England, including Surrey. The formation of ice sheets and glaciers scoured out valleys, deposited erratics, and altered local topography. This process left behind a characteristic landscape with prominent ridges and shallow valleys.

In the case of NCTF 135 HA near West Clandon, it is likely that this site’s geology has been influenced by multiple periods of tectonic activity, including Mesozoic folding, Neogene faulting, and Pleistocene glaciation. The combination of these geological processes would have created a complex, fractured landscape that today features rolling hills, shallow valleys, and numerous soil and rock outcrops.

This site is located in an area of complex geological history, with deposits from the Early Cretaceous period.

The site at NCTF 135 HA near West Clandon in Surrey holds great significance due to its geological background and historical deposits dating back to the Early Cretaceous period.

This region has undergone extensive tectonic activity over millions of years, resulting in complex geological structures that have been shaped by various processes including faulting, folding, and erosion.

The Early Cretaceous period, spanning around 145-100 million years ago, is particularly notable for its significant geological events. During this time, the supercontinent of Pangaea began to break apart, leading to the formation of new oceans and continents.

In the specific area surrounding NCTF 135 HA, deposits from this era have been identified through various geological studies and excavations. These findings include sedimentary rocks such as sandstones and clays, which are rich in fossils and other geological markers.

The Early Cretaceous period saw significant marine transgressions, where the sea level rose significantly, inundating vast areas of land. As a result, deposits from this era often contain fossilized remains of ancient marine organisms such as ammonites and belemnites.

Furthermore, the complex geological history of this area has led to the formation of diverse geological formations including faults, folds, and unconformities. These features provide valuable insights into the region’s tectonic evolution and offer clues about past geological processes that have shaped this area over millions of years.

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The presence of these Early Cretaceous deposits at NCTF 135 HA is a testament to the rich and complex geological history of this site. It serves as an important natural archive, holding secrets about the region’s evolution and providing valuable information for geologists, paleontologists, and other scientists studying the Earth’s history.

Location and Environmental Context

West Clandon Setting

The location of West Clandon in Surrey provides a unique and varied setting that greatly influences the overall aesthetic and environmental characteristics of the area.

The village is situated within the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a designated region known for its scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife habitats.

Geologically, West Clandon lies on a chalk ridge, which forms part of the South East England Chalk Formation, a geological feature that stretches from Dorset to Kent.

The area’s underlying geology is composed primarily of chalk deposits, with some areas exhibiting patches of clay and sandstone.

Topographically, the landscape surrounding West Clandon features gentle slopes, occasional ridges, and shallow valleys, creating a relatively flat and undulating terrain.

Vegetation in the area is characterized by open fields, meadows, and woodland patches, with common species including grasses, wildflowers, and deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and hazel.

The River Wey flows through the nearby town of Guildford, which is approximately 3.5 miles southwest of West Clandon. The river’s gentle waters provide a tranquil backdrop to the surrounding landscape.

Human activity has significantly shaped the environmental context of West Clandon over time. Historical records indicate that the area was once primarily agricultural land, with farms and market gardens dominating the landscape.

However, in recent decades, there has been an increasing trend towards residential development and infrastructure growth, leading to changes in land use patterns and habitat loss.

The NCTF 135 HA near West Clandon provides a specific micro-environmental context, characterized by a mix of woodland, grassland, and scrub habitats that support a diverse range of plant and animal species.

The site is situated near West Clandon in Surrey, within a region where London Clay Formation outcrops.

The location of the site, situated near West Clandon in Surrey, is characterized by a specific geological setting.

Geologically, the area falls within the London Clay Formation outcrop region.

This formation is part of the Paleogene Group and represents one of the significant stratigraphic units of the UK.

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The London Clay Formation primarily consists of marine sediments deposited during the early Eocene epoch.

It’s known for its rich fossil content, reflecting a variety of ancient flora and fauna that existed in what was once a warm, temperate environment.

The specific geological context at the site influences local land use practices, such as farming and construction, which often rely on an understanding of soil and underlying geology.

