The
Alston Block is a term used by geologists to describe the geological structure of the
North Pennines of northern
England and which forms a part of the
The Pennines Block & Basin Province which originated during the
Carboniferous period. It is defined by the Stublick and Ninety Fathom faults to the north, the
Pennine Fault to the west and the
Stainmore Trough to the south. It is in essence a horst underlain by the
Weardale Granite which provides sufficient buoyancy to maintain this piece of the upper crust as an area of raised relief. To its west lies the Vale of Eden and to its north is the
half-graben of the Northumberland Trough.
[British Geological Survey. 1996, Tectonic Map of Britain, Ireland & adjacent areas, Pharaoh et al. 1:1500 000 (Keyworth, BGS)]
The area is also known for its mineral wealth.
See also
Geological Structure of Great Britain
