Of the Geology of Rum (Pre-Paleocene, Paleocene). - EXCURSIONS: Kinloch and surroundings -- The Northern Marginal Zone (NMZ) -- Hallival and Askival -- The Central Intrusion -- The Canna lava formation in north-west Rum -- Minishal and north-west Rum -- The Southern Mountains and Dibidil (Kinloch - Allt na Ba - Beinn nan Stac - Lower Glen Dibidil -- Lower Glen Dibidil - Nameless and Forgotten Corries - Upper Glen Dibidil - Sandy Corrie - Sgurr nan Gillean -- Lower Glen Dibidil - shoulder of Sgurr nan Gillean - Papadil).

An up-to-date geological excursion guide to the dramatic landscape of the North-West Highlands of Scotland.

A comprehensive treatment of the glorious geology and scenery of Scotland. Profusely illustrated with photographs and maps, this is the complete account for the many for whom the geology and scenery of Scotland are special.

This book provides an appealing and informative overview of the outstanding landforms and landscapes of Scotland. Scotland is internationally renowned for the diversity of its geology, landforms and landscapes. The rock record spans most of geological time, from the Archaean to the Palaeogene, and represents the outcome of tectonic plate movements, associated geological processes, and sea-level and climate changes. Scotland incorporates primeval gneiss landscapes, the deeply eroded roots of the Caledonian mountain chain, landscapes of extensional tectonics and rifting, and eroded remnants of volcanic complexes that were active when the North Atlantic Ocean opened during the Palaeogene. The present relief reflects uplift and deep weathering during the Cenozoic, strongly modified during successive episodes of Pleistocene glaciation. This striking geodiversity is captured in this book through 29 chapters devoted to the evolution of Scotland’s scenery and locations of outstanding geomorphological significance, including ancient palaeosurfaces, landscapes of glacial erosion and deposition, evidence of postglacial landscape modification by landslides, rivers and wind, and coastal geomorphology. Dedicated chapters focus on Ice Age Scotland and the associated landscapes, which range from alpine-type mountains and areas of selective glacial erosion to ice-moulded and drift-covered lowlands, and incorporate accounts of internationally renowned sites such as the ‘Parallel Roads’ of Glen Roy, the Cairngorm Mountains and the inselbergs of Assynt. Other chapters consider the record of postglacial rock-slope failures, such as the famous landslides of Trotternish on Skye, and the record of fluvial changes since deglaciation. The sea-level history of Scotland is addressed in terms of its raised and submerged shorelines, while several chapters discuss the contrasting coastal landscapes, which range from the spectacular sea cliffs of Shetland and Orkney to the beaches and dunes of eastern Scotland. The role of geoconservation in preserving Scotland’s outstanding geomorphological heritage is outlined in the final chapter. The book offers an up-to-date and richly illustrated reference guide for geomorphologists, other Earth scientists, geographers, conservationists, and all those interested in geology, physical geography, geomorphology, geotourism, geoheritage and environmental protection.