Chapter 1

British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy:

an introduction

From:
Simms, M.J., Chidlaw, N., Morton, N. & Page, K.N., (2004), British Lower Jurassic Stratigraphy, Geological Conservation Review Series,
No. 30, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 458 pages, illustrations, A4 hardback, ISBN 1 86107 495 6
For more information see: [Link]
 Introduction

INTRODUCTION Lower Jurassic strata in southern England

figured in some of the earliest stratigraphical
M.J. Simms investigations anywhere in the world (Smith,
1797, MSS; Douglas and Cox, 1949) and many
The Lower Jurassic Series encompasses about early 19th century collectors acquired some of
22 million years (Ma) of the geological record, the more spectacular fossils for which the Lower
from about 200 Ma to 178 Ma, a little more than Jurassic Series was already noted as a result of
a third of the total duration of the 58 Ma of the the labours of Mary Anning and others (Lang,
Jurassic Period as based on the most recent 1939). Although the coastal exposures of Dorset
radiometric dates (Pálfy et al., 2000a–c). The and Yorkshire clearly were important sources of
chronostratigraphically defined Lower Jurassic fossil material and stratigraphical information,
Series, incorporating the Hettangian to Toarcian inland exposures also were a major source of
stages (Figure 1.1), corresponds almost exactly information in these formative years of the
to the lithostratigraphically defined Lias Group sciences of geology and palaeontology. Until the
(but see later discussion on the base of the mid-19th century numerous small quarries were
Jurassic System). The Lias Group crops out opened along the Lower Jurassic outcrop to
extensively in England, with a significant out- provide sources of building stone, bricks,
lying area in south Wales (Figure 1.2). The cement and iron, and the materials were
outcrop area of the Lias Group in Scotland is commonly used only locally in areas not well
relatively small, comprising a remnant in the served by roads or rail. Even the coastal
Solway Firth Basin, a small area in north-eastern exposures were extensively modified by
Scotland (the Dunrobin Coast Section GCR quarrying, for stone, lime, cement, alum and jet.
site), and more extensive and better-documented Some quarries survived into the early 20th
outcrops in the Hebrides Basin of north-western century in areas where transport links were
Scotland. With few exceptions these deposits poor, but most were abandoned as others,
are fully marine and mark a striking contrast producing better-quality materials, assumed
with the predominantly terrestrial deposits of dominance of the market. Only a small number,
the preceding Triassic System. They encompass such as that producing Ham Hill Stone, still
a broad range of facies representing a correspon- thrive today providing material for a specialist
dingly diverse range of environments. Most of market. Of the countless brickpits and cement
these facies are fossiliferous, sometimes richly works, very few large sites now still operate,
so, or yield exceptionally preserved material. such as Blockley Station Quarry.
Consequently they have been studied far more The Industrial Revolution witnessed the
intensively than the Triassic sediments beneath. establishment of many new quarries to exploit

Figure 1.1 Chronostratigraphy and radiometric dates for the Lower Jurassic Series and its constituent stages.
Based on Harland et al. (1990) and Pálfy et al. (2000c).

3
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Figure 1.2 Outcrop and subcrop map for the Lias Group in England and Wales showing the location of the
main sedimentary basins. After Cox et al. (1999).

the ironstones that are a conspicuous feature excavations can be judged from figures cited
of the Lower Jurassic succession on parts of by Whitehead et al. (1952), who noted that
the Yorkshire coast, in the east Midlands and more than 500 million tons of Liassic ironstone
in the Hebrides. The scale of some of these had been worked up to 1945. The Yorkshire

4
 Establishment of Lower Jurassic chronostratigraphy

succession for a while also supported a flourish- Thouars in western France. D’Orbigny’s
ing industry extracting alum from some of the divisions were intended to be applied world-
Toarcian mudstones, while the growth in popu- wide, this being based on the assumption that
larity of jet jewellery in the 19th century resulted stage boundaries marked global mass extinction
in many small-scale excavations along this events followed by rapid re-establishment of
stretch of coast. The construction of the railways new and distinctive faunas (Arkell, 1933, p. 9).
between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries Albert Oppel (1856–1858) established the
also gave rise to many temporary exposures that equivalence of a Lower Jurassic, or Unterer Jura,
added to our knowledge of the Lower Jurassic Subsystem to the earlier established, and
Series and its contained fauna (e.g. Gavey, 1853; essentially lithostratigraphical, division known
Richardson, 1918). Economic changes in the as ‘Lias’ and erected his own sequence of stages,
latter part of the 19th century and early part of called ‘zonengruppen’ or ‘étagen’. These were
the 20th century saw the decline of the various based, in part, on d’Orbigny’s subdivisions
quarrying industries. Generally the smaller pits but instead were termed ‘Semur-Gruppe’
became overgrown or flooded and the larger (equivalent to d’Orbigny’s Sinèmurian Stage),
quarries often were used as landfill sites. By the ‘Pliensbach-Gruppe’ (equivalent to the Liasien
mid-1970s many had all but vanished. Many Stage, and named after Pliensbach in
important sites were never properly documented Württemberg, Germany) and ‘Thouars-Gruppe’
and received only cursory mention, if at all, (equivalent to the Toarcien Stage). The only
in publications. Notable among these is the significant change subsequently was the
publication by Woodward (1893), which provides creation of the Hettangien Stage by Renevier
the only record of many sites for which nothing (1864), incorporating the first two zones of
more was ever published. Indeed, many Oppel’s original scheme for the Semur-Gruppe
museum collections contain material from sites (Page, 2003). Numerous other stage names
for which virtually nothing is known, although have, at various times, been proposed for parts
an inventory of a great many Lower Jurassic sites of the Lower Jurassic Series in Europe. A few are
and their stratigraphical position, as deduced still used occasionally for divisions at substage
from museum material, was compiled some level, but most are now redundant (Arkell,
years ago by C.P. Palmer (pers. comm.). 1933).

Hettangian Stage
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
JURASSIC SYSTEM AND THE STAGES The Hettangian Stage as originally proposed by
OF THE LOWER JURASSIC SERIES Renevier (1864) corresponded to the first two
zones of Oppel’s scheme (1856–1858) for the
K.N. Page Jurassic System, namely those of Ammonites
(Psiloceras) planorbis and Ammonites (Schlo-
The term ‘Jurassique’ was introduced by theimia) angulatus. This interpretation
Brongniart in 1829 for a distinct period of remains essentially unchanged except for the
geological time first identified within the rocks addition, by Collenot (1869), of a Liasicus Zone
of the Jura Mountains, in eastern France and for the lower part of the original angulatus
Switzerland, by Alexander von Humbolt in 1795 Zone. Donovan (in Dean et al., 1961) estab-
(Torrens in Cope et al., 1980a). However, it was lished the basic framework of subzones for the
not until the publication of Alcide d’Orbigny’s stage, with minor later additions by Elmi and
Palaeontologie Française, terrains Jurassique Mouterde (1965) and Bloos (1979, 1983). This
(1842–1849), that the system was subdivided scheme was summarized diagrammatically by
into stages (Arkell, 1933; Rioult, 1974; Page, Mouterde and Corna (1991) and reviewed by
2003). D’Orbigny recognized three successive Mouterde and Corna (1997). The sequence of
stages in the Lower Jurassic Series. The lowest zones, subzones and biohorizons currently
was the Sinèmurien Stage, named after Semur- recognized in the Hettangian Stage of north-
en-Auxois in Burgundy, eastern France. Above west Europe, based on Mouterde and Corna
was the Liasien Stage, it’s name derived from the (1991, 1997), Page (1994a), Page and Bloos
old geological term ‘Lias’, and the third and (1998) and Bloos and Page (2000a), is
youngest, the Toarcien Stage, was named after summarized in Figure 1.3.

