Geology of Workington and Maryport 1:10000 sheets NY 02 NW, 03NW, SW: NX92NE, and part of 93 SE : parts of 1:50000 sheets 22 (Maryport) and 28 (Whitehaven)

Abstract

This report describes the geology, mineral resources and geotechnical aspects of the Workington and Maryport area of Cumbria (Sheets NY02NW, 03NW,SW, NX92NE,SE). Lower, Middle and Upper Coal Measures (Westphalian A, B and C), which crop out over most of the district, are of fluvial facies, 500 m thick, with some 19 workable coals. Quaternary sediments which are commonly up to 30 m thick conceal much of the solid rocks. Coal has been mined extensively, but resources remain which could be worked opencast. Geotechnical problems result from subsidence over coal workings and shafts, many of which are inadequately documented. Weak clays, silts and peat in the Quaternary sequence may also cause foundation difficulties