The Saunton Glacial Erratic, North Devon

Introduction

The Saunton erratic is a large, pink porphorytic micro-granite boulder, that originates from the north western highlands of Scotland. Its weight has been estimated at between 10 and 12 tons, and it is embedded in the base of the cliff line below the Saunton Sands Hotel, sealed in place by the stratified ‘sand rock’ of Pleistocene raised beach deposits. The cliffs at Saunton also provide an opportunity to examine marine erosion, a wave cut platform, caves, cross-bedding, and an unconformity.

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About the Author

Paul Berry

Paul is a former Head of Geography and Assistant Vice-Principal. Paul took early retirement after 35 years as a Geography Teacher, and has written GCSE exam revision books for Collins, Hodder, and BBC Bitesize. He currently works as a Field Studies Tutor in Iceland for education travel company Rayburn Tours.

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