Alum Bay sands are coloured due to oxidised iron compounds formed under different conditions
Alum Bay is a bay near the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight, England, within sight of the Needles rock formation. Of geological interest and a tourist attraction, the bay is noted for its multi-coloured sand cliffs. Alum Bay is the location of a classic sequence of Eocene beds of soft sands and clays, separated by an unconformity from the underlying Cretaceous Chalk Formation that forms the adjoining headland of West High Down. Due to geological folding of the Alpine orogeny, the strata in the main section of the bay are vertical, with younger rocks to the west. The sands are coloured due to oxidised iron compounds formed under different conditions. Alum Bay Chine begins as a small wooded valley descending eastward from the junction of the B3322 and the road to Headon Hall. It soon broadens into the clay ravine through which the path and chairlift from Needles Park descend to the beach.
Size: 5787px × 3863px
Location: Alum Bay is a bay near the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight, England
Photo credit: © Rik Hamilton / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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