Photo 10 (Return)

Bindon Landslide, 2001. A major, non-circular translational slide in 1839-40 produced the massive detached block of "Goat Island" (see grassy top) comprising Cretaceous materials that slid en masse down from the backscar. The slide created an offshore reef and uplifted shore platform some 100-180m seawards that was eroded to below wave base in the succeeding decades. It is considered to be the biggest coastal landslip along the British coast to have occurred in historical times. Note the marine erosion that has cut into the pale mixed Cretaceous landslide debris. Gradually, marine erosion will unload the toe of the displaced block and steepen the cliff profile to produce further major slippages.