The Real Jurassic Park: Geological Explorations in Southwest England
University of Washington, Tacoma
TESC 417: Summer 2006
Home

Project: Lyme Regis: No Longer Slipping Away

Student: Elizabeth Johnson


PROJECT SUMMARY
Lyme Regis is located in Dorset England, toward the western end of what is currently known as the “Jurassic Coast”. This coastal town is unusual in that it has no natural harbor to offer protection from fierce winter storms. Their solution was to construct a jetty, known as “The Cobb”, which dates to the 13th century. Over the centuries, Lyme Regis has experienced countless storms, many of which have required extensive repair or rebuilding of The Cobb. Lyme Regis is also situated on a steep slope which is composed of layers of limestone and shale, topped with clay and finally sandstone and sand. The interface of the limestone and clay is slippery when wet (which in Lyme Regis is most of the time) and landslides are common.

Until recently, both Cobb reinforcements and slope stabilization efforts were done on an as-needed or emergency basis. But in the early 1990's, Lyme Regis was threatened with sliding into the sea. Together with the Dorset County Council, they recognized that the coastal reinforcements and slope stabilization needed to go hand in hand or neither would provide lasting results. With this in mind, they did extensive research, testing and engineering, and designed a plan for both the shore and the hill.

This paper details some of the town's history with respect to coastal protection and landslides, describes the research and design efforts, implementation and construction of Phase II of this project.

PROJECT LINKS
Student Paper
Student Presentation

LOCATION LINKS
Lyme Regis

Home