2. Communication relative to the Fresh-Water Limestone of Burdiehouse, near Edinburgh, belonging to the Carboniferous Group of Rocks

Abstract

In his paper, the author explains that the limestone in question, which is confounded with the common carboniferous or mountain limestone of marine origin, is, in his opinion, of fresh-water origin.On an irregular line extending from Joppa on the coast of the Firth of Forth, in a south and south-west direction to the Pentland Hills, strata of mountain or carboniferous limestone crop out at intervals; and their marine origin is indicated by encrinites, the Productus, &c., and corallines. This limestone is developed with least interruption between Edmonstone and Muirhouse, where it is from twelve to twenty feet thick. At this part of the line may be seen fractures and elevations of the strata of limestone and superincumbent shale and sandstone, evidently occasioned by a sudden and violent uplifting force acting from north-east to south-west, and causing the uplifted strata to dip south-east at an angle of 25°. These uplifted beds, between Edmonstone and Muirhouse, and subsequently to Burdiehouse, form the strata which dip under the coalmeasures of Gilmerton, Loanhead, and other sites.