The School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

Isle of Wight Field Trips

The Isle of Wight is known to be one of the most important geological locations in the UK, for its sheer quantity and range of soil and rock types. With this, it is notable that the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying is in an advantageous location to have frequent access to these renowned sites situated just across the Solent.

The Geotechnics team and students take a series of one-day trips to visit these soils and rocks in-situ. From this, students obtain the practical knowledge and can experience the majority of soil and rock types, found in Southern and Central England, in one location.

The south coast of the Isle of Wight is known landslide-prone area that witnesses constant coastal erosion and weathering. Visits are therefore made to Ventnor and surrounding areas to witness, first-hand, the problems and issues associated with landsliding in urban areas.

Overall, locations visited on the island include:

• Whitecliff Bay to view rocks younger than Chalk
• Freshwater Bay and Compton Down to views rocks older than Chalk
• Ventnor/Bonchurch Area, St Catherines and Niton to look at landsliding both in urban and country areas