Hartley Bay Earthcache EarthCache
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The coast from Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice provides one of the best exposures of rocks belonging to the Upper Carboniferous Coal Measures (approximately 300 million years old) in Great Britain. It includes outcrops of numerous coal seams.
At Hartley Bay can be seen at least 2 exposed coal seams; one at beach level and one at approximately 50 feet. Of particular importance are outcrops of sandstones within the rock sequence, which have been interpreted as braided river deposits. These contrast with the meandering river deposits which dominate the same rocks in the Pennines Coalfields to the south. Geologists suggest from this evidence that the Northumberland and Durham Coalfields formed in a more elevated area relative to the Pennines Coalfield, and this area was thus probably rather further from the sea.
Park in the free car-park at the end of the narrow road leading from the roundabout at Hartley. Walk along the cliff-top to the top of the stairs at N55 04.441 W001 27.700. Descend the stairs to the beach and turn right towards the lighthouse.
To log this cache, please post a photograph of yourself or GPSr in front of a coal seam and e-mail me with your answer to the following question. A disaster struck Hartley Colliery in 1862. As a result Parliament made a new law. What was it. Please do not include your answer in your log.
IMPORTANT
If the tide is in just stay up top. Do not attempt to go down the stairs. See lost it's photo for what is acceptable.
Additional Hints
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