2016 Essay Contest Finalist

Entry by Emma Hutchinson

Protected Forever

St. Kilda Geosite is home to animals that range from endangered puffins to the island’s own species of field mice. A geopark or site is a designated area of international geological significance and is managed with protection, education, and sustainable development. St. Kilda is a great example of this.

St. Kilda was formed from volcanic activity caused by the stretching of the upper mantle and crust of the Eurasian tectonic plate, 65 million years ago. The magma compositions created two main types of rocks, silicon pink granite and magnesium-rich dark grey gabbros. 11,000 years ago in the last ice age, glaciers shaped the steep, rocky, landscape, which to this day is still being changed by natural weathering.

This amazing place draws in 5,000 visitors each summer. Not only do these visitors generate funds to help maintain St. Kilda, but visitors often visit the mainland, which helps the local businesses. Some sites on the islands visitors come to see are the rocky cliffs, the largest seabird colonies in Europe, the rock houses uninhabited for nearly 90 years, and the evidence of Norse habitation. There is also Village Bay, the cliffs, and all of its flora and fauna.

Unfortunately, the islands are under threat from global warming. The rising temperatures are causing a decline in seabird populations, some of which are vital to St. Kilda’s stable economy. Luckily, St. Kilda is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The NTS helps conserve natural resources such as endangered puffins, wild soay sheep, and their very own species of wren and field mice.

Seabirds calling out as you sail away. The ocean waves crash against light pink granite. The weathered rocks crying out in silent protest as they slowly, agonizingly wear away. This breathtaking, natural land. Protected forever.

Works Cited

By Collaborating with Members, at Their Request, in the. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.

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Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. “St Kilda.” - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.

Cook, Terri, and Lon Abbott. “Geoheritage: Preserving Earth’s Legacy.” Earth the Science Behind the Headlines June 2015: n. pag. Web. 1 Sept. 2016.

MacLeod, Michael, and Severin Carrell. “Climate Change Is Threatening the Seabirds of St Kilda.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 04 Dec. 2015. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.

“St Kilda - Explosive Beginnings.” St Kilda - Explosive Beginnings. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.

“St Kilda - National Trust for Scotland World Heritage Site.” St Kilda - National Trust for Scotland World Heritage Site. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.

Https://www.facebook.com/aboutgeology. “Basic Plate Map.” About.com Education. 18 May 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.

Https://www.facebook.com/unesco. “UNESCO.” UNESCO. Web. 14 Oct. 2016.