Earth Science Conservation Review

County Antrim Karst; TurloughAntrim
Summary Full report
Site Type: Karst
Site Status: ASSI
Council area: Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
Grid Reference: D29282243
Bing maps: 55.03265,-5.97932
Google maps: 55.03265,-5.97932
Rocks
Rock Age: Quaternary, Cretaceous (Holocene, Santonian)
Rock Name: Ulster White Limestone Formation
Rock Type: Limestone
Interest
Other interest: turlough
Summary of site:
This small lough has no obvious water source or outlet. Its bed is on the Ulster White Limestone which normally drains freely so the presence of water suggests a linkage with the sinks and caves on the junction between the Ulster White Limestone and the overlying Lower Basalt further south. True turloughs are closed lakes whose surface level is that of the groundwater in surrounding limestones, fluctuating seasonally as groundwater level fluctuates. Although this lake often dries out in summer, the local hydrology suggests that it is not a classic turlough.
As a unique phenomenon associated with the Co. Antrim Karst, this site has special importance and deserves protection.

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