White Cliffs of Dover facts for kids

The White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are famous white cliffs located in Dover, England. These amazing cliffs are part of a larger group of cliffs called the North Downs. They get their bright white color from the chalk they are mostly made of, which also has small pieces of flint mixed in.

Thousands of people visit these cliffs every year, making them a very popular place for tourists. The White Cliffs of Dover are also the biggest cliffs in Great Britain. They stand tall and proud, looking out over the English Channel.

What Makes the Cliffs White?

The White Cliffs are mostly made of a soft, white rock called chalk. Chalk is a type of limestone that formed a very long time ago. It was created from the tiny skeletons of sea creatures that lived in warm, shallow seas. These tiny skeletons piled up over millions of years and were pressed together to form the chalk rock we see today.

You can also find small, dark pieces of flint mixed in with the chalk. Flint is a very hard rock that often forms in chalk. It looks like dark, glassy lumps within the white chalk layers.

Why Are the Cliffs Important?

The White Cliffs of Dover are important for several reasons:

• History: They have been a symbol of England for centuries. For many travelers arriving by sea, they are the first sight of the country.
• Nature: They are home to many different plants and animals. Rare flowers grow on the cliff face, and birds like the peregrine falcon nest there.
• Geology: The layers of chalk and flint in the cliffs tell us about Earth's history. They show how the land was connected to France in ancient times.
• Tourism: They attract visitors from all over the world. People come to walk along the cliff tops, enjoy the views, and learn about the area.

Wildlife on the Cliffs

The cliffs and the land around them are a special place for wildlife. Many types of plants grow here, including some rare ones that like the chalky soil. You might see beautiful wildflowers blooming in the spring and summer.

Birds are also common residents. The peregrine falcon, one of the fastest birds in the world, can sometimes be seen hunting near the cliffs. Other birds, like kittiwakes and fulmars, also make their homes on the cliff ledges.

Erosion and Change

The White Cliffs are always changing because of something called erosion. This is when natural forces like wind, rain, and waves slowly wear away the rock. Over time, pieces of the cliff can break off and fall into the sea. This is a natural process that has been happening for thousands of years.

Sometimes, larger sections of the cliff can collapse in what is called a landslide. This usually happens after heavy rain, which makes the chalk softer and heavier. While erosion changes the shape of the cliffs, it also helps to keep them looking white and fresh, as new layers of chalk are exposed.

Nearby Attractions

The area around the White Cliffs of Dover has many other interesting places to visit:

• Dover Castle: This is a very old and important castle that sits high above the town of Dover. It has been used for defense for centuries and includes a Roman lighthouse, which is one of the oldest buildings in England.
• Samphire Hoe: This is a country park created from the chalk dug out when the Channel Tunnel was built. It's a great place for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying views of the cliffs.
• South Foreland Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse is located on the cliffs and offers amazing views. It was one of the first lighthouses in the world to use electric light.

Images for kids

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  Extent of the White Cliffs of Dover

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  The cliffs' multiple layers of flint match those seen across the channel at Cap Gris Nez, France, showing a land connection between England and France long ago.

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  Evidence of erosion along the cliff top

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  Landslide near Dover Harbour, June 2012

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  Peregrine falcon off White Cliffs, Dover

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  Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum)

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  The Roman lighthouse at Dover Castle.

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  The castle, Dover, England, with White Cliffs in foreground - circa 1890 to 1900

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  South Foreland lighthouse

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  White Cliffs of Dover, seen from France

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  Samphire Hoe Country Park with local railway and tunnel (not the Channel Tunnel which is nearby).

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  Shakespeare Cliff, Dover ca. 1905

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  Lighthouse in Dover

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  Dover Castle

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  White Cliffs of Dover footpath

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  Folkestone and Dover from the International Space Station, showing the White Cliffs and the tracks of ferries.

See also

In Spanish: Acantilados de Dover para niños