On the Triassic Strata which are exposed in the Cliff-sections near Sidmouth, and a Note on the occurrence of an Ossiferous Zone containing Bones of a Labyrinthodon

Abstract

I n describing the locality and geological position of the vertebrate fossils which were obtained from the Triassic rocks near Sidmouth, perhaps it would be as well to commence with a description of the coast-sections for a short distance east and west of that town. Starting from the east, we find that the Marl (which is the upper-most subdivision of the Trias of South Devon) makes its appearance at Branscomb Mouth, exposed beneath the Greensand and Chalk in the cliff-sections, and in the ramifying valley cut through by the small stream which runs out to sea at this point. It now forms the lower portion of the cliff under Littlecomb Hill and Branscomb Hill, being overlain by the Greensand and Chalk until it is exposed inland at Weston Mouth by the action of the little stream called Weston Water, which runs out here. It again forms the base of the cliff under Dunscomb Hill, being still overlain by the Greensand and a small patch of Chalk; again it is exposed and partly excavated by the little brook at Salcomb Mouth; thence it forms the base of the cliff under Salcomb Hill, being now capped by the Greensand alone; it is then largely exposed on the surface in the valley of the river Sid. A few yards east of where the Sid runs into the sea, the Upper Sandstone (of Mr. Ussher) crops out, forming a cliff overhanging the Sid, and constituting the bed of the stream for half a mile from