The
cliff at the northern end of Peel promenade is comprised of sandstones
with a distinctive red colouration typical of sediments deposited
on dry land. Evidence of temporary
river channels, dried up lakes and fossilised soils indicate that
the climate was semi-arid during their deposition. Unfortunately,
these conditions prevented fossils from being preserved and therefore
the age of the rocks is uncertain. However, the Peel sandstones bear
a similarity to Devonian rocks from other parts of the British Isles
implying that they are approximately 380
million years old. This equates with a time
when the Isle of Man lay 30° south of the equator similar to the
modern day position of South Africa. Although no fossils are preserved,
evidence of life is seen in traces of burrows and roots within the
sediment.
