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Earth Science Conservation Review

Summary Full report
Marble Arch Karst; PollasumeraFermanagh
Site number:348File Number:H13
ESCC:IC
Locality Type:Cave Status: ASSI
Grid Reference: H13023319
Google maps: 54.24708,-7.80056
County: FermanaghCouncil area:Fermanagh & Omagh District Council
Period:Quaternary
Stages:Holocene
Site Description
image: 0348a.jpg Pollasumera: entrance.
Pollasumera: entrance.
Description:
This is a cave associated with the underground course of the Owenbrean River, and not directly connected to Marble Arch Cave.

The Owenbrean River sinks at Pollasumera, at the end of a blind valley, in normal and flood conditions. The cave is noted for the shape of its entrance, called the Gothic Arch.
image: 0348b.jpg Pollasumera: entrance.
Pollasumera: entrance.
image: 0348c.jpg Pollasumera: looking out of entrance.
Pollasumera: looking out of entrance.
image: 0348d.jpg Pollasumera: entrance passage.
Pollasumera: entrance passage.
This is a large phreatic tube with a large vadose slot cut downward from the base of the passage. There are extensive deposits of clastic and organic sediments
image: 0348e.jpg Pollasumera: flood debris.
Pollasumera: flood debris.
and calcite speleothems which are presently being eroded.
Notes:
Pollasumera is a feature of the Marble Arch Karst of the Marlbank- Cuilcagh Mountain Region. For general information on the features and systems of the Marble Arch Karst, including this one, and a reference list, see site description 'Marlbank-Cuilcagh Mountain Region; Marble Arch Karst'.
Keywords
Minerals:Calcite
Rocks:Limestone
Geomorph:arch, blind valley, cave, clastic sediments, sinkhole, speleothem
Record type: ESCR report    
Entered by: Doughty, P.J.
Last updated:24 Dec 2003
 Enlander, I., Dempster, M. & Doughty, P., 2026. Marble Arch Karst; Pollasumera, County Fermanagh, site details. [In] Earth Science Conservation Review.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/site.php?item=348. Accessed on 2026-11-06.

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