| Previous Site | Next Site |
Earth Science Conservation Review
| Moygannon River Valley Moraines - site of local interest | Down |
| Site number: | 745 | ||
| Locality Type: | Inland exposure, Valley | Status: | local interest |
| Grid Reference: | J165225,J155200 End(s) of linear site | ||
| Google maps: | 54.13882,-6.21745 | ||
| County: | Down | Council area: | Newry, Mourne & Down District Council |
| Period: | Quaternary | ||
| Site Description | |
|---|---|
| Highlights: | |
The section of the valley of the Moygannon River from Clontifleece [J165 225] south to Ballymaconaghy [J155 200] is marked by recessional moraines and occasional enclosed depressions. | |
| Description: | |
Nine cross-valley moraines in the 3km length of the Moygannon River valley are broad (<200m), rounded and discontinuous. There are frequent meltwater breaches in frontal moraines. A longitudinal ridge at Ballymaconaghy [J158 203] measures less than 1km long, less than 300m wide and less than 15m high. It is bounded in the east by the underfit Moygannon River and in the west by a minor stream. The ridge consists of around 4 poorly marked cross-valley frontal moraines which are more clearly defined on the valley sides as discontinuous round-crested ridges and benches. Minor exposures indicate that the ridge contains gravely diamict. Lateral moraine benches and subdued hummocks trend northward along the flanks of streamlined hills on the western side of the valley. Two well-marked cross-valley arcs at Aghavilly have sharply defined, steep, distal and proximal slopes. | |
| Importance: | |
The moraines of the Moygannon River Valley are of local scientific significance as they contribute to the reconstruction of local deglacial events. | |
| Notes: | |
The area includes several raths. See also ESCR Key Site 457 - Western Mournes Complex - Moygannon River Valley Moraines [Sand and Gravel Landscapes Block]. | |
| Keywords | |
|---|---|
| Rocks: | Diamict |
| Relations: | Ice retreat |
| Geomorph: | recessional moraine |
| Paleoenv: | deglacial |
| Access | |
|---|---|
| Approach: | This site is a valley in the southwest Mourne Mountains, northeast of Warrenpoint. |
| Record type: | SLNCI Report | ||
| Entered by: | E M Porter | ||
| Last updated: | 09/10/03 | ||
| Enlander, I., Dempster, M. & Doughty, P., 2026. Moygannon River Valley Moraines - site of local interest, County Down, site details. [In] Earth Science Conservation Review. https://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/site.php?item=745. Accessed on 2026-11-06. |
| Previous Site | Next Site |