Laxford | erock

Folding at Broadhaven

Pembrokeshire, SW Wales

One of The Geological Society's 100 Great Geosites. Asymmetric folds in interbedded Carboniferous siltstones, shales and coal horizons are cut here by a number of northward-propagating thrusts. This classic structure has been studied in some detail (e.g. Williams and Chapman,1983) as it provides an excellent outcrop example to examine the interplay between faulting and folding during deformation.

Trevayne

Pembrokeshire, SW Wales

Large-scale harmonic fold within Carboniferous siltstones, shales and coal horizons. Close inspection of the fold core reveals several low offset thrust segments which probably formed to accommodate the relatively tight interlimb angle here. The cross-section below shows the transition in structural style between this location, Monkstone Point and Saundersfoot.

Trevayne

Pembrokeshire, SW Wales

Large-scale harmonic fold within Carboniferous siltstones, shales and coal horizons. Close inspection of the fold core reveals several low offset thrust segments which probably formed to accommodate the relatively tight interlimb angle here. The cross-section below shows the transition in structural style between this location, Monkstone Point and Saundersfoot.

Laxford Brae

This outcrop of Lewisian gneiss is exposed in a road cutting on the A838 just north of Laxford Bridge. It is a well known exposure with an interpretative panel in the nearby lay-by; it is known as the “multi-coloured rock stop”. Three different types of metamorphosed rock are exposed in the road-cutting, which beautifully exposes their relative relationships. This outcrop lies in the NW Highlands GeoPark and is one of the Geological Societies - 100 Great Geosites.

Lat: 58°23'25.24"N

Long: 5°1'29.14"W

Laxford Brae - exercise

The virtual outcrop model here takes you to a version with annotated photographs that form part of an online field exercise to sketch and deduce the relationships between the different units that crop-out. The detailed photographs were taken by Ian Alsop.

The Laxford Brae Exercise

can be found in the Virtual field

trips & exercises section (coming

soon)