A part of their AS and GCSE studies Collingham students spent the day on the Isle of Wight. They traveled across the island looking at coastal management, the marine ecosystem and the island's contrasting geology.
Students looking at the geology of the cliffs at Compton Bay and area of high erosion:
The dramatic view over Blackgang Chine on the South West coast of the Isle of Wight. The front of the picture shows the success of soft management in preventing further cliff collapses. In the distance the distinctly layered geology helps students understand why the cliff are retreating so quickly:
Students look at the rock structure at the discordant coastline of Freshwater Bay. This has led to a number of interesting geosocial features such as the stack seen below.
At the end of the day the students became aware that they were not alone on the beach at Monks Bay. They were lucky enough to spot one of England’s 3,200 harbour seals (Phoca Vitulina) swimming just off shore. The animals can reach up to 1.9 meters in length, weigh up to 120 kg and live for 30 years.
