THE HYDROLOGY OF THE EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE

Abstract

( Presidential Address, November 1948) The water resources of the area are discussed and it is concluded that the Chalk of the Wolds, making one large aquifer, is adequate to supply the needs of the whole Riding from its two main producing regions—the spring-line on the west and north and the zone of high rest-level round the Holderness plain. The valley-system of the Wolds is regarded as joint-controlled so that future works should be sited at the eastern end of main valleys, especially those where minor folds open the fissures. The Wolds area is regarded as a ground-water province which can only be satisfactorily exploited by an Areal Water Board. Twelve months ago, I offered for your consideration a discussion of the tectonics of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and an examination of the minor structures which affect the Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks of those areas. I wish now to follow this with an inquiry into one branch of economic geology which can be studied in this district—that of ground water, the first time I think, that a President of this society has selected this subject which has figured so rarely in our Proceedings. In order, however, to keep some sort of unity, I am bound to limit my remarks to the smaller area of the East Riding with especial reference to the Chalk area. I make no plea for much originality and have drawn my facts from many sources, published and private. My interest in ground water goes back …