Formation
The Middle Devonian Limestone has been formed by grains of Calcium carbonate from the remains of marine organisms which have formed multiple layers on the sea floor to eventually be compressed into rock. They are adjacent to Eifelian shales which has been formed by the layering of fine grained mud, clay and other minerals until finally being compacted into rock.
Triangle Point is the remains of a tropical sea bed from this period and various fossils are in abundance, including
i) Thamnapora & Thamnastrea - Corals
ii) Stromatoporoids - Sponges
iii) Goniatites,Brachiopods & Gastropods - Shelled animals
To reach the site walk along the promenade of beach huts where there is a short climb to the fossil sea bed.
To log this cache please e-mail me the answers to the following.
1) The fossil bearing dark Devonian limestone has been effected by tectonic plate movements in the past and has been folded and crumpled.The limestone is part of a recumbent anticline and is at the same angle as the offshore East Shag Rock.Please estimate the angle in degrees of this former coral sea bed.
2) The coral sea limestone is bordered by Eifelian Shales.Please can you describe the appearance of the limestone compared to the sedimentary shales.
3)Although not compulsory we would REALLY appreciate a photo of you/your GPS at the fossil site.
NO ANSWERS, NO SMILEY!-FINGER HOVERING ON THE DELETE BUTTON!
SAFETY
Please be careful when exploring this area, sensible shoes/boots are recommended.Keep clear of cliff edges and quarry faces in case of any falling rocks.Please be aware this area can be effected by the tides, please check before attempting. You undertake this Earthcache at your own risk and no responsibility applies to the Geopark or the cache owner.
SSSI
This whole area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and therefore it is against the law to damage or remove any of the fossils or surrounding rocks.Please respect this fact for the benefit of the site and future visitors.
FACILITIES
There are public toilets, a beach cafe and a watersports/diving centre here but unfortunately have seasonal opening hours. When the beach facilities are closed why not take a short trip up the road to Kents Cavern where they have an excellent cafe (The Red Rock Cafe) and you can expand your knowledge of our pre-history.
For more information see: http://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/
This cache is placed with the kind permission of the English Riveria Global Geopark.
For information about the English Riviera Global Geopark visit: http://www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/