5
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Figure 1.3 Sequence of zones, subzones and biohorizons for the Hettangian Stage, with the stratigraphical
ranges of ammonite genera indicated (solid line – proven; dashed line – inferred ghost range). After Page
(2002) and unpublished observations.

The base of the Hettangian Stage and the The type locality of the index fossil for the
Jurassic System Planorbis Zone, Psiloceras planorbis (J. de C.
Sowerby, 1812–1846), and its lowest subzone, is
Oppel (1856–1858) first established a zone of on the coast of west Somerset near Watchet in
Ammonites (Psiloceras) planorbis to mark the south-west England, part of the Blue Anchor–
base of the Jurassic System and this usage was Lilstock Coast GCR site. Subsequently, and
finally stabilized at the first Jurassic colloquium almost inevitably, a type section for the subzone,
in Luxembourg in 1962 (Mauberge, 1964). In and hence the Planorbis Zone, Hettangian Stage
north-west Europe, this chronozone marks and the Jurassic System, was proposed in this
the first occurrence of ammonites following the district (Donovan et al. in Morton, 1971). There
re-establishment of fully marine conditions has been considerable discussion as to where
towards the end of the Triassic Period. exactly the boundary should be drawn in the

6
 Establishment of Lower Jurassic chronostratigraphy

coastal sections in this area, especially as to the first P. planorbis in the upper part of the
whether the base of the Blue Lias Formation or same bed, and especially from Bed 13 to the
the first occurrence of psiloceratid ammonites basal part only of Bed 24 (Page and Bloos, 1998;
represents the most appropriate datum (Torrens Bloos and Page, 2000a).
and Getty in Cope et al., 1980a; Ivimey-Cook et More complete sequences of ammonite
al., 1980; Warrington and Ivimey-Cook, 1995; faunas are known from uppermost Triassic
Benton et al., 2002). The matter was finally (Rhaetian Stage) to lowermost Jurassic
resolved by the formal proposal for Global successions elsewhere in the world, and two
Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) status of a have been proposed as candidates for GSSPs; in
section at St Audrie’s Bay, east of Watchet Nevada, USA (Guex, 1980, 1982; Guex et al.,
(Warrington et al., 1994). This proposal placed 1997) and in northern Peru (von Hillebrandt,
the base of the subzone and zone at the lowest 1994, 1997). It remains to be seen whether a
recorded occurrence, at that time, of ammonites ‘New World’ definition for the base of the
in Bed A21 of Palmer (1972; = beds 13–15 of Jurassic System could be accepted in the face of
Whittaker and Green, 1983). The subsequent historical reasons for defining it in Europe.
discovery, by Hodges (1994) of ammonites at However, it is clear that the current state of
still lower stratigraphical levels at the proposed knowledge is inadequate to correlate these
St Audrie’s GSSP (in beds A18 and A19 of Palmer, sections accurately with any in Europe (Bloos
1972; = beds 8 and 9 of Whittaker and Green, and Page, 2000a; Page, in press).
1983), and by Page and Bloos (1998; see also
Bloos and Page, 2000a) farther along the coast Sinemurian Stage
and nearer Watchet, forced a revision of this
definition. Warrington and Ivimey-Cook (1995) The zonal sequence of the Sinemurian Stage,
subsequently modified their original proposal with the Bucklandi Zone at the base and the
and placed the base of the Jurassic System at the Raricostatum Zone at the top, remains
base of Bed A18 (= Bed 8 of Whittaker and essentially the same as that originally proposed
Green, 1983). Characteristic Triassic ammonoids by Oppel (1856–1858), once Renevier’s (1864)
are entirely lacking in Britain, and the only Hettangian Stage is separated from it.
British record to date of a supposedly late Occasionally, especially in French publications,
Triassic ammonite is that of an indeterminate the Upper Sinemurian Substage is referred to as
and problematic psiloceratid from the Westbury ‘Lotharingian’, after Lorraine, in eastern France
Formation of the Penarth Group near Bristol (Page, 2003). Subdivision of the stage into
(Donovan et al., 1989). zones and subzones, started by Oppel (1856),
By comparison with the remarkably complete developed through the work of Lang and Spath,
and expanded Planorbis Subzone seen in the primarily on the Dorset coast (Lang et al., 1923;
Wilkesley Borehole in Cheshire, north-west Lang, 1924; Spath, 1924, 1942; Lang and Spath,
England (Page and Bloos, 1998; Bloos and Page, 1926). The work of S.S. Buckman (1909–1930)
2000a), the lowest ammonite fauna on the west was also significant in incorporating considerable
Somerset coast, in Bed 8, was determined as information from the Yorkshire coast, especially
Psiloceras erugatum (Phillips), a species well Robin Hood’s Bay. The basic scheme, refined by
known from loose blocks at the Normanby Stye Donovan (in Dean et al., 1961) is still widely
Batts–Miller’s Nab (Robin Hood’s Bay) GCR used. There have been only minor modifi-
site in Yorkshire, but never confirmed previously cations since, arising primarily through the
in a surface exposure. Remarkably, the occur- re-naming of a few subzones following the
rence of this species below P. planorbis had identification of senior synonyms of the index
already been noted by Donovan (in Poole and species. Further subdivision of the stage into
Whiteman, 1966) in the Wilkesley Borehole, but zonules and biohorizons is based largely on
subsequently had been overlooked in later the work of Corna (1987), Page (1992),
works. Re-examination of higher levels in this Dommergues (1993), Dommergues et al.
borehole revealed additional faunas, dominated (1994), Page (1995), Corna et al. (1997), Bloos
by Neophyllites, below P. planorbis. A similar and Page (2000b) and Page et al. (2000) as
sequence is also present in west Somerset with reviewed by Page (2002) and summarized in
Neophyllites in the lower part of Bed 9, below Figures 1.4 and 1.5.

7
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Figure 1.4 Sequence of zones, subzones and biohorizons for the lower part of the Sinemurian Stage, with the
stratigraphical ranges of ammonite genera indicated (solid line – proven; dashed line – inferred ghost range).
After Page (2002) and unpublished observations.

8
 Establishment of Lower Jurassic chronostratigraphy

Figure 1.5 Sequence of zones, subzones and biohorizons for the upper part of the Sinemurian Stage, with the
stratigraphical ranges of ammonite genera indicated (solid line – proven; dashed line – inferred ghost range).
After Page (2002) and unpublished observations.

