Abstract of Proceedings 1959-60

Abstract

One hundred and second Session, 1959-60 President: W. R. Flett, B.Sc., F.R.S.E., F.G.S. First Meeting, 8th October, 1959. —Mr. A. C. Hawkins, Miss J. McDowall, Dr. Y. T. Mandra, A.B., M.A., Miss M. S. Miller, Mr. D. Orr, M.A., Miss L. J. D. Richardson, Mr. I. G. Robertson, A.H.-W.C., M.I.Min.E., Mr. J. M Somerville, Mr. W. H. Stickler, B.Sc., Dr. J. A. Weir, Ph.D., F.G.S., and Miss M. L. B. Williamson, M.A., were elected ordinary members. Dr. E. M. Patterson, D.Sc., F.R.I.C., M.R.I.A., F.R.S.E., F.G.S., delivered a lecture entitled “The Rocks and Scenery of the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland”. The coast of County Antrim borders upon the eastern and northern sides of the Antrim basalt plateau, which is formed almost entirely of olivine-basalt lavas of Tertiary age. The sub-basaltic rocks display considerable variety, the oldest being mica-schists and associated rocks of Dalradian age. These are overlain by sandstones, conglomerates and volcanic breccias of Old Red Sandstone age, near Cushendall, and by the Carboniferous rocks of the Ballycastle coalfield. Mesozoic rocks are well seen along much of the coastline. Rhaetic and Lower Lias are the least apparent, but account for extensive landslips. Triassic sandstones and marls, are well seen on the northern side of Belfast Lough and in Red Bay and Murlough Bay. Perhaps the most striking cliff scenery of the entire coast is due to the mural precipices of Chalk, whose brilliant white colour contrasts with the overlying black lavas. The Tertiary lavas are associated with many minor intrusions and This 250-word extract was created in the absence of an abstract