Skomer ( Wall. Ynys Sgomer ) - an island off the west coast of Wales . It is known for its nature: about half of the population of common petrels nest on the island, the dead- end colony is the largest in the UK , the Skomer vole population (a subspecies of the red- backed vole ) is a unique species on the island. Skomer is also known for its archaeological finds - stone circles, menhirs and the remains of prehistoric settlements. On Skomer there is a national reserve, a site of special scientific interest and a special security zone. Most of the island is an ancient monument. The island is surrounded by a marine reserve and is managed by the Wildlife Service of South and West Wales. The island has a hostel for visitors and tourists.
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Content
Description
The island has an area of 2.92 km 2 . Its highest point - Horse Hill - reaches a height of 79 m; the average height of the island is 60 m. Skomer is crossed by several ridges of hills, which gives it a diverse relief. From the eastern side two gulfs protrude into the island [1] . Skomer is one of several islands located within a kilometer from the coast of Pembrokeshire. Three islets surround Skomer: Miu Stone, Midland Isle and Garland Stone.
Geology
The volcanic rocks that make up Skomer are dated to the Silurian period (440 million years ago). Deposits of basalts , rhyolites , felsites , keratophyres, mugerites and associated sedimentary rocks ( quartzites , etc.) are called “Skomera volcanic layers”. Layers up to a kilometer thick include trachytes , dolerites and scomerites (altered andesite) [2] . Basalt is the most common component of deposits; some rocks resemble pillow lava , indicating volcanic activity. Other basalt flows show signs of modern subaerial weathering [3] .
History
There is evidence of human activity in antiquity - the boundaries of fields and settlements ( Iron Age) [4] . The Skomer Island Project, working with the Royal Commission of Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) and archaeologists from the University of Sheffield and the University of Cardiff, explores the island’s primitive community. Airborne laser scanning along with field excavations continued in 2011-2016. It was found that the remains of a human settlement are 5000 years old [5] . Rabbits were introduced to Skomer in the 14th century and, through their vital functions, had a profound effect on the nature of the island [4] .
Notes
- ↑ Wildlife Trust West Wales // Island Naturalist.
- ↑ Jackson, Klaus & Neuendorf. Glossary of Geology. - 5. - American Geological Institute.
- ↑ Howells, MF British Regional Geology: Wales. - British Geological Survey.
- ↑ 1 2 Matthews, Jane. Skomer: Portrait of a Welsh Island .. - 2007.
- ↑ The Skomer Island Project . Pembrokeshire Herald .