9
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

The base of the Sinemurian Stage Ammonite provincialism and correlation

in the Hettangian and Sinemurian stages
The base of the Conybeari Subzone of the
Bucklandi Zone defines the base of the Hettangian and Sinemurian ammonite faunas
Sinemurian Stage. Historically the best-known show little provincialism compared with those
sections across the Hettangian–Sinemurian from later stages although a distinction can be
boundary are on the Devon–Dorset coast near made between a North-west European Province
Lyme Regis, within the Pinhay Bay to Fault in the north, extending across much of Europe
Corner GCR site. Consequently Donovan (in including Britain, and a Mediterranean Province,
Morton, 1971) proposed that the stage boundary characterized by deeper-water forms, in the south
stratotype should be in this area. West of Lyme (Dommergues and Mouterde, 1987). In Britain
Regis, in east Devon, the earliest Sinemurian taxa with Mediterranean affinities are very rare
ammonites are very poorly preserved fragments, but include occasional phylloceratids such as
possibly of Vermiceras, found in the upper part Galaticeras (Howarth and Donovan, 1964).
of Bed 18 (Page, unpublished) and occasional
large Metophioceras ex grp. brevidorsale Pliensbachian Stage
found in nodules on the base of Bed 19 of Lang
(1924). These are at least 0.6 m lower than the The name of the Pliensbachian Stage follows
base of Bed 21, the stage boundary originally Oppel’s (1856) adoption of a ‘Pliensbach-
proposed by Donovan (in Morton, 1971) (Page, Gruppe’, although the division is essentially the
1992). same as the earlier, non-geographically named,
Subsequent investigation of the considerably Liasien Stage of d’Orbigny (1842–1849). Another
expanded Hettangian–Sinemurian succession synonym, ‘Charmouthian’, named after the well-
on the west Somerset coast (Blue Anchor– known Dorset locality forming part of the Pinhay
Lilstock Coast GCR site), described by Palmer Bay to Fault Corner GCR site, has been attributed
(1972), Whittaker and Green (1983) and to Mayer-Eymar (1864) but was first published
Warrington and Ivimey-Cook (1995), especially by Renevier (1874; Dean et al., 1961). The
exposures near the village of East Quantoxhead, Pliensbachian Stage commonly is subdivided into
east of Watchet, have revealed a much more named substages; the Carixian Substage (after
complete sequence of ammonite faunas across Carixa = Charmouth; Lang, 1914) correspon-
the lower stage boundary. Crucially, it is possi- ding to the Lower Pliensbachian Substage, and
ble to demonstrate that on the west Somerset the Domerian Substage (after Monte Domaro in
coast there are two clearly distinguishable the Lombardy Alps, Italy; Bonarelli, 1894) corre-
Sinemurian-type faunas below that of Bed 19 in sponding to the Upper Pliensbachian Substage.
Devon, the lowest characterized by abundant The zonal framework of the Lower Pliensbachian
Vermiceras quantoxense (Page, 1992, 1994b; North-west European Province is based on Oppel’s
Bloos and Page, 2000b). The remarkable original scheme from 1856, with a sequence of
expansion of the East Quantoxhead succession, subzones stabilized by Donovan (in Dean et al.,
at 14 m being nearly five times thicker than the 1961). A sequence of zonules was established for
Conybeari Subzone on the Devon–Dorset coast, the substage by Dommergues (1979) and Phelps
clearly established its potential as a GSSP for (1985), with later revisions by Dommergues and
the base of the Sinemurian Stage and it was Meister (1992) and Dommergues et al. (1991,
proposed as such by Page et al. (2000). 1997). This scheme is reviewed by Page (in
Elsewhere, for instance in Germany and south- press) (Figure 1.6). The basic zonal and subzonal
east France, correlative successions are usually framework employed follows Howarth (in Dean
much thinner and less complete (Bloos and et al., 1961), formalized by Howarth (1992)
Page, 2000b). GSSP status was confirmed by through the definition of basal stratotypes at
the International Commission on Stratigraphy several of the GCR sites on the Yorkshire coast.
(ICS) and the International Union of Page (in press) presents a preliminary sequence
Geological Sciences (IUGS) in 2000, and the of biohorizons for the Upper Pliensbachian
site represents the first formalized Jurassic Substage in Britain, based largely on Howarth’s
stage stratotype in Britain, as reviewed by Page meticulous and detailed faunal records for the
(2002). region (1955, 1956, 1957, 1992).

10
Establishment of Lower Jurassic chronostratigraphy

11
Figure 1.6 Sequence of zones, subzones and zonules for the Pliensbachian Stage, with the stratigraphical ranges of ammonite genera indicated (solid
line – proven; dashed line – inferred ghost range). After Page (2002) and unpublished observations.
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

The base of the Pliensbachian Stage Lower Pliensbachian Substage and throughout
the Upper Pliensbachian Substage, however, the
Following Oppel (1856), the base of the establishment of direct connections with Boreal
Pliensbachian Stage is still taken as the base of regions resulted in a faunal spectrum develop-
the Jamesoni Zone, the lowest recognized ing across Europe from assemblages dominated
subdivision of which is the Taylori Subzone. by Boreal taxa in the northern areas (character-
According to Donovan (in Morton, 1971) the izing a Subboreal Province) through faunas
Taylori Subzone was first recognized on the dominated by Mediterranean faunas in central
Dorset coast, near Charmouth, within the and western areas (Submediterranean Province)
Pinhay Bay to Fault Corner GCR site, with the to true Mediterranean Province faunas in the
base of the Pliensbachian Stage corresponding south. Nonetheless, good inter-provincial faunal
to the base of Bed 105 of Lang et al. (1928). links allow correlation between these provinces
Immediately below, however, is a non-sequence and the same standard zonation can be used
that omits the two highest subzones of the throughout most of Europe, although faunal
Sinemurian Stage and renders the site unsuit- sequences may be very different at horizon level
able for defining a stage boundary according to (Page, in press).
ICS standards. Increased faunal polarization between
More complete Sinemurian–Pliensbachian southern and northern Europe in the Upper
successions are exposed elsewhere in Britain, Pliensbachian Substage can make infra-subzonal
for instance at the Normanby Stye Batts– correlation difficult or impossible as a distinctive
Miller’s Nab (Robin Hood’s Bay) GCR site on Subboreal Province developed. Subboreal
the Yorkshire coast (Tate and Blake, 1876; faunas are dominant in Britain and characterized
Dommergues and Meister, 1992; Page, 1992; by Amaltheidae with only rare representatives
Hesselbo and Jenkyns, 1995) and on the Isle of of Mediterranean and Submediterranean
Raasay in western Scotland (Oates, 1976; Hildocerataceae. Parallel development of a
Donovan, 1990; Page, 1992; Hesselbo et al., Submediterranean Province, in central and
1998). Robin Hood’s Bay in particular shows southern France and adjacent areas, during
one of the most complete and accessible the Upper Pliensbachian Substage was
boundary sequences in Europe and the expo- characterized by ammonite faunas dominated by
sures at Wine Haven, in the southern part of the Hildocerataceae, with some Amaltheidae and
bay, have been designated as the Global Dactylioceratidae. Elements of these faunas are
Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base occasionally encountered in Britain, especially
of the Pliensbachian Stage (Hesselbo et al., in more southerly areas such as Dorset and
2000; Meister, 2003; Page, in press). Above the Somerset.
last typical Sinemurian ammonites (Paltechio-
ceras spp.) in Robin Hood’s Bay there is a fauna Toarcian Stage
with a small eoderoceratid described by
Dommergues and Meister (1992) as Bifericeras The type area of the Toarcian Stage of d’Orbigny
donovani. The earliest examples of Apodero- (1842–1849) is Thouars in central western
ceras are also found at this level; this is a genus France (Poitou) where this division is well
more characteristic of the Taylori Subzone than developed and rich in ammonites. Although the
the index fossil, Phricodoceras taylori, itself. stage is divided into two substages – a lower
Indeed Apoderoceras is typical of the lowest Whitbian Substage (after Whitby in Yorkshire;
Pliensbachian succession throughout north-west Buckman, 1910) and an upper Yeovilian
Europe and is, therefore, a valuable correlation Substage (after Yeovil in Somerset; Buckman,
tool. 1910) – these terms are now rarely used.
Unlike those of the earlier Lower Jurassic
Ammonite provincialism and correlation stages, all of the zones of the modern Toarcian
in the Pliensbachian Stage Stage post-date Oppel’s simple scheme of 1856,
which comprised only a Zone des Posidonia
Early Pliensbachian faunas show considerable bronni, followed by a Zone des Ammonites
uniformity throughout northern Europe and jurensis. Most recent British work on the
most of the region is included in a North-west Toarcian Stage has employed the basic zonal
European Province. In the upper part of the schemes compiled by Howarth and Dean (in

