The number, form and origin of sub-horizontal surfaces in north Ceredigion, Wales U.K.

The landscape of north Ceredigion, U.K., characterized by a stepped sequence of sub-horizontal surfaces, has been a topic of debate over nearly two centuries. This study aims to re-examine these surfaces and provide new insights into their formation and origin by employing traditional geomorphic research techniques. Data collection involved the interrogation of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to assess the number and characteristics of the sub-horizontal surfaces in the region. The analysis revealed that these surfaces are elevated at various altitudes and that a simplistic tripartite division is inadequate, suggesting instead that they may derive from a singular uplifting event. The research proposes a model of landform morphogenesis, considering regional geomorphic inheritance and continental deformation as significant factors in understanding the landscape evolution. The findings advocate for an integrated approach to studying evolutionary geomorphology, emphasizing the need for collaboration across geological disciplines to enhance the understanding of landscape formation processes.