Coastal Erosion at Hope Gap, South Downs

For the last 13 years regular walks on the South Downs, first with the children as they grew up - in better weather, and since with the dog in all weathers, I've taken photographs of the same views, and the same parts of the cliff much of which has now gone with the greatest collapses in the last 18 months.



Fig.1 The path and steps down to the beach at Hope Gap. 13th January 2015



Fig.2. Erosion at Hope Gap. 13th January 2015



Fig.3. Erosion between Hope Gap and the mouth of the River Cuckmere, East Sussex. 9th March 2014





Fig.4. Erosion of the cliffs at Hope Gap. 9th March 2014

Loess blown here by Arctic winds during the Ice Ages. Water passing through becomes acid. This trickles into joints in the chalk, widening them to form solution pipes.


Fig.5 Solution pipe at Hope Gap


Fig. 6. Cliff erosion and collapse by the Lifeguard Cottages, Cuckmere.


Fig.7. Signage explaining the geology of the coast at Hope Gap and Cuckmere showing the 'Seven Sisters' beyond


Fig.8. The Seven Sisters from Hope Gap looking towards Beachy Head, 13th January 2015