On Glacial Surface-Markings on the Sandstone near Liverpool

Abstract

Towards the end of 1859, I gave an account to the Literary and Philosophical Society of Liverpool of certain indications of ice passing over and grooving the rocks in Toxteth Park. Since that time I have found the same appearances in two other places, and that a far greater interest is attached to the discovery than was at first anticipated; it seems therefore desirable that the particulars should be made known through the Geological Society. Toxteth Park .—The first locality which was noticed is between Park Hill Road and the Dingle. It is near a quarry in the “Pebblebeds„ of the “Bunter„ formation, where the strata dip 10° E. The surface of the rock inclines 5° N.E. The direction of the striations is N.W. by N., or more correctly N. 42° W., allowing for variation. After the discovery, I employed a labourer to clear away some more of the „Boulder-clay“ which originally covered the surface of the rock to the depth of about 9 feet, until at least 20 square yards were visible; and no doubt the appearances extend over a considerable extent. The elevation is about 120 feet above the level of the sea. Boundary Lane, Kirkdale .—The second locality is in the brickfields, about 50 yards north of Boundary Street, and 150 yards west of Gore Street, where 10 square yards of striated surface have been exposed for several years. The sandstone belongs to the base of the “Keuper„ formation; the surface inclines about 5° in the same direction as