Wiggenhall St Germans SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 5.2 hectares (13 acres) |
| Notification | 1992 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Wiggenhall St Germans SSSI is a special place in Norfolk, south of King's Lynn. SSSI stands for Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a protected area because of its unique natural features.
This site is important for geology, which is the study of Earth's rocks and history. It covers about 5.2 hectares, which is roughly the size of five football fields. It was officially recognized as a special site in 1992.
Why is Wiggenhall St Germans SSSI Important?
This site helps scientists understand how sea levels have changed over a very long time. They look at changes that happened during the Quaternary period. This period started about 2.6 million years ago and continues to today.
What Can We Learn Here?
Scientists have found three layers of peat at this site. Peat is a type of soil made from partly decayed plants. These peat layers are mixed with layers of fine-grained rocks, like mud or clay.
By studying these layers, scientists can learn about past environments. They analyze tiny plant pollen and small sea creatures called foraminifera. These tiny fossils tell them about the climate and sea levels from millions of years ago.
Visiting the Site
A public footpath crosses through the Wiggenhall St Germans SSSI. This means you can walk through part of this interesting geological site. It's a great way to see a place that helps us understand Earth's ancient past.
