The Landscape of Fareham

Geology

Geology has a strong influence on the landform and landscape character of Fareham. The basic underlying geology is formed by a deep bed of chalk (this is an external hyperlink), which is evident in the north-east of Fareham where an outlier of the South Downs forms the prominent ridge of Portsdown Hill. Across the remainder of the Borough, the chalk dips towards the sea and is buried beneath younger deposits of sands and clays. The coastal plain is underlain by the clays and sands of the Bracklesham Formation (this is an external hyperlink), while further inland, the London Clay Formation (this is an external hyperlink) and the clays and sands of the Reading Formation (this is an external hyperlink) are exposed. Parts of the London Clay Formation were formerly used for brick making at Bursledon Brick Works (this is an external hyperlink). The coastal margin is marked for much of its length by low cliffs and shingle beaches. Brownwich Cliffs (this is an external hyperlink) provide nationally important exposures of the Terrace gravels of the former Solent river system, which overlie the Bracklesham Formation. More recent deposits of alluvium form coastal marshes and occupy the floor of the main river systems along with deposits of river and valley gravel.

 

• Further information on Fareham Geology (this is an external hyperlink)
• Further information on Hampshire Geology (this is an external hyperlink)
• Further information on National Geology (this is an external hyperlink)