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Chapel Hill, TorreDesignations: CGS/RIGS Easily viewed and accessible from the road this site demonstrates the relationship between the Devonian limestone and younger Permian breccia GCR block / key theme: Permian-Triassic Associated SSSI: Not applicable Geological / geomorphological features: "Roadside exposure of Permian breccia containing angular to sub-rounded clasts of Devonian limestone, together with some sandstone, volcanic and quartz fragments, in a matrix of red sandy gravel. Rare chert, and possible granitic fragments, also occur. Some limestone clasts contain fossil corals. Bedding traces have a 5° N dip, and imbrication indicates depositional flow from the north. Minor faults occur. Outcrops of Middle Devonian limestone above and to the east of the breccia demonstrate the infilling of Permian palaeotopography, possibly controlled by faulting, by the younger breccia. The limestone is generally massively bedded and bioclastic,with a dip of 60°-70° WSW. Cleaner exposure lies beside paths at the top of the hill show corals and stromatoporoids." Reasons for registration as a RIGS sites: "The site demonstrates the palaeotopographical relationship between the Permian breccia and the underlying Devonian limestone. The excellent breccia exposure on Newton Road is very accessible for study. There is considerable potential for development as a valuable educational resource." |