Publications
The HuT Virtual Field Visits in Demonstrator 9 (Dorset, United Kingdom)
Virtual Field Visits (VFVs) in Dorset, UK, offer an innovative approach to studying climate-related hazards on the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. These VFVs, available in PowerPoint format (*.ppsx), focus on a weather station installed in the study area, providing real-time data crucial for understanding and mitigating vulnerabilities faced by this economically significant region. The Jurassic Coast, with its annual economic impact of £1.8bn (2019) and 30 million visitors, is particularly susceptible to climate-related risks year-round. This tool aids in both academic research and public engagement, enhancing our ability to monitor and respond to environmental changes effectively.
Brunsden's Jurassic World Heritage coast, Dorset, UK tribute and account of the EGGS field excursion, 13–15 June 2025
A tribute and account of the Engineering Group of the Geological Society's (EGGS) field excursion to West Dorset, held from 13–15 June 2025, honors the late Professor Denys Brunsden. Brunsden, a pioneer in coastal research, led the EGGS trip in 1972 and played a pivotal role in securing UNESCO World Heritage status for the Dorset and East Devon Coast in 2001. The account details visits to significant sites such as the Brunsden Memory Stone, Tout Quarry, Portland, and iconic landforms like West Bay, Stonebarrow Hill, Charmouth, Black Ven, and Lyme Regis. It provides an illustrated overview of the site's geological features, topics discussed during the excursion, further reading recommendations, and underscores the enduring significance of Brunsden's contributions to both local and international geoscience.
Southern England
Southern England stands as the birthplace of stratigraphy, geologic mapping, and paleontology, offering a unique geological tour that spans from Pleistocene glacial sediments near London to Precambrian granites at Land’s End. This region reveals rocks deformed by major mountain-building events, including the Variscan and Alpine orogenies, while also showcasing rare ophiolites at Lizard Point. The study highlights fossil-rich sites along the Jurassic Coast, explaining their significance in paleontological research, and delves into the origin of iconic white chalk cliffs in Dover and Southdown National Park. By examining 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this work provides a comprehensive geological exploration, integrating field observations from canyons, quarries, sea cliffs, and archaeological sites to unravel the region’s complex geologic history.
The Early Jurassic sequence of Lyme Regis, Dorset, England and its place in the history of geology and palaeontology
Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, is renowned for its Early Jurassic marine sedimentary sequence, which has yielded some of the most significant palaeontological discoveries in history. This coastal section, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast, exposes the Blue Lias and Charmouth Mudstone formations, rich in fossils that have been studied since the 17th century. Notably, it was here that Mary Anning and her family uncovered the first scientifically described ichthyosaurs, a complete plesiosaur, and the first British pterosaur. These discoveries provided foundational data for pioneering palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, such as Duria antiquior, and contributed significantly to the development of geology and palaeontology in the early 19th century. The study highlights Lyme Regis's historical importance while emphasizing its ongoing scientific value.
Conclusion. Geological Pioneers of the Jurassic Coast
The Dorset and East Devon Coast has played a pivotal role in shaping global geological thought for over three centuries. This region's rocks and landscapes have been instrumental in advancing key concepts in Earth sciences, including species extinction, evolution, stratigraphic records, sediment origins, and landform development. The site's significance in the 'Development of the History of Science' was a criterion for its World Heritage designation. While the book focuses on historical contributions, it acknowledges ongoing research by geologists, paleontologists, and geomorphologists who continue to re-evaluate pioneering work and contribute new insights.
Geological Pioneers of the Jurassic Coast
The Dorset and East Devon Coast stands out for its pivotal role in advancing geological thought. Spanning from the Triassic to the Cretaceous periods, it boasts a remarkable fossil record, including dinosaur remains, and has been instrumental in exploring key geological concepts such as uniformitarianism, catastrophism, Earth's age, and evolution. This region has attracted numerous leading geologists, including Robert Hooke, Mary Anning, and William Buckland, who contributed significantly through fossil collection, stratigraphy, and palaeontology. Additionally, the site features notable landforms like landslips, raised beaches, and coastal lagoons, adding to its scientific importance. The publication highlights the achievements of 41 scientists, blending their contributions with the geological significance of this globally renowned site.
