Geomorphology in Shropshire

Dorrington Lane nr Woore

Grid Ref.: SJ715417

Hummocky moraine thought to coincide with limit of glacial re-advance in Late Devensian.

No permanent exposures of glacial sediments but clear manifestation of hummocky terrain including superimposed hummocks; detailed web panorama of temporary exposure at Woore Hall Farm [SJ721423] at [http:www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=4458]. Pronounced proximal slope terrain to north and east with relief up to 15m [SJ715417]; gentler distal slope terrain to south and west [SJ723415]. Part of the "Wrexham-Ellesmere-Wem-Whitchurch-Woore" moraine of Clark's Glacial Map of Britain (2004).

Accessible via the public bridleway at end of Dorrington Lane.

Owlbury mineral palsas, Snead

Grid Ref.: SO 306 920

A series of seven low circular banks between SO 306 920 and 314 919.

Well preserved relict periglacial cryogenic mounds ("mineral palsas") produced by frost growth during retreat of Glacial Lake Camlad-Caebitra accompanied by solifluction of the cores yielding circular ramparts around depressions subsequently infilled by peat. Some of the peat has been worked and the depressions flooded. Beware of soft spots in the host laminated lacustrine silts and clays along the Camlad river to the east of the road and south of Snead Church; these erupt as "mud lumps" which can fluidise.