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(Rothamsted) and Dorking (Netley Heath) areas.
Proto-Thames Gravels (Kesgrave Sands and Gravels)
Earlier meetings of the Field Club have examined the
early Thames gravels (Kesgrave Sands and Gravels)
in Suffolk. On this occasion, the recent division
of the gravels into three terrace levels was examined.
The highest terrace is represented by the Baylham Common
Gravels which were examined at Great Blakenham, where
they overlie the shallow marine deposits mentioned
above. The middle terrace was considered at Barham,
where its gravels are now named the Westland Green
Gravels. The lowest terrace gravels were inspected
at Waldringfield Heath, above the Red Crag. The flint
of the Waldringfield Gravels is puzzling for it is
more abundant and more angular than in the other
gravels, possibly suggesting a change in the drainage
area of the Thames at the time.
It is possible that the Thames was established in
Essex and Suffolk as the Red Crag Sea retreated,
the river extending eastwards as the shoreline
regressed across East Anglia.
Interglacial and Glacial Deposits
Very briefly, a fossil soil was examined at Great
Blakenham and Barham. At the former site, the
soil was very reddened, indicating formation under
a warm climate, possibly like in the Mediterranean
today. While in the area, opportunity was also taken
to examine outwash gravels, deposited by glacial
meltwater, at Barham and till (boulder clay) at
Great Blakenham, where several fossils were found,
including a vertebra c. 5 cm. in diameter.
Peter Allen