South Cornwall - Geology
Pillow Lava - Nare Head (S26)
Nare Head is formed from Volcanic Pillow Lava.
A view from below the cliffs at Nare Head , of a fine exposure of Pillow Lava.
During the Devonian Period Basalt Lava erupted into the sea forming rounded pillow shapes .
As lava erupted on the ocean floor, its outer surface cools and solidifies
forming a skin that surrounds the hot lava inside.
Continued pressure of lava pushing from inside the flow causes the pillow to stretch and expand .
New pillows form when hot lava bursts through the chilled skin of a previous pillow.
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Nare Head is between Pendower and Portloe in Gallery 26
Ref: 2989
Date: 11/03/2016
Location: SW 9165 3695