Geology
A land carved from rock
In the Lake District, 500 million years of geological processes have produced a physical landscape of mountains and lakes of great scenic beauty.
Slate developed from sediments in oceans and seas, volcanoes erupted, limestone was formed by the deposition of dead crustaceans and sandstone was created in desert conditions. Various minerals were also formed in joints and faults in the bedrock.
The layers of rock formed were shifted and sculpted - first through different stages of folding and uplifting and then by the actions of glaciers and meltwater.
As a result the topography of the Lake District includes smooth U-shaped valleys and steep and sharp ridges, England’s highest mountain and deepest and longest lakes. The Lake District is often compared to a wheel, with the hub approximately at Dunmail Raise, north of Grasmere. The valleys and lakes radiate outwards as the 'spokes'.
Why are there so many lakes?
The Lake District has over fourteen lakes and tarns. The Lake District’s volcanic rock does not allow water to seep away. The high rainfall, combined with the extra deep glacial valleys, means that the valleys are able to store large volumes of water.
Honister – a U-shaped valley carved out of volcanic rock by glacial action
Useful links
Education Service Geology factsheet (opens Document Library)
Rocks to Riches - by Cumbria Fells and Dales Leader+ with link to useful map (opens in new window)
