Abstract
FOR some years past, in my researches upon the Norfolk coast, I have made a close study of the alleged hurling of large flints against each other during storms, and as, after much observation, I have not seen such collisions take place, I am unable to believe in their occurrence in the area I have investigated. So far as my knowledge extends, the capability of waves in picking up stones is limited to comparatively small specimens. These, when they fall, may strike others lying upon the beach, but such impacts, especially as they occur in water—a medium which definitely lessens the force of the blow—cannot remove, in ordinary circumstances, flakes of large dimensions (see Science Progress, No. 87, Jan. 1928). It is known that stones of considerable size are sometimes thrown by the action of the sea on to promenades, but these stones are apparently being rolled towards the shore, and by the uprush of the water when it meets a more or less vertical sea-wall, are carried on to the promenade. There cannot, of course, be any doubt that bulky masses of flint are propelled up the beach, sometimes aided by the buoying effect of attached seaweed, and I have witnessed such movements while storms were in progress upon the east coast. But the travel of the flints is very gradual, as it is only certain waves which are capable of moving them, and the extent of each stage of advance is generally small.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MOIR, J. The Sligo Artefacts. Nature 121, 908 (1928). https://doi.org/10.1038/121908a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/121908a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.