Selsey, East Beach facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | West Sussex |
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| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Selsey, East Beach is a special place in Selsey, West Sussex, United Kingdom. It covers about 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres). This area is protected because of its amazing geological features. It is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
SSSI sites are important places for nature or science. They are protected by law. This particular site is special because it helps scientists learn about Earth's past.
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Discover Selsey, East Beach!
Selsey, East Beach is a very important spot for understanding ancient Earth. It is a Geological Conservation Review site. This means it is recognized as one of the best places in the UK to study geology.
What Makes This Place Special?
This site has layers of ancient earth, like a history book made of rock and soil. These layers are called "deposits." They were formed in different environments long ago. Some layers came from the sea, some from rivers, and others from estuaries. An estuary is where a river meets the sea.
These layers tell us about a warm time in Earth's history. This period is called the Eemian interglacial. An interglacial is a warm period between two ice ages. The Eemian interglacial happened about 130,000 years ago.
Ancient Animals of Selsey
Scientists have found amazing fossils at Selsey, East Beach. These fossils are from animals that lived during the early Eemian period. Imagine what life was like 130,000 years ago!
Some of the animals found here include:
- The straight-tusked elephant: This was a huge elephant, much like today's elephants but with very straight tusks.
- An extinct rhinoceros: This rhino was called Dicerorhinus hemitoechus. "Extinct" means it no longer exists today.
- The European pond tortoise: This type of tortoise still lives in some parts of Europe.
- Beavers: Just like the beavers we know today, these ancient beavers built dams.
- Horses: Early types of horses also roamed this area.
Finding these fossils helps scientists understand what the climate was like. It also shows them what kind of plants and animals lived here so long ago.
Visiting Selsey East Beach Today
Today, Selsey, East Beach is a shingle beach. It is open for everyone to visit. You can walk along the shore and enjoy the views.
However, you won't see the special geological layers easily. The important rock and soil layers are usually hidden. They might be underground or covered by the beach shingle. Scientists study these layers when they are exposed by natural events or special digs.
