Stevns Klint

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stevns Klint
Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List
Type Natural
Criteria viii
Reference 1416
UNESCO region Europe
Inscription history
Inscription 2014 (38th Session)
Location in Denmark

Stevns Klint is a white chalk cliff located some 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Store Heddinge on the Danish island of Zealand. Stretching 14.5 km (9.0 mi) along the coast, it is of geological importance as one of the best exposed Cretaceous-Tertiary (K/T) boundaries in the world.[1] Subject to frequent erosion, the cliff rises to a height of up to 40 m (130 ft).[2]

Geology

The cliff reveals sections from the uppermost part of the Maastrichtian stage (72 to 66 million years ago) and from the lowermost part of the Danian stage (66 to 62 million years ago).[3] A black layer of fish clay, a few centimeters thick, containing iridium clearly marks the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.[2] The layers can also be seen deep in the tunnels of Stevnsfortet, a cold-war fortress constructed in 1953. The bryozoa chalk in the cliff is highly shock resistant to both conventional and nuclear weapons.[4]

Cold War museum

In 2008 Cold War Museum Stevns Fortress opened to the public. It features a large exhibition of military equipment and a 1.5-hour guided tour in the large underground system of the fortress. The underground system of the fortress features 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) of tunnels, living quarters and command centers, including a hospital and even a chapel. There are also two ammunition depots for its two 15 centimetres (5.9 in) cannons. The tunnels are 18–20 metres (59–66 ft) below the surface, dug deep into the chalk of Stevns. The top secret fortress was built in 1953 and remained operational until 2000.[5]

Højerup Church

Old Højerup Church

The old Højerup Church (Højerup Gamle Kirke) which stands at the top of the cliff dates from the year 1200. As a result of erosion, a landslide in 1928 caused the chancel to collapse and fall to the shore below. The cliff can be accessed via steps from the church. A new church completed in 1913 is located 300 m (980 ft) back from the cliff.[6]

UNESCO listing

On 23 June 2014, it was announced that Stevns Klint and the Wadden Sea had been added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in Denmark.[7][8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Stevns Klint". UNESCO. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Stevns Klint" (in Danish). Den Store Danske. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  3. ↑ Surlyk F, Damholt T. & Bjerager M. (2006). "Stevns Klint, Denmark: Uppermost Maastrichtian chalk, Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, and lower Danian bryozoan mound complex". Bulletin of the Geological Society of Denmark 54: 1–48.
  4. ↑ "Coastal Cliff Stevns Klint" (in Danish). Rotary Danmark.
  5. ↑ "Stevensfort Cold War Museum". Kalklanded. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  6. ↑ "Højerup" (in Danish). Den Store Danske. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
  7. ↑ "Stevns Klint og Vadehavet på Unesco-liste" (in Danish). Danmarks Radio. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  8. ↑ "Six new sites inscribed on World Heritage List". UNESCO. Retrieved 23 June 2014.

Coordinates: 55°16′2″N 12°25′24″E / 55.26722°N 12.42333°E

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