2.2 - NI Geological Cake

Question 1

What does the structure of geology entail?

Answer 1

• The disposition of rock and its bedding planes - determines strength + surface area exposed to marine/subaerial erosion
• The pattern of joints - determines physical resistance to erosion

Question 2

What strata make up the North Antrim Coast?

Answer 2

(bottom up)
* Sandstone, mudstone, limestone
* Heat + pressure = sandstone + coal
* Eustatic SLR = dead microorganisms accumulated on sea floor = chalk
* Chalk eroded by rivers into hills + vallies
* Extrusive basaltic lava spreads on top
* Basalt breaks down = unconsolidated = laterite soil
* Another layer of basaltic lava flows on top + consolidated basalt = laterite rock (column joints)
* Weathering/rock breakdown = laterite soil
* Another layer of basaltic lava consolidates basalt into laterite soil
* Glaciers stripping away softer rock = glacial till
* Isostastic rebound distorts and reshapes = anticlines + synclines