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Scottish Carboniferous fresh-water limestones in their regional setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2011

Martin A. Whyte
Martin A. Whyte
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brookhill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, U.K.
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Abstract

The East Kirkton Limestone is one of a number of horizons within the Scottish Carboniferous sequence which have commonly been referred to as ‘fresh-water’ limestones. The stratigraphy and distribution of these non-marine carbonates is reviewed and discussed in terms both of Carboniferous palaeogeography and of the interaction between sedimentation, volcanism and tectonics within the Midland Valley graben. Particular attention is given to late Viséan horizons of broadly similar age to the East Kirkton Limestone. The range of carbonate facies and faunas found in these limestones is described and their environmental significance is discussed.

Keywords

CarboniferousScotlandlacustrineostracodsspirorbidspalaeogeographypalaeoenvironments

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