Loch na Keal P-Forms

At Scarisdale , on the side of Loch na Keal, are found the best example of P-forms in the whole of the UK. P-forms are a glacial feature where the bedrock is gouged by a combinations of glacial erosion  and meltwater. The result is deep grooves and channels in the rock oriented with the direction of flow of the glaciers.

 

The P-forms at Scarisdale are right at the edge of the road and are very easy to find.

 

View of P-forms, looking west.

 

P-forms are also seen further back along the road towards Knock, esp at the tidal island of Eilean Feoir. They can also be seen in  a few places above the road, but the best locality is at Scarisdale.

 

P-forms at Scarisdale

 

In addition to the glacial P-forms which are a recent feature, there are also some good examples of dykes of the Mull Swarm in this area, one of which can be seen following a sinuous track across the rock where the P-forms are found. Dykes are profuse in the Loch na Keal area.

 

Other photos of the location:

Click on an image to open a larger picture.

P-forms

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P-forms and striae

P-forms and striae
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P-forms

Similar or related Geological Sites:

  • Erratic boulders in Iona
  • Glacial moraine in Glen More
  •  

References:

Bailey, E.B., Clough, C.T., Wright, W.B. et al. (1924) Tertiary and Post-Tertiary Geology of Mull, Loch Aline and Oban. Memoir of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, HMSO, Edinburgh.

GCR Report Scarisdale  The GCR Report on the Scarisdale (Loch na Keal) P-forms.