what was Durlston like millions of years ago? Was it under water or on land? And what evidence do we have?

Answer 1

ermm wheres durlston??

seeing as it was millions of years ago i would probably say under water

Answer 2

I’m sorry but we need to limit you question a bit. The geographical location of Durlston has existed since the earth formed 4600 million years ago. It’s had a lot happen to it since then. I think you want to know what was happening when the rocks we see at Durlston now, were formed.

The area is well covered in the geological literature (but full of jargon). First described by Thomas Webster in 1816. So I hope you just want a simple explanation.(all i'm capable of)

It was formed during the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous, the time of dinosaurs about 80 million years ago? (I think)
Firstly imagine a shallow sea, with mountains far to the north and deep water far to the south. This occasionally was deprived of sea water and dried up.
We know this from the small salt water loving fossils found in it and the occasional salt and gypsum “evaporite” rocks. Also from the sea shells and sea animals found in it.

This was flooded by fresh water allowing trees to grow. It formed lagoons allowing a mix of fresh and salt water. The presence of rounded river pebbles and layers of coal and charcoal evidence this. These are inter-layered with sea deposits of limestones which contain sea shells.

This sea flooded the area killing any vegetation and became a shallow sea or salt water lagoon. This again was subject to evaporation. The evidence is again an increase in sea animals and salt and gypsum.

This repeats a number of times.

If I remember right there are some very good dinosaur footprint around the Swanage made as dinosaurs paddled in the luke warm water of the shallow sea and lakes.

The answer to your question is both. In conclusion the area was a shallow sea that occasionally became super salty and dried out . It was an area of shallow sea and lagoon which was flooded by fresh water rivers and at times large gentle lakes allowing mud to settle. It eventually became mainly sea.

It was a difficult area to resolve and it was a long time before a full explination was put forward so your question is a very good one.

Answer 3

A million years ago the earth didn't even exist. The earth is only around 6000 years old.

Answer 4

The answer given by michaeldugga is right.