Cliff collapse at Stevns Klint, south-east Denmark

Authors

  • Stig A. Schack Pedersen Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K. Denmark
  • Tove Damholt Østsjællands Museum, Højerup Bygade 38, DK-4660 St. Heddinge, Denmark

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34194/geusb.v26.4745

Abstract

The scenic coastal cliff of Stevns Klint is a classical study locality that stretches for 15 km along the east coast of Sjælland and it holds arguably the best exposed Cretaceous−Tertiary boundary in the world (Fig. 1; Damholt & Surlyk 2012). The famous boundary separates the soft Cretaceous chalk from the harder overlying Tertiary bryozoan limestone (Fig. 2), and the difference between the two rock types controls the character of the frequent cliff falls. The relatively soft chalk at the base is eroded by storm waves and is subject to general debris shedding. The overlying bryozoan limestone, with its hardgrounds and flint layers, is more resistant to erosion and is strong enough to form overhanging projections of the coastal cliff that result in large and small recurring collapses.

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Published

10-07-2012

How to Cite

Schack Pedersen, S. A., & Damholt, T. (2012). Cliff collapse at Stevns Klint, south-east Denmark. GEUS Bulletin, 26, 33–36. https://doi.org/10.34194/geusb.v26.4745

Issue

Section

RESEARCH ARTICLE | SHORT

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