Geology and land-use planning: Great Broughton-Lamplugh area, Cumbria. Part 1, geology

The Great Broughton-Lamplugh district includes part of the Cumbrian coalfield and the northernmost part of the West Cumbrain iron orefield. The east of the district is underlain predominantly by limestones while the low fells in the southeast of the district are formed by resistant, older siltstones and sandstones which form part of the Lake District. Exploitation of these rocks, together with the effects of natural geological processes, has resulted in variable ground conditions throughout the area. Coal mining has left a legacy of spoil heaps, underground workings and abandoned shafts. Areas of variably restored opencast coal workings, clay pits and quarries for sandstone, limestone and siltstone also occur. Natural phenomena such as limestone dissolution may also lead to ground collapse. Thus the availability of comprehensive, up-to-date information on the geological environment is essential for planners, geologists and engineers when considering both issues relating to ground stability and future resource development within the area.