New Evidence on the Correlation of the Lower Carboniferous Reefs at Castleton, North Derbyshire

Abstract

AbstractThere are two alternative hypotheses regarding the relationship of the goniatite-bearing reef limestones to the coral-bearing “massif” limestones. One claims an unconformity between the reefs and bedded limestones, the other a lateral passage from a “massif facies” to “marginal facies”. Surface exposures are such that it is difficult to be convinced of either hypothesis. Details of underground exposures in natural cave systems and associated mine-workings show a clear transition between facies and no trace of unconformity.