![]() ![]() ![]() During this evaporation, substantial quantities of sand blew in from eastern deserts, helping to create the pink tinge which is a feature of UK rock salt.Īlthough the original salt bed is now fragmented, it can be traced from its starting position in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, from where it dips below the Irish Sea before reappearing around central England to then dip under the North Sea. ![]() The combination of the inland seas and the desert environment led to slow evaporation over many millions of years, resulting in the formation of the salt beds which today lie beneath these areas. They were formed some 220 million years ago during the Triassic geological period.Īt this time the United Kingdom was still attached to Europe by a land-bridge, and central England consisted of a series of inland seas that were regularly replenished by the surrounding oceans. The rock salt deposits in the UK are found at Cleveland, County Antrim and below the Cheshire town of Winsford. Some recent research has found that salt marshes are an effective defence against coastal erosion as they reduce the impact of waves on the shore line. During these periods of low tide, the water in the pools partially evaporates – leaving behind highly concentrated areas of salty water, known as salt pans. Where there are hollows and troughs in the mud flat, sea water will be left behind as the tide falls. These are important feeding areas for sea birds. As plants begin to grow in these areas the amount of mud and silt left behind increases eventually forming mud flats. It contains both fresh water entering from a river, and salt water replenished twice daily as a result of flooding by the tidal actions.Īs the tide rises and falls, it leaves behind deposits of fine silts and muds. An estuary creates perfect conditions for salt marshes – a wide, shallow area of water where a river meets the sea. Salt marshes are areas of vegetation often found in sheltered water areas, such as estuaries or behind land-spits. ![]()
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