A new Quaternary and Neogene lithostratigraphical framework for Great Britain and the Isle of Man

This paper provides a synthesis of the recently published BGS report presenting a new Lithostratigraphical Framework of Quaternary and Neogene deposits for Great Britain and the Isle of Man (McMillan et al., 2011). Available as a download from the BGS website, the report sets out a hierarchy of lithostratigraphic units for superficial deposits providing summary descriptions of lithological characteristics, boundaries, ranges in thickness, type sections and known geographical distribution. This paper describes the requirement, rationale and development of the onshore scheme, and discusses the philosophy behind its creation. It discusses unique problems in stratigraphy presented by superficial deposits and introduces a new lithostratigraphical subdivision of tills laid down during the last regional glaciation (Late Devensian/Weichselian/Wisconsin).