South Downs

The South Downs

The South Downs is the chalk cliffs which are on the southern coast of England.

Chalk is mainly in the East of the country, and runs from France right up to northern England. It was laid down in a tropical sea during the Cretaceous period. The chalk was made by tiny plankton called coccolithophores in tropical conditions.

Flint is often found in the chalk, and has a different origin. It has a different structure. It is made of silica, probably made by sponges.

South Downs Media

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  The dip slope of the South Downs, as seen from Angmering Park Estate near Arundel (panoramic view)

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  Geological map of south-east England, with areas that have chalk bedrock shown in light-green.

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  A north-south cross-section through the Weald-Artois Anticline, East Sussex.

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  Plan of Cissbury fort showing shafts

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  The Long Man of Wilmington, inscribed into the scarp face of the South Downs in East Sussex

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  The Litlington White Horse in the village of Litlington

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  Looking east along the Downs towards the Devil's Dyke, Sussex

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  Seven Sisters from Birling Gap

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  Trig Point on Kithurst Hill West Sussex. Located on the South Downs Way above the village of Storrington. 699 ft high at the summit.

References

• See also: Chalk