Langcliffe Pot - Geology

Geology

The surface region displays the classical scar morphology of the Great Scar Limestone. The higher beds, of Yoredale Limstones, form wide benches separated by steep scars, and the highest of these, the Middle Limestone bench, is pitted with shakeholes and partially covered by peat, sphagnum bog, clay and sandstone debris. The majority of the Langcliffe cave system is developed within the Middle Limestone series, with visible horizons of shale, chert and fossil bands. The Nemesis Pitch cuts through an otherwise impervious layer of shale to enter the Simonstone Limestone, while Gasson's Series below is totally developed within the Hardraw Limestone. The Silver Rake is named after the vein of the North Mossdale suite which controls the direction of passage below the Agora.