12
 Establishment of Lower Jurassic chronostratigraphy

Dean et al., 1961) (e.g. Cope et al., 1980a). Ammonite provincialism and correlation
However this scheme has been considerably in the Toarcian Stage
refined through work elsewhere in Europe,
especially in France (e.g. by Gabilly et al., Early Toarcian faunas show distribution patterns
1971; Gabilly, 1976; Elmi et al., 1991, 1994; similar to those of late Pliensbachian times,
Elmi, 1997). The results provide a new standard reflecting the persistence of Boreal connections
that should now be applied to British throughout the substage, and a Submediterranean
successions, as proposed by Page (2003), and to Subboreal transition is recognizable across
which has been adopted in this volume (Figures north-west Europe. Unlike the Pliensbachian
1.7 and 1.8). Stage, however, the boundary between the two
provinces lay across southern Britain, with
The base of the Toarcian Stage Submediterranean faunas in southern England
and Subboreal faunas in northern England
The base of the Toarcian Stage corresponds, in and Scotland. Separate zonal schemes have
north-west Europe, to the change-over from been established for both provinces (Figure 1.7),
typical Pliensbachian ammonite faunas with although as the links are so close it is debatable
Pleuroceras to typical Toarcian faunas with whether this is really necessary. Even at infra-
abundant Dactylioceras, and is drawn at the subzonal level similarities are great and many
base of the Tenuicostatum Zone. This zone, as cross-correlations are possible in the Lower
proposed by Buckman (1910), has its type Toarcian Substage (Page, 2003). The restricted
locality on the Yorkshire coast and this has led to Subboreal Province is characterized by faunas
various proposals or assumptions that the basal dominated by dactylioceratids with less common
boundary stratotype of the stage should be Submediterranean Hildocerataceae and several
defined in this area (e.g. Howarth in Morton, levels at which Boreal Hildocerataceans,
1971; Cox, 1990; Howarth, 1992). The lower including Tiltoniceras, Elegantuliceras, Ovati-
part of the Tenuicostatum Zone corresponds to ceras and Pseudolioceras, are common. The
a Paltus Subzone, the base of which was defined zonal scheme for the Subboreal Province is that
by Howarth (1992) as the base of Bed 26 at established by Howarth (in Dean et al., 1961) as
Kettleness, or the base of Bed 58 at Staithes. modified by Howarth (1973), formally defined
Both are in Yorkshire (Howarth, 1955, 1973) but by Howarth (1992) and reviewed by Page
only the latter (Staithes to Port Mulgrave) is a (2003). A sequence of biohorizons for the
GCR site at present. In Yorkshire the subzonal province has been compiled by Page (2003)
index fossil, Protogrammoceras paltum, is rare based on his own unpublished observations and
and Dactylioceras at this level is extremely rare. drawing on the records by Howarth (1962a,
In contrast, in the type area of the original paltus 1973, 1978, 1992) (Figures 1.7 and 1.8).
Hemera of Buckman (1922) on the Dorset Farther south in Britain, faunas become
coast the index fossil can be abundant, though more Submediterranean in character and later
confined to thin pockets within the highly Dactylioceratids of the Bifrons Zone are rare in
condensed and stratigraphically incomplete Dorset and Somerset. Although very strong
Beacon Limestone Formation (Buckman, 1910; links exist between northern and southern
Jackson, 1926). regions, faunas of Submediterranean areas in
Farther south in Europe similar Protogram- the Lower Toarcian Substage are usually
moceras (or ‘Paltarpites’) can occur at both richer in Hildocerataceae, sometimes to the
higher and lower levels (Howarth, 1992, p. 7) virtual exclusion of Dactylioceratidae. The
and the first Toarcian Dactylioceras are often Submediterranean zonal scheme established in
abundant and characteristic (Elmi et al., 1997). France by Elmi et al. (1991, 1994) after Gabilly
Although correlation between southern European (in Gabilly et al., 1971) and Gabilly (1976) and
sections, for instance in Spain and Portugal, and reviewed by Elmi et al. (1997) and Page (2003)
the northern European Tenuicostatum Zone is is therefore most appropriate for these southern
not yet well-established, it seems clear that English sections (Figure 1.7).
sections in Britain are unlikely to be suitable In the Upper Toarcian Substage, similarities
candidates for GSSPs as their relatively are so great that only one zonal scheme is
impoverished faunas have limited correlation justifiable in north-west Europe (Figure
potential. 1.8). Rare Boreal links include occasional

13
British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

14
Figure 1.7 Sequence of zones, subzones, biohorizons and zonules for the lower part of the Toarcian Stage, with the stratigraphical ranges of ammonite
genera indicated (solid line – proven; dashed line – inferred ghost range). After Page (2002) and unpublished observations.
Establishment of Lower Jurassic chronostratigraphy

15
Figure 1.8 Sequence of zones, subzones and zonules for the upper part of the Toarcian Stage, with the stratigraphical ranges of ammonite genera indicated
(solid line – proven; dashed line – inferred ghost range). After Page (2002) and unpublished observations.
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Pseudolioceras, mainly in northern Britain. P. planorbis at several sites. These discoveries

Faunas are richer in more southerly areas, may be construed as merely refining the precise
especially in Phymatoceratidae, but the bulk position of the Triassic–Jurassic boundary, but
of the correlatively important Grammoceratinae other factors raise more serious questions. In
(Hildoceratidae) are very widespread (Page, general ammonites are rare or absent in the
2003). The basic zonal scheme of Dean (in Dean critical interval, between the last Choristoceras
et al., 1961) has been extensively refined (Page, and the first Psiloceras, at most sites investigated
2003) and is adopted in this volume. throughout the world (e.g. Hallam, 1990b; von
Hillebrandt, 1990), suggesting that ammonites
were excluded from these sites either by some
RADIOMETRIC DATING AND THE extrinsic factor or, alternatively, that they have
BASE OF THE JURASSIC SYSTEM not yet been found owing to their very low
numbers at this time. Psiloceras tilmanni and
M.J. Simms P. spelae have been recorded in low numbers up
to c. 5 m below the highest occurrence of
The approximate position of the Triassic– Choristoceras minutum in the Muller Canyon of
Jurassic boundary in marine successions across Nevada (Taylor et al., 1999), while Psiloceras
Europe was effectively defined in the mid-19th and Choristoceras minutum are also found
century by the obvious faunal changes caused by together in Peru and British Columbia, although
the end-Triassic extinction (Hallam, 1990a), in not yet in Europe (Jean Guex, pers. comm.).
particular the disappearance of the ceratitid Hence, the base of the Jurassic System, as
ammonites. Since then there has been much currently defined by the first appearance of
discussion regarding the precise position of the Psiloceras, may actually be diachronous, a
boundary. Continuous fully marine successions possibility suggested by Hesselbo et al. (2002).
through late Triassic and into early Jurassic times In this respect, the supposed psiloceratid
are known from several parts of the world, such ammonite from the Westbury Formation of the
as South America (e.g. von Hillebrandt, 1990) Penarth Group (Donovan et al., 1989) may
and parts of central Europe (e.g. Golebiowski, provide a glimpse of this elusive boundary
1990). This is not the case in Britain where a fauna, and has considerable implications for
terrestrial Triassic succession passes up through defining the boundary.
the quasi-marine Penarth Group into the fully It has been suggested that the Triassic–
marine Lias Group. Nonetheless, the British Jurassic boundary might be defined on litho-
succession, and in particular part of the Blue stratigraphical grounds tied in to biostratigraphy
Anchor–Lilstock Coast GCR site, has been (see ‘The base of the Hettangian Stage and
central to discussions surrounding the placing of the Jurassic System’, this chapter). Hallam
the Triassic–Jurassic boundary (see ‘The base of (1990b,c) used this as a basis for suggesting that
the Hettangian Stage and the Jurassic System’, the Triassic–Jurassic boundary be placed at the
this chapter; and Blue Anchor Point GCR site base of the Blue Lias Formation in St Audrie’s
report in Benton et al., 2002). Bay, on the north Somerset coast, and the base
Torrens and Getty (in Cope et al., 1980a) of the Grenzmergel in Austria. At both localities
summarized the history of this particular issue an erosion surface with phosphatic nodules is
prior to 1980. Since then the base of the overlain by marine mudstones. Hallam (1990b)
Hettangian Stage, and by implication the base of interpreted this as evidence for a brief episode
the Jurassic System, has been defined at the first of shallowing and emergence followed by
appearance of psiloceratid ammonites. This deepening. This led to deposition of condensed
definition assumes that the spread of these and anoxic facies that correlated with marked
ammonites across Europe, and farther afield, faunal and microfloral changes. An alternative
was effectively synchronous (in geological view, proposed by Poole (1979, 1980, 1991), was
terms) but as yet there is no independent that the boundary be drawn immediately above
evidence to verify this. Psiloceras planorbis was the Cotham Member of the Penarth Group at the
long regarded as the earliest Jurassic ammonite base of the Langport Member, which is marked
in Britain, but the discoveries of Hodges (1994) by a distinctive change in both facies and biota.
and Bloos and Page (2000a) have identified Hesselbo et al. (2002) identified a globally
other psiloceratid ammonites below the first correlatable isotope excursion within the

