When the algae died, their remains sank to the bottom of the ocean and combined with the remains of other creatures to form the chalk that shapes the cliffs today. Over millions of years, the seabed became exposed and is now above sea level. The resulting edge of chalk is the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.
What is special about the White Cliffs of Dover?
The White Cliffs of Dover is the region of English coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France. The cliff face, which reaches a height of 350 feet (110 m), owes its striking appearance to its composition of chalk accented by streaks of black flint, deposited during the Late Cretaceous.
How old are the chalk cliffs of Dover?
Around seventy million years ago
Around seventy million years ago this part of Britain was submerged by a shallow sea. The sea bottom was made of a white mud formed from the fragments of coccoliths, which were the skeletons of tiny algae which floated in the surface waters of the sea. This mud was later to become the chalk.
Where are the chalk cliffs?
The Chalk Cliffs are located at the base of Chalk Creek Canyon, on the southeastern side of Mount Princeton. One of the best views is at an overlook off Highway 285 between the mountain towns of Nathrop and Poncha Springs.
Where are chalk cliffs in England?
East Sussex
The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast, and are a stretch of the sea-eroded section of the South Downs range of hills, in the county of East Sussex, in south-east England.
What is White Cliffs famous for?
The White Cliffs of Dover are perhaps most famous as an iconic landmark, the white chalk face a symbol of home and war time defense, but they have so much more to offer; stunning views, a serene walk and a wealth of wildlife.
Why is it called White Cliffs?
White Cliffs is another example of the bleeding obvious. It was named around 1890 as a simple description of the white shale which the miners were having to dig through in their search for opals.
What is chalk cliffs mean?
The cliffs are made from chalk, a soft white, very finely grained pure limestone, and are commonly 300-400m deep. The chalk layers built up gradually over millions of years. They’re formed from the skeletal remains of minute planktonic green algae that lived floating in the upper levels of the ocean.
Can you see England from France?
On a clear day, it is possible to see the opposite coastline of England from France and vice versa with the naked eye, with the most famous and obvious sight being the White Cliffs of Dover from the French coastline and shoreline buildings on both coastlines, as well as lights on either coastline at night, as in
Is chalk natural or manmade?
Naturally, It comes from the ground where it is found as a porous (can hold water) sedimentary rock. It is a form of limestone and is composed of the mineral calcite. It has been quarried for centuries and in ancient times was quarried for building materials and has been used on fields.
Why is there so much chalk in England?
In Britain, a series of low chalk hills began to emerge from the sea. At first they were capped with mud and sandstones, but erosion eventually did its work and formed the bare chalk scarps of the South and North Downs and the Chilterns.
What type of rock is chalk?
Chalk, a sedimentary rock, is a soft form of limestone that is not well cemented and thus is often powdery and brittle. It usually ranges in color from white to light gray to buff and forms from sediment deposited in a saltwater environment.
Are the White Cliffs of Dover the same as the Seven Sisters?
The Seven Sisters cliffs in Sussex are a stunning nature attraction on the south coast of England. Perhaps you have heard about the white cliffs of Dover? The cliffs became a British national symbol during World War II, but the Seven Sisters are considered both whiter and more scenic than their cousins in Dover.
Why is 7 sisters called 7 sisters?
The name is derived from seven elms which were planted in a circle with a walnut tree at their centre on an area of common land known as Page Green. The clump was known as the Seven Sisters by 1732.
Are the White Cliffs of Dover worth seeing?
Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover from London will not disappoint. These incredible iconic cliffs are worth the visit alone. If you’re able to visit Dover Castle as well, then I’d highly recommend including it on your day trip.
Why are the Seven Sisters cliffs white?
The cliffs are known as the Seven Sisters due to the seven hilltops that make up the silhouette of the cliffs. The bright white colour of the stone is due to the amount of chalk that makes up most the front of the cliffs.
How are chalk cliffs formed?
Chalk is a pure white limestone formed from the remains of tiny marine organisms (plankton) that lived and died in clear warm seas that covered much of Britain around 70 to 100 million years ago. When they died, they fell to the bottom in a rain of fine white mud.
What do people do for fun in White Cliffs?
White Cliffs Country has a unique place in history, you could spend weeks here as you explore our amazing castles, museums and beautiful gardens. From exploring wide and open countryside to playing at championship golf courses and discovering water-sports, you’ll be spoilt for choice for fun things to do.
Why are blue birds over the White Cliffs of Dover?
Background. The song was written about a year after the Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe aircraft had been fighting over southern England, including the white cliffs of Dover, in the Battle of Britain. Nazi Germany had conquered much of Europe and in 1941 was still bombing Britain.
What is the closest city to the white cliffs of Dover?
Thanks much in advance. The nearest city to the White Cliffs of Dover and the Seven Sisters is Brighton and Hove.
Do the White Cliffs of Dover get painted?
Do they paint the white cliffs of Dover? Yes, in the October of every year ending in a five, the local fishermen run regular boat trips for tourists to watch the specially trained abseiling painters in their dangerous but necessary task.