On the Occurrence of Marine Fossils in the Coal-measures of Fife

Abstract

This paper records the discovery of fossils of good marine types in the Fifeshire Coal-measures. Reference is also made to the occurrence of similar fossils in the same formation elsewhere. The Fifeshire Coal-measures form a comparatively small field on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, where they abut on the coastline from Dysart eastward to Largo. They extend only two or three miles inland where the field is widest. On the west they are bounded by outcropping beds equivalent to Millstone-Grit; on the north by faulted strata of the Carboniferous-Limestone series. On the east and south they are bounded by the sea, beneath which they dip. Including an upper set of red beds ( d 5′ of the Geological Survey maps), there is a thickness of over 2000 feet of these measures; but all the workable coals are in the lower portion ( d 5 of the Geological Survey maps): see vertical section at p. 748. The prevailing fossils of this coal-field are those always characteristic of the formation in other districts. The flora is essentially the same as in the North of England. Among the animal fossils usually met with are Anthracosia acuta , Anthracomya modiolaris , Anthracoptera carinata , and other Lamellibranchs of this family. Spirorbis carbonarius is the common Annelid. The Ostracods consist of various species of Carbonia , with Beyrichia arcuata ; with them also occurs the phyllopod Leaia Leidyi . Among the fish are Megalichthys Hibberti , Strepsodus sauroides , Diplodus gibbosus , and well-known species of Ctenodus, Cœlacanthus, Rhizodopsis, Acanthodus, Palœoniscus , &c. The Amphibians Loxomma