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Agassiz
Rock, Edinburgh
Agassiz Rock is located on the south side of Blackford Hill in Edinburgh.
Comprising an overhanging cliff of andesite lava, the rock has grooved and
striated surfaces and is of considerable historical importance.
Agassiz Rock - over the years natural erosion
has removed much of the ice smoothed and striated surface of this rock
outcrop. However, the rock's historical importance for its part in the
development of the glacial theory in Scotland, remains. © Scottish
Natural Heritage.
Its significance stems from its association with Louis Agassiz a famous Swiss
naturalist, who during a visit to Scotland in 1840, attributed the striations
on the rock surface to the effects of the passage of glacier ice. Agassiz and
the striated lava of Blackford Hill are therefore key elements in the introduction
of the glacial theory in Scotland. Agassiz Rock was also one of the first geological
sites in Scotland to be conserved.
The smooth and grooved rock surface at Agassiz Rock
- this has been attributed to glacial abrasion. The form of the rock surface
bears a strong resemblance to glacially abraded surfaces elsewhere in Scotland
and in modern glacial environments. © Scottish Natural Heritage.
Further reading:
McAdam, A.D. & Clarkson, E.N.K. 1996. Lothian Geology
- An Excursion Guide. Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh.
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