Condition

3
ORGANIC MATERIAL, SUBMERGED GROUND SURFACE, INTERTIDAL PEAT
Prehistoric
306681
Orkney

Description

An old ground surface is exposed in intermittent patches in the intertidal zone on the northwestern side of Els Ness. It is most visible where the cobble cover has recently been washed away. It is occasionally covered by a thin deposit of peaty soil and can be seen to lie over a stony green till. The most extensive exposure measures 5m by 2m; the OGS is up to 0.25m deep. The surface of this deposit is cracked and fissured from the action of the sea. Traces of ashy deposits, which may be anthropogenic, and a fragment of struck flint were noted in association with this soil. 21st April 2013 - No ashy deposits noted. No anthropogenic artefacts found. Intermittently exposed in 50-100m stretch on intertidal zone. Longest visible surface approx. 1m x 5m.

Location

367263.00
1039165.00
27700
59.2377930
-2.5755105

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Intertidal peat in April 2014, looking SE 21/04/2013 Intertidal peat in April 2014, looking SE training1
Intertidal peat in April 2014, looking SE
Detail of surface 21/04/2013 Detail of surface stephen_clackson
Detail of surface
Peat exosure in relation to nearby Elsness farm 21/04/2013 Peat exosure in relation to nearby Elsness farm stephen_clackson
Peat exosure in relation to nearby Elsness farm
Detail 21/04/2013 Detail stephen_clackson
Detail
Intermittent peat exposure showing locaton in relation to telegraph pole 21/04/2013 Intermittent peat exposure showing locaton in relation to telegraph pole stephen_clackson
Intermittent peat exposure showing locaton in relation to telegraph pole

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
897 21/04/2013 stephen_clackson
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Intertidal
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; accreting
Threats none
Visibility above ground Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section Limited visibility in section
Access easily accessible - no restrictions
Local knowledge is not locally known
Description An old ground surface is exposed in intermittent patches in the intertidal zone on the northwestern side of Els Ness. It is most visible where the cobble cover has recently been washed away. It is occasionally covered by a thin deposit of peaty soil and can be seen to lie over a stony green till. The most extensive exposure measures 5m by 2m; the OGS is up to 0.25m deep. The surface of this deposit is cracked and fissured from the action of the sea. Traces of ashy deposits, which may be anthropogenic, and a fragment of struck flint were noted in association with this soil. 21st April 2013 - No ashy deposits noted. No anthropogenic artefacts found. Intermittently exposed in 50-100m stretch on intertidal zone. Longest visible surface approx. 1m x 5m.
Monitoring, particularly after storms. Reassign priority 3
Comments Sheltered bay location

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