Landscape
The South Downs comprises a prominent spine of chalk hills stretching around 160 kilometres from Hampshire in the west to the Sussex coastline in the east. The Downs rolling undulating landform, with sheltered valleys and ‘combes’, culminates with the iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head at Eastbourne. The chalk ridge has steep, north facing ‘scarp’ slopes and gentle south facing ‘dip’ slopes.
The landscape across the Downs changes dramatically from the vast open spaces in the east, through arable land, park estates and woodland in the centre to the ancient woodlands and wooded valleys in the west. From the top of the Downs you can look over the Greensand of the Weald, a combination of heathland, woods and agricultural land.
Rivers
Seven main river valleys slice through the Downs: the Test, Itchen and Meon in Hampshire, the Arun and Adur in West Sussex, and the Ouse and Cuckmere in East Sussex.
Geology
Between 75 and 90 million years ago, this part of the country was under a shallow tropical sea. It was during this time that the distinctive chalk ridge of the South Downs was formed, by the build up of marine deposits. It represents the southern remnant of a huge dome of Chalk stretching across to Surrey and North Kent. Weathering and erosion during the last ice age sculpted the landscape into its valleys, distinct hilltops and ridges.
The chalk acts like a giant sponge, and stores water. This huge underground reservoir (or ‘aquifer’), feeds water from springs into streams and rivers. It also provides most of the residents in and around the Downs with their drinking water.
The Task
To claim this cache you need to contact me with the answers to the following:
1. Look north east towards Steyning and the start of the Adur valley. On a clear day you can see for miles. Compare the vegetation below to what is around you on the Downs. What differences can you see in terms of variety, density and heights? Please list two differences and suggest reasons for this?
2. Can you see evidence of any new or recent domestic construction on the Downs? Why do you think this is?
3. The Downs have been quarried to provide us with raw material. Evidence of this can be seen from where you are standing. Find the location and tell me Its direction from where you are and the material that was extracted?
This is purely optional, but it would be great if you could upload a photograph with the Downs in background. Overtime this cache will provide an album showing them over the seasons.