A study of the Dinantian marine macrofossils of central Scotland

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe stratigraphy, classification and correlation of the marine strata in the Dinantian (Lower Carboniferous) succession of central Scotland are discussed. Correlations of eight principal marine bands in the upper part of the sequence are proposed and four Hosie limestones are recognised in Fife. The marine macrofossils are listed and their vertical and lateral distribution discussed. Biofacies maps of the main marine faunas are presented, which indicate an eastern origin for the marine transgressions and suggest the existence of a river entering the region to the N of Glasgow. Observations are made on the range of host-sediments in which the most commonly occurring genera are found and palaeoecological interpretations are made concerning the main components of the faunas. Some evidence is given to suggest that some elements of the faunas migrated into the region from the E. The palaeogeography is discussed and a correlation is outlined between epifaunal forms at some horizons and areas of less subsidence in the general regional pattern of differential subsidence.