Geology of the Sidmouth District

摘要

If it were necessary, the new style Mini-Memoir, Geology of the Sidmouth District by R. A. Edwards and R. W. Gallois from the BGS, makes a strong case justifying this approach in publication. In the normal way of publication, we might have waited for the production effort needed for the full length Memoir, appearing with the copy of the revised map to Sheet 326 and sheet 340, however long the}' needed completion. As it is, however, we have the meat from the two presented in a palatable form, at a final price which is reasonable, both points which have an appeal. From the combined areas, we have the welcome coverage for the Trias spectacular of the Dawlish Warren and the cliff coast at Salcombe, surely the most impressive outcrops of this neglected system. Neglected only by the fossil hunters, but outstanding for dune cross-bedding interlaced with contrasting river channel units which are also cross-bedded. Also within the memoir boundaries are the unrivalled Lias cliffs of Lyme Regis, once again a balance between potentially the best fossil collecting and the contemplation of the mysteries of rhythmic sedimentation in Jurassic shallow seas.