16
 Chronostratigraphy in the Jurassic System

Cotham Member, which they linked with the of the Hettangian Stage, obtained from a tuff
immediate effects of the end-Triassic mass layer within a marine succession biostratigraphi-
extinction, and proposed this as a suitable cally dated using radiolaria (Pálfy et al., 2000a),
marker for the base of the Jurassic System. has given a date of 199.6 ± 0.3 Ma, which is
Certainly, adopting the first appearance of some close to the date for the non-marine sequence of
fossil taxon to define the base of a system, and approximately 201 Ma (Pálfy et al., 2000a). The
hence the top of the previous system, would dating of the stage boundaries for the Lower
appear to be fundamentally flawed in instances Jurassic Series (Figure 1.1) has also been
such as this where the dramatic change in biota significantly refined (Pálfy et al., 2000b,c). The
between the two systems was due to a mass dates for the bases of the Aalenian (178.0 Ma +
extinction. The defining event is the extinction, 1.0, –1.5), Toarcian (183.6 Ma + 1.7, –1.1) and
not the essentially arbitrary arrival of some Pliensbachian (191.5 Ma +1.9, –4.7) stages were
element of the post-extinction fauna. Similarly it based on dating of volcaniclastic sediments
is midnight on the 31st December, not the intercalated with ammonite-bearing marine
arrival of the first bus on New Year’s morning, strata (Pálfy et al., 2000b), but the date for the
that defines the start of the New Year. base of the Sinemurian Stage (196.5 Ma +
Intriguingly, the isotope excursion of Hesselbo 1.7, –5.7) was derived from a marine sequence
et al. (2002) lies just above an uniquely dated by fossils other than ammonites.
extensive seismite horizon, typically 1–2 m thick
(Mayall, 1983; Simms, 2003a) that can be traced
across the entire Penarth Group outcrop/ CHRONOSTRATIGRAPHY IN
subcrop from north-west Ulster to east Yorkshire THE JURASSIC SYSTEM
and down to south Wales and south-west
England. This suggests a causal link may exist K.N. Page
between the seismic event and the isotope
excursion. Hesselbo et al. (2002) have The establishment of a standardized geological
suggested massive volcanism associated with the timescale using rock units as standards for
Central Atlantic Magmatic Province as the reference is known as chronostratigraphy
ultimate cause for the mass extinction and the (Hedberg, 1976; Callomon, 1985b; Whittaker et
isotope excursion. The areal extent of the al., 1991; Salvador, 1994). Chronostratigraphical
seismite is on a scale unparalleled in the British divisions are defined only at their base in a suit-
Phanerozoic and a volcanic or fault-related cause able stratotype section, the top of the unit being
is improbable. On this basis, Simms (2003a) drawn at the actual or correlated base of the
tentatively suggested that the seismite and next equivalent ranked division of the scale.
associated tsunamite might be attributable to Chronostratigraphical divisions form a hierarchy
bolide impact, though without there necessarily with systems, series and stages being three
being a direct link between this event and the divisions of decreasing rank, although the term
end-Triassic mass extinction. ‘series’ is not commonly referred to in Jurassic
Radiometric dates for the base of the Jurassic stratigraphy.
System have been derived from sites outside of The definitions of stages and systems are
Britain. Harland et al. (1990) settled for a date regulated by the International Commission on
of 210.5 Ma but accepted that the resolution of Stratigraphy (ICS) through subcommissions
this was poor and it could range from 201.7 Ma focused on single systems; in the case of the
to 216.7 Ma. The base of the Hettangian Stage Jurassic System this is the International Subcom-
has recently been dated both in terrestrial and mission on Jurassic Stratigraphy (ISJS). Their
marine sequences (Pálfy et al., 2000a). The aims are to formally recognize an internationally
former is derived from sills ‘thought to be agreed Global Stratotype Section and Point
feeders to basalt flows immediately above the (GSSP) for the base of every system and for every
Triassic–Jurassic boundary’ in eastern North stage of every system (Salvador, 1994; Remane et
America but this, coupled with difficulties al., 1996). For the Lower Jurassic Series only the
inherent in correlation between terrestrial and Sinemurian Stage has an agreed GSSP, as
marine sequences, introduces considerable discussed further below (and in Page, 2001).
uncertainty to the accuracy of this date. Below the level of stage, subdivisions at the
However, another radiometric date for the base level of chronozone and ultimately zonule can

17
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

be used, although there is no formal regulation nomenclatural stability at zonal level (Figures
of these through the ISJS or the ICS. In the 1.3–1.8). Smaller, infra-subzonal divisions,
Jurassic System the frequent occurrence of known as ‘horizons’, are also frequently used in
ammonites and their wide geographical distri- Jurassic ammonite stratigraphy to further refine
bution has led to their use for correlating correlations. However, somewhat confusingly
sequences of standard zones. As discussed at the term can refer to two conceptually different
great length elsewhere (e.g. by Callomon, 1965, types of unit known more precisely as zonules or
1985b; Callomon and Donovan, 1974; Cox, biohorizons (Page, 1995). Zonules (following
1990; Page, 1995), these ‘standard zones’ are Phelps, 1985, after Hedberg, 1976) are the
chronozones and should therefore be treated as smallest resolvable segments of a chrono-
such – a point overlooked by some authors (e.g. stratigraphical scale and should, therefore, be
in Whittaker et al., 1991) who confuse Jurassic defined by a basal boundary stratotype, as for
ammonite zones with biozones, where the use higher divisions. Biohorizons, however, are
of fossils in correlation is not implicitly linked to conceptually biochronological events, which
a geological timescale. The use of the term were defined by Callomon (1985a,b) as ‘a bed
‘zone’ in a chronostratigraphical sense was first or series of beds characterized by a fossil
established for the Jurassic System by Albert assemblage within which no further strati-
Oppel (1856–1858) who developed a sequence graphical differentiation of the fauna (or flora)
of such divisions for the entire system. This can be made’. The much earlier term hemera, as
convention continues today within the working used by S.S. Buckman (1902), would be the
groups of the ISJS. chronological equivalent of biohorizon (cf.
Like stages, chronozones require definition at Callomon, 1985a), i.e. as period is the time
their bases in stratigraphical reference sections, equivalent of system. A biohorizon is the
or stratotypes, to establish full chronostrati- smallest palaeontologically correlatable unit of
graphical meaning. Although most Lower geological time and, unlike a normal chrono-
Jurassic standard ammonite zones are now zone, is effectively defined at both the base and
defined in this way (e.g. in Cox, 1990; Howarth, top. The duration of a biohorizon typically is
1992; Page, 1992; Page and Bloos, 1998), very short, geologically, but a significant time
confusion does still exist, even in recent gap may exist between each successive unit and
published literature and reviews. In addition, is shown as an interval on any correlation
although the names of the chronozone units are diagram (e.g. in Page, 1992, 1995; Dommergues
derived from species names they are by et al., 1994). As the use of biohorizons is
convention quoted non-italicized (e.g. Jamesoni broadly analogous to events in event strati-
(Standard) Zone or Chronozone and not graphy, they allow correlation of virtually
Uptonia jamesoni Zone). isochronous time-lines between successions at
Other fossil groups, especially microfossils, different localities (Callomon, 1985a,b). By
have been used to construct true biozonal chronostratigraphical convention zonules
schemes for the Jurassic System, but the should be quoted in a similar fashion to
resolution of these schemes is always inferior to zones and subzones, i.e. with a non-italicized
the ammonite scale. Indeed, the latter is often specific name (e.g. Planorbis Zonule), but
used as a ‘standard’ against which other biohorizons retain an italicized specific epithet
biozonal schemes are correlated. For this reason (e.g. planorbis Biohorizon). In practice, however,
only the ammonite-based standard zonations for many named zonules use, misleadingly, an
Europe will be considered further here. Zonal italicized specific name and are referred to as
schemes for the Lower Jurassic Series based on ‘horizons’; analysis of supporting text is
microfossils and non-ammonite macrofossils are necessary to clarify such ambiguities.
discussed in a later section. Biohorizonal and zonule schemes applicable
to the Lower Jurassic Series in Britain are intro-
High resolution stratigraphy – biohorizons duced below. They represent the ultimate in
and zonules biostratigraphically resolvable chronology for
the Jurassic System as the average zonule or
Jurassic standard zones (chronozones) are often biohorizon-plus-interval duration is potentially
divided into subzones, largely for historical less than 200 000 years in the Lower Jurassic
reasons but also to maintain a degree of Series of north-west Europe (Page, 1995, 2003).

