Descriptions of some volcanic vents near St. Andrews

Abstract

I. Introductory. At the west end of Kinkell Cliffs, St Andrews, there rises through the Calciferous Sandstone Series a remarkable group of volcanic vents. These appear to have been first noticed by Dr John H. Wilson, St Andrews, and were referred to by him a number of years ago in an article to the “ Science and Nature ” column of the Scotsman. More recently the same author has given an acount of them in his interesting work entitled “ Nature Study Rambles round St Andrews ” (1910). Along with a general description of the physical characters and distribution of the fragmental materials occupying the necks, Dr Wilson gives a plan of the foreshore at this part, on which he notes correctly the more important occurrences. On the six-inch maps of the Geological Survey the vents described in this paper are not shown, and no reference to them is made in the Geological Survey Memoir on Eastern Fife. II. Descriptions of the Vents. As indicated, the vents that it is now proposed to describe occur at the west end of Kinkell Cliffs. Being exposed, with but one exception, in ground plan on the beach, it will be advisable to examine first those instances where the relations of the fragmental to the stratified rocks can be at once seen, and then to proceed to that where they are concealed under superficial deposits. Vent No. 1. Immediately north of the small footbridge at the west end