The Carboniferous rocks and fossils in the neighbourhood of Pitscottie, Fifeshire

Abstract

I. Introduction. While endeavouring to elucidate the detailed structure of the Carboniferous rocks near Dura Den, we found a number of Exposures of fossiliferous strata about half a mile to the east of the village of Pitscottie. These beds are of interest, not only for the abundance and variety of their organic remains, but also for the alteration which their study suggests in the mapping of the Carboniferous Limestone Series in this part. We think, therefore, that an account of their occurrence in the field and of their palæontology will not be out of place. II. History of Investigation. The knowledge we at present possess of this part of East Fife is based on the careful mapping by Mr Howell in 1885, the mapping of the drift by Prof. James Geikie and Dr Young, and the more recent examination of the ground by Sir A. Geikie and Dr. Peach, with additions from time to time by the late Mr Grant Wilson. The information so gained has been embodied in the Geological Survey Memoir on East Fife, published in 1902. On the limited area to be discussed in this paper, namely, a square mile of the country east of Pitscottie, nothing, so far as we know, has previously been written. III. Physical Features of the Area. The tract of ground here dealt with presents most of the geological features characteristic of East Fife. Its topography, though modified by glaciation, has been determined,