18
 Outcrop, subcrop and structural framework

OUTCROP, SUBCROP AND STRUC- of deposition. Furthermore, the picture has been
TURAL FRAMEWORK OF THE LOWER complicated by post-Jurassic faulting so that the
JURASSIC SERIES IN BRITAIN present-day juxtaposition of Palaeozoic and
Lower Jurassic outcrops cannot be taken as
M.J. Simms evidence for the location of shorelines during early
Jurassic times. For example, in the Quantock
The main outcrop of the Lower Jurassic Series in Hills of Somerset, Devonian sandstones crop
Britain forms an almost unbroken strip of varying out within 1 km of coastal exposures of Lower
width extending from the east Devon and west Jurassic mudstones that contain no evidence of
Dorset coast, NNE through Somerset, Gloucester- proximity to marginal deposits. Similarly, the
shire, the east Midlands and Humberside, to the presence of more than 1300 m of Lower Jurassic
coast of Cleveland and North Yorkshire. Signi- and 600 m of Tertiary sediments in the Mochras
ficant outliers occur on either side of the Bristol Borehole, adjacent to outcrops of Cambrian
Channel, in the Hebrides and adjacent west strata, testifies to the scale of post-Jurassic
coast of Scotland, and in north-east Scotland faulting at the margins of some basins.
(Figure 1.2; and Figure 8.1, Chapter 8), with Extensional stresses associated with the break-
others around Prees in Shropshire and Carlisle. up of Pangaea in early Mesozoic times saw the
The GCR sites described in this volume include development of several major sedimentary basins
representatives from the main outcrop and from across Britain, each of which accumulated hun-
the main outliers, with the exception of the dreds of metres of Lower Jurassic sediment as part
Carlisle and Prees outliers where there are no of a total Mesozoic fill sometimes several kilometres
permanent exposures. thick. To a large extent the configuration of these
To the east of its main outcrop the Lias has an various Mesozoic basins was determined by pre-
extensive subcrop in England (Figure 1.2), which existing faults, a concept already alluded to by
onlaps the London–Brabant Massif (Arkell, 1933; Godwin-Austen (1856). These fractures originated
Donovan et al., 1979). Investigation of both during the Variscan, Caledonian or even earlier
onshore and offshore outcrop/subcrop by orogenies, and hence show orientations character-
drilling and geophysical methods, usually in istic of these events. In several instances Mesozoic
association with hydrocarbon exploration, has periods of subsidence represent only one episode
revealed much about the nature, extent and in a sometimes complex history of basin subsi-
structure of Lower Jurassic strata in Britain. dence and inversion (Chadwick, 1993). The fact
Thick Lower Jurassic successions have been that deposition was far from uniform across
proven by boreholes in the North Sea, Hebrides Britain during early Jurassic times was noted from
Sea, Irish Sea, Bristol Channel and Cardigan Bay. the earliest days of geology; examples such as the
The Mochras Borehole, on the edge of Cardigan highly condensed sequence in the Radstock district
Bay, proved more than 1300 m of Lias, the were often compared with the much thicker
thickest Lower Jurassic succession yet encoun- sequence in Dorset (e.g. Moore, 1867a). Subse-
tered in the British Isles (Woodland, 1971). quently, more subtle variations in thickness of
To the north and west of the main outcrop there the Lower Jurassic succession were noted across
is evidence that much of the former cover of Lower particular areas, for instance in the Market
Jurassic sediment has been lost through erosion. Weighton area of eastern England (Kendall, 1905)
The Carlisle and Prees outliers are examples of and in the north and mid-Cotswolds (Buckman,
erosional remnants of outcrops that formerly were 1901). Attention seems often to have been focused
much more extensive. Estimating the original on these persistent areas of reduced or interrupted
depositional limits of the Lias is difficult. The sedimentation, which became known as ‘axes of
presence of marginal facies, such as those uplift’ and were perceived as subdividing the
exposed on the south Wales coast at the Pant y troughs into distinct basins of deposition. Arkell
Slade to Witches Point GCR site, and adjacent (1933, pp. 59–87) provides a useful summary of
to the Mendip Hills in the Hobbs Quarry and the various ‘axes’ as they were recognized more
Viaduct Quarry GCR sites, provides evidence than half a century ago, grouping them according
for the vicinity of shorelines at those specific times. to the major underlying structural trends that
However, such marginal facies are relatively rare they seem to follow. Subsequently Hallam
and pass laterally and vertically up into offshore (1958) formulated the concept of ‘swells’, as
facies that provide little information on the limits rather broader positive features than the almost

