INTRODUCTION
The rocks beneath the Essex landscape are a record of the county's prehistory. They provide evidence for ancient volcanoes, deserts, glaciers and deep seas. Some rocks also contain remarkable fossils, from subtropical sharks and crocodiles to Ice Age hippos and mammoths. The geology of Essex is a story that stretches back over 100 million years.

This website will provide an introduction to the geology of Essex, detail the best geological sites to visit in the county and provide you with information on organisations and literature where you can find out more.

If you still require any more information or have a specific enquiry please feel free to get in touch by clicking on the 'contact us' button.

Please note that most of the photographs on this site can be clicked on in order to see them in better detail.

The Essex RIGS Group is the primary source of information about Essex geology. The Group identifies sites of geological interest and recommends to planning authorities that they are designated as Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS). RIGS are some of the best places to see the evidence and learn about the fascinating and sometimes dramatic geology of Essex. To find out how RIGS are selected and how they are notified to planning authorities please click here.

Copyright Essex RIGS Group 2001