Stratigraphy of the Broadford Beds of Skye, Raasay and Applecross

Description:

Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society Vol. 32, Pt 2, No 9: 165-184.

The Broadford Beds of the Skye area are exposed in several isolated patches which have been much disturbed by Tertiary faulting and intrusive activity. They can be divided into two main divisions. The Lower Broadford Beds range from the Angulata (and probably the upper Planorbis) Zone to the Bucklandi Zone and consist of rather poorly fossiliferous calcilutites, calcarenites, sandstones and subsidiary shales. The Upper Broadford Beds range from the lower Semicostatum to the lower Obtusum Zone and consist predominantly of silty and sandy shales and sandstones. They contain a rich fauna, including abundant ammonites.

Whereas the Lower Broadford Beds thin southwards to zero the Upper Broadford Beds thicken considerably in this direction, up to 340 feet in southern Strath. Most of the beds were laid down in shallow water which might have been brackish periodically during Angulata-Bucklandi Zone times. The sharp change from the Lower to the Upper Broadford Beds is probably the result of a pronounced and widespread sinking of the land, profoundly altering the local geography. No simple 'Scottish landmass' can be envisaged.

Condition

8vo, orig. wrappers. Owner's name to front of wrapper. Vg.