19
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

two-dimensional ‘axes’ proposed by Arkell (1933), PALAEOGEOGRAPHY

separating basins in which sedimentation was
comparatively rapid. The concept was refined M.J. Simms
for the Pliensbachian to Bajocian interval by
Sellwood and Jenkyns (1975), who highlighted Britain lay between 30° and 40° north of the
the fact that ‘basinal’ facies often occurred within equator during early Jurassic times and occupied
sediment sequences developed over these a key position in an epeiric seaway extending
‘swells’. Their conclusions invoked considerable south-east into Tethys and north-east towards
discussion (Hudson, 1976; Kent, 1976) but, the Arctic (Figure 1.9). Although the break-up of
simultaneously, Whittaker (1975) had proposed Pangaea had commenced in Mid-Triassic times,
a fault-bounded rift-valley model for the Mesozoic about 230 Ma (Veevers, 1989), with rifting
basins in southern Britain. Whittaker’s model already well advanced by the start of the Jurassic
predicted overlap of earlier by later Mesozoic Period, true ocean crust did not start forming in
strata, implying that faults in the lower, Triassic, the north Atlantic until Toarcian times, about
parts of the succession would pass up into 180 Ma (Hallam, 1975). Hence throughout early
asymmetric folds in the higher, Jurassic, parts of Jurassic times the major landmasses of North
the sediment pile. It was this concealment of the America and Greenland never lay far to the
bounding faults of many basins that appears to north and west, with further extensive areas of
have led to the notion of the rather ill-defined land present to the north-east in Scandinavia.
‘swells’ of Hallam (1958) and Sellwood and These may have formed a source of some of
Jenkyns (1975) and, in earlier times, the ‘axes of the terrestrial elements of the biota, such as
uplift’ of Buckman (1901) and others that were plants, insects and dinosaurs, which are found
thought, ultimately, to have been determined by occasionally in these marine sediments, though
folding in the underlying basement. Subsequent many may have originated from the various
research has largely verified Whittaker’s predic- minor islands that must have dotted this shallow
tions, with bounding faults identified at the seaway.
margins of all of the major Mesozoic basins and In the most recently published detailed
other faults commonly subdividing these basins reconstruction of the palaeogeography during
into smaller sub-basins by the development of early Jurassic times Bradshaw et al. (1992)
graben or half-graben structures (e.g. Chadwick, considered that much of Scotland, the London
1985, 1986). Since then the development and Platform and the extreme south-west of England
widespread use of various geophysical techniques were land areas (Figure 1.10). The Mendip Hills
(e.g. Chadwick, 1985, 1986), coupled with refined
interpretation of field observations (e.g. Jenkyns
and Senior, 1991), has vastly increased our
knowledge of the structure of these basins and
their development through early Jurassic times.
On this basis several distinct early Jurassic
depositional areas can be recognized in Britain,
of which nine are covered by the selected GCR
sites (Figure 1.2). These are the Wessex Basin,
Bristol Channel/Somerset Basin, Mendip High and
Radstock Shelf, Severn Basin, East Midlands Shelf,
Market Weighton High, Cleveland Basin, Hebrides
Basin and the Moray Firth Basin. Of those not
represented in this GCR volume, the most signifi-
cant onshore area is the Cheshire Basin. This
contains an enormous thickness of Mesozoic sedi-
ment but Jurassic strata have been largely eroded
away except in the Prees outlier, although even
here the thickness of the Hettangian to Upper
Figure 1.9 Generalized palaeogeographical
Pliensbachian succession is some 600 m. How- reconstruction for the North Atlantic region during
ever, exposure is very poor and hence there are the Early Jurassic Epoch (light shading – sea; dark
no sites suitable for GCR status. shading – land). After Scotese (2002).

20
 Palaeogeography

Figure 1.10 Palaeogeographical reconstruction for the British area during the Hettangian Stage of the Lower
Jurassic Series (light shading – sea; dark shading – land). After Bradshaw et al. (1992).

21
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

and south-west Wales were considered to have interpretation of particular facies is based largely
been land for part of early Jurassic times but had on depositional models rather than empirical
become submerged by Toarcian times. observation. As a result interpretations have
changed significantly over the last few decades.
For instance, marine black (organic-rich) shales
CLIMATE AND SEA LEVEL would at one time have been considered to be
‘deep-water’ facies while erosion surfaces or
M.J. Simms condensed units were interpreted as ‘shallow-
water or emergent’ facies (Arkell, 1933).
Two environmental factors, climate and sea However, current interpretations view many
level, and their influence on Lower Jurassic black shales as transgressive facies (Wignall and
facies, have been the subject of several reviews Maynard, 1993), without necessarily implying any
by Hallam (1981, 1984, 1985, 1992a, 1994). particular depth, while condensed horizons and
Britain is considered to have lain towards the erosion surfaces are commonly interpreted as
southern edge of a seasonally wet climatic zone the result of sediment starvation associated with
through early Jurassic times (Hallam, 1985, high sea level (compare the views of Haq et al.,
1994) while climate models suggest a strong 1987; Hesselbo and Palmer, 1992; and Hallam,
monsoonal influence. There is some evidence 1999). In the past two decades several
for atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide as independent sea-level curves for early Jurassic
much as four times higher than today, with times have been published based on these
temperatures globally being generally warmer various techniques (Hallam, 1981; Haq et al.,
and more equable with no evidence of Polar 1987; Hesselbo and Jenkyns, 1998), though
ice (Chandler et al., 1992). There have been these differ significantly in detail at many points.
frequent suggestions over the last two decades Several major Phanerozoic extinction events
for short-term climatic variations reflected in have been attributed to the effects of sea-level
minor, rhythmic, facies variations. These change, notable among which are events at the
commonly have been attributed to orbital Triassic–Jurassic boundary (Hallam, 1990a) and
forcing, probably mediated through variations in in early Toarcian times (Little and Benton, 1995;
temperature and humidity and their influence Little, 1996). However, Smith et al. (2001) have
on weathering and runoff (House, 1985; questioned how merely changing sea level could
Weedon, 1986; Weedon and Jenkyns, 1990, have such an apparently profound effect on the
1999; Waterhouse, 1999; Weedon et al., 1999). marine biota and have suggested that the apparent
Widespread facies changes within the Lower changes in biodiversity in fact largely reflect bias
Jurassic succession in Great Britain, and farther in the rock record. Other factors have been
afield, commonly have been interpreted as a invoked for these extinction events, such as large-
reflection of eustatic sea-level change. However, scale volcanic activity for both the early Toarcian
unequivocal indicators of water depth, such as (Pálfy and Smith, 2000) and the Triassic–Jurassic
algae, hermatypic scleractinian corals and other events (Hallam, 1990a, 1996; Hesselbo et al.,
organisms associated with the photic zone, 2002), or bolide impact for the Triassic–Jurassic
generally are scarce in the British Lower Jurassic boundary event (Olsen et al., 1987, 2002), but
Series. Consequently, interpretations of sea- the precise cause(s) remain to be determined.
level change through this time interval have
been based largely on the interpretation of facies
changes, knowledge of the areal extent of LITHOSTRATIGRAPHICAL FRAME-
successive units, and seismic stratigraphy WORK FOR THE LOWER JURASSIC
(Hallam, 1975, 1978, 1981, 1992a). However, SERIES OF GREAT BRITAIN
these techniques, particularly facies analysis,
have significant limitations. Firstly, facies M.J. Simms
analysis provides only a qualitative measure of
sea level, relative to the facies units above and The Lower Jurassic rocks of Great Britain are
below, without any quantitative component; predominantly marine mudstones that have
depths cited by different authors for the same been grouped together under the name ‘Lias’
facies unit may vary by an order of magnitude. since the early part of the 19th century. They
Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the form a distinctive succession between the mostly

