Warning as heatwave could spark cliff falls in England’s south coast

The public is being urged to be alert on the south coast beaches as cliff collapses could occur due to this week's heat.

The area seemed to be the most vulnerable according to a geologist.

On Monday there was a collapse of the Sidmouth cliff, the second in two weeks.

The public were advised not to walk on the beach east of Sidmouth because of the unstable cliffs.

Dr Banks said that he was shocked that people didn't appreciate the overhangs above them. People look at the rocks for their beauty because I have the training.

It would be great to see the public engage with the notices and reflect on them.

The BGS wants people to take care as the temperature climbs.

It is important that people take care of themselves because we can't tell where these incidents are going to occur. The beach user can't see the cracks in the cliff top, so they can't tell themselves.

There wasn't a lot of research into thermal impact into land sliding. During hot, dry periods, the more clay-like components of the soil shrink, while other rocks expand.

The south coast seems to be more vulnerable due to weak rocks and the lack of thick deposits.

She said that this week at Sidmouth, there was a formation called the Sidmouth mudstone formation, a fairly fine-growing soil, or weak rock.

There were processes at the top of the cliff that lead to the cliff fall. She said that the material at the top of the Sidmouth mudstone formation is weathered, and that it may have been caused by a change in the amount of water in it.

The cliffs could be weakened if the current heatwave was followed by heavy rain.

She said that the BGS is studying the impact of hot, dry weather on landslides. Heavy rain and flooding had a bigger impact on life and infrastructure than any other research.

The risk of rockfalls along the World Heritage coastline is higher in extreme temperatures. Pre-existing cracks can widen and new cracks can also form if heat causes rocks to expand. Rockfalls are more likely to happen as a result of this.

Ray Bryan, the portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "Rockfalls are entirely unpredictable and can happen at any time, but we do know which conditions make them more likely."

He said that anyone visiting the coast should stay away from the base of the cliffs and that walking along the coast paths should be avoided at all costs. They are there for your safety and should never be ignored.

The cliffs around Seatown, Eype, Burton Bradstock, West cliff, East cliff, Mupe Bay, Lulworth and Swanage have an increased potential for rockfalls.