The geology of the eastern part of the English Channel

Abstract

The paper is an attempt to bring together the existing information about the geology and structure of south-eastern England and north-western France, together with the few fragments of information concerning the rocks forming the floor of the eastern part of the English Channel. The fold pattern on the two sides of the Channel is discussed and the evidence for a continuance of the echelon arrangement of the folds is emphasized. By plotting the axes on a map and taking the outcrops at 100 feet below sea-level on the land areas, together with the few records from soundings for the sea areas, a map has been constructed showing the probable outcrops on the floor of the Channel. The most interesting and probably most controversial point is the presumed presence of a large outcrop of Triassic rocks in mid-Channel south of the Isle of Wight. Much of the evidence for this has been obtained from Admiralty sources. This paper is an attempt to bring together and to interpret the present information regarding the geology of the eastern part of the English Channel. On most maps the geological boundaries of the English side end at the coast, and the same may be said of the French side., Dangeard's work (1929), however, gives some important information regarding the age of the solid rocks forming the floor of the Channel. His samples were obtained by dredging. Admiralty charts are also informative, and the Hydrographer has been most helpful in attempting to obtain some confirmatory samples.