White Cliffs of Dover

geology · England · coast · nature

Made of chalk. The cliffs are composed of chalk that was deposited during the Late Cretaceous period, millions of years ago. Black streaks of flint run through the white chalk, creating their distinctive striped appearance.

Incredibly tall. The White Cliffs of Dover reach heights of 350 feet (110 meters), which is about as tall as the Statue of Liberty. They stretch for eight miles along the coast near the town of Dover in Kent, England.

Gateway to France. The cliffs face the Strait of Dover, which separates England from France across the water. This makes them one of the first things travelers see when crossing the English Channel.

Wildlife haven. The top of the cliffs has a chalk grassland ecosystem that is home to many bird species, colorful butterflies, and wildflowers. This special area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.