Shepton Montague Railway Cutting facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°04′58″N 2°26′59″W / 51.08285°N 2.44965°W |
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 1.61 hectares (0.0161 km2; 0.0062 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1992 |
The Shepton Montague Railway Cutting is a special place in Somerset, England. It's a 1.61 hectare area that has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because it's very important for science, especially for understanding the Earth's history. It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1992.
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What is Shepton Montague Railway Cutting?
A railway cutting is a deep ditch dug through hills or high ground to make a level path for trains. The Shepton Montague Railway Cutting was once part of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. When engineers dug this cutting, they uncovered something amazing: layers of rock that tell a story about ancient times.
Why is this place special?
This railway cutting is super important because it shows the best example of a rock type called Fuller's Earth Rock in England. Scientists can see different layers of this rock here. These layers help them learn about what the Earth was like millions of years ago. It's like looking at pages in a very old history book made of stone!
What is Fuller's Earth Rock?
Fuller's Earth Rock is a type of sedimentary rock. It's known for being able to absorb liquids, like oil or grease. In the past, it was used by people called "fullers" to clean wool, which is how it got its name. At Shepton Montague, this rock helps scientists study the Middle Jurassic period.
What is the Middle Jurassic Period?
The Middle Jurassic Period was a time in Earth's history, about 174 to 163 million years ago. This was when dinosaurs roamed the Earth! By studying the rocks and fossils from this period, scientists can learn about the climate, plants, and animals that lived back then. The layers of rock at Shepton Montague Railway Cutting give us clues about this ancient world.
The rocks here show a sequence from older layers, like the upper part of the Lower Fuller's Earth Clay, up to newer layers, including something called the Rugitela Beds. Each layer is like a chapter in Earth's long story.
