The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units — Result Details

Sheringham Cliffs Formation

Computer Code: SMCL Preferred Map Code: notEntered
Status Code: Full
Age range: Pleistocene Epoch (QP) — Pleistocene Epoch (QP)
Lithological Description: Consists of a thick glacigenic sequence that contains several distinctive lithofacies. The basal member is the Mundesley Sand Member, which consists of stratified fine-grained sands; this is overlain by the laminated silts and clays of the Ivy Farm Laminated Silt Member. Overlying these waterlain sediments are the Runton Till and Bacton Green Till members; these are matrix-supported diamictons, which in turn, are overlain by thin units of clay (Trimingham Clay Member) and sand (Trimingham Sand Member). These deposits are truncated by the chalky Weybourne Town Till Member, a highly consolidated matrix-supported diamicton, and finally by the Runton Cliffs Sand and Gravel Member which forms the highest stratigraphical unit within the Formation.
Definition of Lower Boundary: Two different stratigraphical associations of the lower boundary of the formation can be observed. Firstly, where the Mundesley Sand Member rests upon the upper surface of the Walcott Till Member (Lowestoft Formation) it exhibits a slightly scoured, erosional contact, and lithological transition from till to sand. Secondly, where the Runton Till Member truncates shallow marine sediments of the Wroxham Crag Formation. The contact is commonly marked by a sharp plane of decollement.
Definition of Upper Boundary: Sharp, erosional boundary at the base of the overlying Briton's Lane Formation. The lithological change is from till to sand and gravel.
Thickness: Variable - up to 40m
Geographical Limits: The Sheringham Cliffs Formation has been mapped extensively in northern Norfolk and crops out in the Cromer, Aylsham and Wells districts.
Parent Unit: Albion Glacigenic Group (ALBI)
Previous Name(s): Cromer Till [Obsolete Name And Code: See Revision Note] (CMT)
Alternative Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Stratotypes:
Type Area  The stratotype area for the Sheringham Cliffs Formation is located within the coastal section between West Runton and Sheringham. At this location, tills of the Sheringham Cliffs Formation can be seen overlying preglacial deposits of the Wroxham Crag Formation, and overlain in turn by sand and gravel of the Briton's Lane Formation. Lee et al., 2004. 
Reference(s):
Lee, J R, Booth, S J, Hamblin, R J O, Jarrow, A M, Kessler, H, Moorlock, B S P, Morigi, A N, Palmer, A, Riding, J B and Rose, J. 2004. A new stratigraphy for the glacial deposits around Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, North Walsingham and Cromer, East Anglia, UK. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Norfolk, Vol.53, 3-60. 
McMillan, A A, Hamblin, R J O, and Merritt, J W. 2011. A lithostratigraphical framework for onshore Quaternary and Neogene (Tertiary) superficial deposits of Great Britain and the Isle of Man. British Geological Survey Research Report, RR/10/03. 343pp. 
1:50K maps on which the lithostratigraphical unit is found, and map code used:
none recorded or not applicable