The origin of the Mersey anD Dee Estuaries

• Published in: Geological Journal
• Main Author: Gresswell, R. Kay
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1964
• Subjects: Dee; Mersey; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/gj.3350040107; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fgj.3350040107; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/gj.3350040107

Abstract The present coastal configurations of these estuaries are contrasted with known fluvial drowned estuaries and attention is drawn to their non‐fluvial characteristics. Two other sub‐parallel depressions in Wirral and southwest Lancashire are described, together with the sub‐glacial surfaces of all four. Their floors are found to contain irregular rock‐bound hollows, and other features reminiscent of glaciated areas. It is suggested that they are escape routes taken by Irish Sea ice hemmed in by the mountains of Wales and the outliers of the Pennines. The term “iceways” is suggested for such ice‐gouged features. A rock shelf in the University area of Liverpool is also tentatively attributed to the same ice erosion.