Introduction. Geological Pioneers of the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern England, offers one of the most comprehensive geological records on Earth, spanning 251 to 66 million years. This region is renowned for its iconic landforms, diverse fossil record, and dynamic geomorphological processes, including dramatic landslides and beaches that undergo rapid change. The coast's significance extends beyond its geological importance; it played a pivotal role in the development of Earth sciences, serving as a foundational site for early geological studies. This chapter not only introduces the geological strata from the Triassic to Cretaceous periods but also explores the broader scope of geomorphology and highlights the contributions of women in Earth Science.
I'm driven by creating change in our sector
Anjana Khatwa, a distinguished science presenter and museum learning professional, has significantly impacted geoscience education and outreach over 15 years. Her leadership in developing the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site's education program has been recognized with the prestigious RH Worth Medal 2021 for her services to geoscience. This profile highlights her dedication to driving change within the sector through innovative educational initiatives, freelance consulting, and her role as Engagement Lead with Wessex Museums.
Palaeontology and Evolution
Mary Anning, a self-taught fossil hunter from the Jurassic Coast (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), revolutionized scientific understanding of extinction and evolution through her groundbreaking discoveries. Her work challenged prevailing Creationist beliefs by demonstrating that species change over time, laying critical foundations for Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle further solidified this paradigm shift, as he observed species variations across diverse ecosystems—particularly in the Galápagos Islands—which supported his hypothesis that organisms evolve through adaptive traits passed to offspring. This theory, contrasting with divine intervention, unified biology and reshaped scientific thought. The study underscores how human evolution has positioned Homo sapiens at a pivotal juncture: either to disrupt or preserve Earth's biodiversity. Protecting ecosystems is now essential to safeguarding the planet's ecological health.
The Early Jurassic Sequence of Lyme Regis, Dorset, England and Its Significance to the History of Geology and Paleontology
The Early Jurassic sequence of Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, reveals a 146-meter-thick marine sedimentary record spanning the Hettangian to Pliensbachian stages. This sequence, part of the Blue Lias and Charmouth Mudstone formations, is renowned for its rich fossil assemblages, including ammonites, belemnites, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and pterosaurs. Notably, Mary Anning's discoveries from this site in the early 19th century provided foundational contributions to paleontology, including the first scientifically described ichthyosaur, the first complete plesiosaur, and the first British pterosaur. Her work also advanced understanding of fossil feces (bezoar stones), crinoid ecology, and cephalopod ink sacs. The site's historical significance is further underscored by its association with prominent geologists like William Buckland, William Conybeare, and Henry De la Beche, whose paleoenvironmental reconstructions, such as Duria Antiquior, helped popularize Lyme Regis' geological importance. Today, this coastal section lies within the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chirothere Footprint Sites from the Otter Sandstone Formation (Middle Triassic, late Anisian) of Devon,United Kingdom
Fossilized chirothere footprints, likely from a large species such as Chirotherium barthii, have been discovered in the Middle Triassic Otter Sandstone Formation of Devon, UK. These tracks, preserved uniquely in mudstone and often in convex epirelief, suggest subaqueous formation, challenging previous assumptions about their depositional environment. The footprints are concentrated in higher strata of the formation, supporting evidence for a less arid climate with a higher water table during this period. The study documents three distinct sites near Sidmouth and Salcombe Hill Cliff, including rare manus imprints, providing new insights into Triassic vertebrate behavior and paleoenvironmental conditions.
Discovery and preparation of a large mass of articulated Early Jurassic crinoids from Black Ven (Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site, south-west England)
A remarkable discovery of a large mass of articulated Early Jurassic crinoids, specifically Pentacrinites fossilis, has been made on the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site. This find provides exceptional insights into the palaeobiology and geological context of these marine organisms during the Early Jurassic period. The study details the meticulous preparation, conservation, and preservation techniques employed to safeguard this significant fossil mass. The research highlights the scientific value of the site's marine mudrocks, which are renowned for their spectacularly preserved fossils, contributing valuable data to our understanding of ancient marine ecosystems.
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site understanding the nature of geotourism
Coastal erosion plays a crucial role in maintaining the geological integrity of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site, also known as the Jurassic Coast. This 155 km stretch of southern English coastline is renowned for its near-complete sequence of Mesozoic rocks, which provide evidence of early reptiles and dinosaurs, contributing to its outstanding universal value and earning it World Heritage status in 2001. The study highlights that erosion exposes fossils on beaches, preserving the site's geological heritage. By analyzing the relationship between erosion and fossil exposure, researchers underscore the importance of protecting this unique site for future generations.
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