A new stratigraphy for the glacial deposits around Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, North Walsham and Cromer, East Anglia, UK

Abstract

A new stratigraphical model for the glacial deposits around Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, North Walsham and Cromer (east of Weybourne and Edgefield) is presented, based on a combined research programme by the British Geological Survey and the Department of Geography, Royal Holloway University of London. This stratigraphical model is founded upon evidence derived from sedimentological descriptions, geological mapping and analytical lithological techniques including clast lithological analysis, derived pre- Quaternary palynomorphs and heavy mineralogy. The previously accepted ‘North Sea Drift’ / ‘Lowestoft Formation’ scheme is abandoned in favour of four formations that relate to assemblages of till units and associated outwash lithofacies, the mapping of major discontinuities, and morpho- and tectono-stratigraphical associations. The new scheme consists of the Happisburgh, redefined Lowestoft, Sheringham Cliffs and Briton’s Lane formations.