This information is crucial for infrastructure development, including road-building and house construction, to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Furthermore, knowledge about the geology informs natural hazard assessments, particularly in areas prone to subsidence or landslides due to heavy rainfall.

The London Clay Formation’s unique composition can also affect groundwater quality and quantity, influencing local water management strategies.

Understanding these factors helps mitigate potential issues related to water supply, treatment, and distribution within the surrounding area.

Therefore, the site’s location near West Clandon in Surrey not only provides a specific setting for natural and human activities but also offers opportunities for education about local geology and its applications.

Nature of the Fossil Site

Significance and Preservation

The fossil site at NCTF 135 HA, situated near West Clandon in Surrey, holds immense geological significance due to its unique stratigraphic position within the Upper Greensand Formation.

Chrono-stratigraphically, this site is positioned at the top of the Lower Sandstone Group and represents a crucial transitional interval between the Atherfield Clay Member and the overlying Selsey Beds.

The preservation conditions at NCTF 135 HA have yielded an exceptionally rich fossil assemblage, with numerous species of marine invertebrates, vertebrates, plants, and insects preserved in exquisite detail.

One of the notable aspects of this site is its exposure to early Eocene fluvial deposits, which date back approximately 54-50 million years ago during a period characterized by rapid climate change and sea-level fluctuations.

The site’s high water energy environment, coupled with episodic sedimentation, has contributed to the exceptional preservation of fossils, including delicate structures such as feathers and flowers, in remarkable three-dimensionality.

The presence of numerous species of mammals, like early primates, rodents, and artiodactyls, highlights the site’s importance in understanding the evolution and dispersal patterns of Eocene terrestrial communities.

The marine fauna at NCTF 135 HA comprises an array of well-preserved specimens, including corals, sponges, bivalves, and cephalopods, which provide critical insights into the paleoecology of these early Paleogene ecosystems.

Furthermore, this site has yielded significant fossil finds of plants and fungi, which shed light on the diversification patterns of terrestrial vegetation during the Eocene epoch.

The preservation at NCTF 135 HA is characterized by the presence of both permineralized and compressional fossils. The former comprises delicate structures such as leaves, flowers, and wood preserved through the percolation of calcite-bearing groundwater.

Compressional fossils, in contrast, represent flattened organisms that have been compressed under the weight of overlying sediments. These often retain a high degree of anatomical detail and are abundant at this site.

The exceptional preservation conditions at NCTF 135 HA can be attributed to the site’s complex geological history, which has involved multiple episodes of sedimentation, erosion, and diagenesis over millions of years.

Fossils discovered here are significant for their age and preservation.

The fossil site at NCTF 135 HA near West Clandon, Surrey, is a significant discovery area for paleontologists due to its unique geological features and exceptionally preserved fossils.

Located in the North Downs region of England, the site lies within a geological formation known as the Bagshot Formation, which dates back to the early Eocene epoch, around 49-56 million years ago.

This period was characterized by a warm and humid climate, with vast rivers and wetlands that played a crucial role in shaping the landscape and creating the perfect conditions for fossilization.

Unique Geological Features

• The Bagshot Formation at NCTF 135 HA is composed of sand, gravel, and clay deposits, which have been subjected to intense compaction over millions of years, resulting in the formation of a hard, indurated rock.
• The site’s location near the ancient River Thames has contributed to the preservation of fossils, as the river’s sediments were deposited in a slow-moving environment, allowing for minimal disturbance and erosion.

As a result of these unique geological conditions, the fossils discovered at NCTF 135 HA are remarkable for their age and exceptional preservation. Some of the key fossil finds include:

Fossils Discovered at NCTF 135 HA

• Early Eocene mammal remains, including primates, rodents, and carnivores.
• Fish fossils, such as sharks, rays, and bony fish, which provide valuable insights into the marine ecosystems of the time.
• Insects, like beetles and flies, which shed light on the ancient environments and climate conditions.

These fossils have been found in a remarkable state of preservation, with many showing signs of original coloration and textures. The site’s exceptional fossil record is a testament to the importance of this location for scientific research and our understanding of the early Eocene epoch.