Central Lowlands - Geology and Geomorphology

Geology and Geomorphology

The valley of the Central Lowlands is largely made up of Paleozoic formations. Many of these sediments have economic significance for it is here that the coal and iron bearing rocks that fuelled Scotland's industrial revolution are to be found. This area has also experienced intense volcanism, Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh being the remnant of a once much larger volcano active in the Carboniferous period some 300 million years ago. This area is relatively low-lying, although even here hills such as the Ochils and Campsie Fells are rarely far from view. In common with the rest of Scotland the whole region was affected by Pleistocene glaciations.