Brook Brick Pit facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 0.9 hectares (2.2 acres) |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Brook Brick Pit is a very special place located west of Wormley in Surrey, England. It covers about 0.9 hectares (2.2 acres) of land. This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because it has important natural features. At Brook Brick Pit, scientists study ancient rocks and fossils.
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What Makes Brook Brick Pit Special?
Brook Brick Pit is a key location for understanding Earth's history. It is part of the Geological Conservation Review. This program identifies and protects the best geological sites in Great Britain. These sites help us learn about how our planet has changed over millions of years.
A Peek into the Past: 120 Million Years Ago
The rocks you can find at Brook Brick Pit are incredibly old! They belong to something called the Atherfield Clay Formation. These rocks formed during a time known as the Aptian stage. This was part of the Lower Cretaceous period, about 120 million years ago.
Imagine a world very different from today. During the Aptian stage, much of southern England was covered by a warm, shallow sea. The rocks at Brook Brick Pit show us when these marine (sea) conditions first started in this area. They are like a time capsule, showing us what the environment was like back then.
Finding Ancient Life: Bivalve Fossils
One of the most exciting things about Brook Brick Pit is its fossils. The site is famous for its many different types of bivalve fossils. Bivalves are a type of mollusc, like modern-day clams, oysters, or mussels. They have two shells that are hinged together.
Finding these bivalve fossils helps scientists understand ancient marine life. They can learn about the creatures that lived in that ancient sea. These fossils also tell us about the climate and environment of the time.
Why is This Site Protected?
Brook Brick Pit is protected because it offers unique insights into Earth's geological past. It helps scientists study the transition from land to sea environments. The fossils found here are also very important for understanding ancient ecosystems.
Because of its scientific importance, the site is private land. This means there is no public access to help protect its valuable features.
