The geology of the Lake District has been well analysed and recorded; it is both complex and unique. The oldest of rocks to be found are the series known as the Skiddaw slate and the Borrowdale Volcanics. Both of these series date well back to the Ordovician period which happened 500 million years ago.
A combination of slate, sandstone, limestone and volcanic rock were forged together to produce large mineral deposits and the unique topography of the district.
The many lakes and tarns were formed by the effect of glacial bulldozing upon the softer rock found between the volcanic peaks. The extremely wet climate meant that large volumes of water were stored in these natural dams created by the moving glacial front. The result was the incredibly complex series of water bodies to be found today.
The most extensive rock formations are the Borrowdale Volcanic rocks which make up the highest peaks in the district. Extremely hard wearing and resistant to weather they remain very much as they must have been after creation.
In the northern area of the National Park, the Skiddaw Slates were deposited into very shallow seas and their overall thickness is unknown.
A combination of slate, sandstone, limestone and volcanic rock were forged together to produce large mineral deposits and the unique topography of the district.
The many lakes and tarns were formed by the effect of glacial bulldozing upon the softer rock found between the volcanic peaks. The extremely wet climate meant that large volumes of water were stored in these natural dams created by the moving glacial front. The result was the incredibly complex series of water bodies to be found today.
The most extensive rock formations are the Borrowdale Volcanic rocks which make up the highest peaks in the district. Extremely hard wearing and resistant to weather they remain very much as they must have been after creation.
In the northern area of the National Park, the Skiddaw Slates were deposited into very shallow seas and their overall thickness is unknown.