Excursion Guide to the Geomorphology of the Howgill Fells

by Adrian Harvey

Overview

The Howgill Fells in Cumbria, represent one of the most erosionally active landscapes in Britain. The bedrock geology, folded Silurian mudstones, is not especially well seen. The direct effects of Pleistocene glaciation are limited and not as well developed as in the neighbouring Lake District, although glacial meltwaters did have an important impact. However, it is in its post-glacial landscape that the Howgills are exceptional. The steep hillslopes of the headwater valleys are riddled by networks of erosional gullies, many active during the last few thousand years but now stabilised, others actively erosional now. The gully systems feed sediment downslope, locally forming large tributary-junction alluvial fans, elsewhere creating braided reaches within the stream channels.The Holocene sequence of hillslope gully erosion, alluvial fan deposition, and stream terrace aggradation and dissection is exceptionally well exhibited by numerous exposed sections through the sedimentary sequences. The modern active gully systems have been monitored for more than thirty years. The results of this long-term study illustrate two fundamental aspects of process geomorphology: first, the importance of coupling, i.e. linkages, within the geomorphic system, and secondly, the significance of magnitude/frequency relationships. Essentially, the Howgills form an excellent field laboratory for the study of modern processes and landforms as well as retaining the evidence for reconstructing the erosion/deposition sequence of the last few thousand years.The book is organised in two sections. A series of thematic chapters is followed by chapters dealing with details of recommended field excursions. The first excursion is a car-based excursion around the margins of the Howgills but the other excursions are all hiking excursions into the interior of the Howgills. One of the joys of the interior of the Howgills is that they form an upland block, within which there is no settlement, there are no roads and virtually no walls. You have to hike in to see, study and learn!The book is copiously illustrated by maps, diagrams and colour photographs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780460703
Publisher:	Dunedin Academic Press
Publication date:	06/22/2017
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.24(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Adrian Harvey is a retired Professor of Geomorphology from the University of Liverpool. He has published many research papers on Howgill geomorphic processes, and, often with colleagues, on the Holocene landform sequence. He has led field trips to the area for more than forty years.

Editorial Reviews

'This guide … provides access to the academic details as well as the ground evidence for those who want to put the beautiful views into their scientific context, as I do myself whenever I venture into my surrounding hills for some exercise. Obviously, such guides are targeted not just at individuals like me, but more at groups and leaders of groups, such as those in schools and universities, as well as professional research organizations. For all who are likely to be interested, this is a well-organized, succinctly and professionally written and beautifully presented guide, reproduced at a convenient size for that pocket inside your waterproof jacket especially designed for the folded map.Armed with this guide, I am now fully motivated to check out the Holocene and recent geomorphology and vegetation change of the Howgill Fells, which have been so rigorously researched and reported here in a widely accessible way, as well as to make forays into that little known glacial signature. Harvey makes a plea in his closing remarks that this beautiful and fascinating landscape be conserved, and I am sure that many outdoor educators, just like me, will consider turning to the Howgill Fells for future field courses, especially now that such a well-crafted excursion guide is available.'The Holocene'if you want to understand the Howgills landscape, this is an excellent guide to help your appreciation.'Edinburgh Geologist'Because of their proximity to the larger expanse of the Lake District fells, the Howgill Fells are often overlooked by hill walkers and geomorphologists alike but they contain a wealth of detail on recent landscape change that all who are interested in upland terrain should not underestimate. Thankfully, Adrian Harvey is well aware of this detail and has been researching the geomorphology of the area for more than 30 years, delivering along with his colleagues and research students a large number of publications on the nature and chronology of processes and landform change. This guide is an overview of that significant contribution and provides access to the academic details as well as the ground evidence for those who want to put the beautiful views into their scientific context, as I do myself whenever I venture into my surrounding hills for some exercise. Obviously, such guides are targeted not just at individuals like me, but more at groups and leaders of groups, such as those in schools and universities, as well as professional research organizations. For all who are likely to be interested, this is a well-organized, succinctly and professionally written and beautifully presented guide, reproduced at a convenient size for that pocket inside your waterproof jacket especially designed for the folded map.' The Holocene‘The Howgill Fells represent one of the most erosionally active landscapes of Britain. Whilst the area has been heavily glaciated, it is its post-glacial terrain that is exceptional. The soft rocks have been eroded by meltwaters into a network of deep erosional gullies. All formed in the last few thousand years, some have now stabilised whilst others are still very active. The active gullies carry large amounts of sediment that collect to form alluvial fans along with braided streams within complex channels. These gullies are contrasted with those that are inactive and stable. The book is arranged in two parts. The first part comprises thematic chapters that cover topics such as the solid geology, glaciation. drainage evolution, the Holocene landforms and the modem geomorphic system. All the chapters are well illustrated with maps, diagrams and excellent photographs.The second part comprises a series of excursions that cover the periphery and also the interior of the Howgill Fells. By their very nature, The Howgill Fells comprise rough walking country and so the walks have been carefully chosen with safety in mind. The first itinerary can be undertaken by car with a series of short walks. The other itineraries can be undertaken from convenient parking places. A great addition to your bookshelf!’ Down to Earth

'The book begins with an overview of bedrock geology and its effect on topography, before focussing on the modern processes and recent landform evolution in the Late Pleistocene to Holocene. I was fascinated to read of the impacts of glaciation, periglacial processes and the possible causes of changes in drainage directions in the area.
Of significant interest is the development of landforms such as terraces, alluvial fans and the development of gullies which intersect the Howgill slopes. I found the explanation of the evidence linking major geomorphological change in response to the introduction of sheep grazing about 1000 years ago to be particular absorbing. The narrative is well constructed so that quite complex ideas are conveyed simply enough to be understood by someone with a relatively basic background in Earth science.
The outcome of the author’s research into modern geomorphological processes is well documented and covers factors affecting alluvial fan growth, changes in the nature of river channels and sediment movement. The impacts on the landscape of a flood event in 1982 and of the 2015 ‘Storm Desmond’ are also noted and serve to confirm the active nature of processes on the landscape.
Part two of the book offers the reader a series of chapters detailing the field sites which illustrate the processes and landscape features introduced in part one. Most of these excursions are to be undertaken on foot with the exception of an introductory tour by car. This tour entitled ‘A reconnaissance road trip around the Howgills’ forms an excellent introduction in the field to the landscape, geology and geomorphological processes that dominate the area of the Howgill Fells. For all excursions there are clear directions and guidance to enable all field sites to be located. These are accompanied by well annotated, colour photographs and diagrams which enable the processes and landforms to be readily interpreted.
This book should particularly appeal to anyone with an interest in the development of Pleistocene or Holocene landforms, or indeed a love of the Howgill Fells. If you fall into either or both of these groups, then this is certainly one for the bookshelf and it will be a reference to which you may happily return many times.'
Teaching Earth Sciences

- -

From the Publisher