22
 Lower Jurassic lithostratigraphical framework

red, non-marine sediments of the Triassic (Hesselbo et al., 1998, 1999; Morton; 1999a, this
System, and the marine carbonates (in southern volume). Details of lithologies within the litho-
Britain), or predominantly non-marine sands (in stratigraphical formations recognized on the
northern Britain) of the Middle Jurassic Series. east coast of Scotland are not included here but
The Lias was deposited in a series of inter- are described in the Dunrobin Coast Section
connected sedimentary basins and shelf areas, GCR site report (see Chapter 7).
producing local differences in the sedimentary The Lias Group, as defined by Cox et al.
successions. Nonetheless these local succes- (1999), encompasses the entire Lower Jurassic
sions can be correlated with some precision. At succession together with the uppermost beds of
some stratigraphical levels the same lithostrati- the Triassic System (the ‘Pre-Planorbis Beds’ of
graphical formation can be recognized across earlier accounts) and the lowermost part of the
large areas of Britain. Examples are the Blue Middle Jurassic Series in those areas where the
Lias Formation and the Marlstone Rock upper part of the Bridport Sand Formation is
Formation/Member, both of which were already Aalenian in age. For the purposes of their litho-
in use as lithostratigraphical terms in the stratigraphical revision Cox et al. (1999) divided
early 19th century. During the 19th and 20th England and Wales into four main depositional
centuries many new names were introduced for areas; the Wessex Basin, including parts of
local subdivisions within the Lias. These were Somerset and south Wales; the Severn
often rather poorly defined, with imprecise (= Worcester) Basin and adjoining Bristol–
boundaries and often based on a combination of Radstock Shelf area; the East Midlands Shelf; and
lithological and palaeontological characters. the Cleveland Basin. They also recognized that
Consequently in some areas several different other significant, though poorly exposed, out-
names might be used for the same unit. Much of crops in the Cheshire and Carlisle basins were
this nomenclature was rationalized by Cope et not fully covered in their report, whereas off-
al. (1980a) and, for the Lias of England and shore successions and those in Scotland were
Wales, was further revised by Cox et al. (1999). specifically excluded. In this volume the litho-
A similar rationalization of the lithostratigraphi- stratigraphical framework for the Lias Group of
cal framework has been carried out for the each region is given in a table at the start of
Hebrides Basin (Hesselbo et al., 1998, 1999; the relevant chapter. The main lithological
Morton, 1999a). These frameworks are now characteristics of each formation are described
widely accepted and have been adopted in this below, in alphabetical order for each of three
volume (Figure 1.11). They are also to be main regions (southern England and Wales,
adopted in the revised edition of the Geological northern England, and Scotland), following the
Society of London’s correlation guide for the nomenclature of Cox et al. (1999). Although
Lower Jurassic Series, currently in preparation certain of the formations are quite localized in
(K.N. Page, pers. comm.). Intra-basinal sub- their areal distribution, others, such as the
divisions of these formations have yet to be Charmouth Mudstone Formation and the
rationalized although at least some have been, Whitby Mudstone Formation, extend across
or will be, afforded member status (Cox et al., several basins.
1999).
Although this approach has attempted to Southern England and Wales
unify lithostratigraphical nomenclature across
England and Wales, it concedes that substantial Beacon Limestone Formation
facies differences do exist between some areas,
particularly between northern and southern The Beacon Limestone Formation broadly
England. Hence both temporal and geogra- corresponds to the ‘Junction Bed’ of Dorset and
phical factors have been taken into account in Somerset. In Dorset it incorporates the
defining the 12 formations proposed by Cox et Marlstone Rock Member, a thin ferruginous
al. (1999). The Lower Jurassic Series in oolitic and conglomeratic limestone of upper-
Scotland was not considered in their report, but most Pliensbachian to lowermost Toarcian age,
most of the GCR sites there are located within and the Eype Mouth Limestone Member, a series
the Hebrides Basin where recent work on of calcilutitic to conglomeratic pink to cream
the succession there has sought to establish limestones with very little clastic material present.
a consistent lithostratigraphical framework In the Ilminster area of Somerset the sequence is

23
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Figure 1.11 Lithostratigraphical nomenclature for the Lias Group in Britain showing the dominant lithologies
of each formation. Thick lines indicate the formational boundaries. Based on Cox et al. (1999) and Morton
(this volume).

more expanded and mudstones are locally a to a succession no more than a few metres in
significant element within a sequence of thickness and packed with ammonites. The
argillaceous and conglomeratic limestones; this most detailed accounts of this formation on the
has been termed the ‘Barrington Limestone Dorset coast are by Jackson (1922, 1926) and
Member’. A consistent characteristic of this Jenkyns and Senior (1991). There has been little
formation is that it is a highly condensed recent work in the Ilminster area since that of
sequence, with several ammonite zones reduced Wilson et al. (1958).

24
 Lower Jurassic lithostratigraphical framework

Blue Lias Formation units are of a broadly similar, late Toarcian,

age but both the base and top are markedly
The Blue Lias Formation is perhaps the best diachronous, being younger in the south than
known of all Lower Jurassic lithofacies. In its in the north. Davies (1969) gives the fullest
most characteristic development it consists of account of the lithologies in the Bridport Sand
decimetre-scale alternations of argillaceous Formation.
limestone and mudstone. These may show
symmetrical cycles of limestone–marl– Charmouth Mudstone Formation
mudstone–marl–limestone (Hallam, 1964a).
The limestones themselves vary from tabular to The Charmouth Mudstone Formation is
nodular and impersistent and may be massive dominated by mudstones, from dark-grey
or, less commonly, laminated; many are at least laminated organic-rich shales to pale-grey
partly diagenetic in origin. The limestones may calcareous mudstones. Argillaceous limestone
locally form only a minor component at some beds form only a very minor component,
levels, notably in the Liasicus Zone of the although diagenetic carbonate or siderite
Hettangian Stage. Adjacent to Palaeozoic nodules, or pyrite, may be common at some
highs the Blue Lias Formation lithofacies passes levels. There may be local developments of
laterally into marginal facies dominated by sandy or silty units a few metres thick. Several
bioclastic and skeletal limestones. The discrete members have been recognized on the
formation encompasses several ammonite Dorset coast but are less readily applicable
zones, from the ‘Pre-Planorbis Beds’ into the inland. On the Radstock Shelf, north of the
Lower Sinemurian Substage. Member names Mendip High, the succession is highly
have been proposed for various parts of the Blue condensed into a series of thin limestones and
Lias Formation across southern Britain. clays only a few metres thick. The formation
However, these have yet to be fully rationalized broadly corresponds to the Lower Lias Clay
and currently there is considerable duplication. of many earlier accounts, and typically
For instance names applied to the mudstone- encompasses much of the Sinemurian Stage and
dominated part of the succession in the Liasicus Lower Pliensbachian Substage. Both the base
Zone include the Saltford Shale, St. Audrie’s and top are diachronous and often difficult to
Shale and Lavernock Shale members. These define precisely. The best recent account of the
various provisional member names are lithologies of this formation in its type area is by
mentioned in the text, where appropriate, but Hesselbo and Jenkyns (1995).
have not been incorporated into the figures
summarizing the lithostratigraphy for each Dyrham Formation
region. Detailed accounts of the Blue Lias
Formation can be found in Hallam (1960a) and The Dyrham Formation is dominated by grey to
Wobber (1965). greenish-grey silty to sandy mudstone. There
may be local developments of ferruginous
Bridport Sand Formation limestone or sandstone beds, while diagenetic
carbonate or siderite nodules, and sometimes
The Bridport Sand Formation encompasses large sandstone doggers, may also be present.
several older lithostratigraphical names for The formation encompasses the upper part of
geographically defined units of similar facies; the the Lower Pliensbachian Substage and much of
‘Cotteswold Sands’, ‘Midford Sands’, ‘Yeovil the Upper Pliensbachian Substage. The base is
Sands’ and ‘Bridport Sands’. The typical, and diachronous, whereas the top is drawn at the
dominant, facies consists of yellow-weathering base of the Marlstone Rock Member/Formation.
bioturbated silts and fine sands with many Hesselbo and Jenkyns (1995) provide a good
calcite-cemented beds or lenticles. Other facies account of Dyrham Formation lithologies on the
may be developed locally, such as sandy Dorset coast. Details for the remainder of the
mudstones near the base (the Down Cliff outcrop can be found in the various regional
Clay Member), bioclastic limestones near the guides for the [British] Geological Survey
middle (the Ham Hill Limestone Member) or (e.g. Wilson et al., 1958; Edmonds et al., 1965)
ironshot marls and limestone at the top (the and in the unpublished thesis of Chidlaw
Cotteswold Cephalopod Bed Member). These (1987).

25
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Marlstone Rock Formation Redcar Mudstone Formation

The Marlstone Rock Formation is a distinctive The Redcar Mudstone Formation is dominated
ferruginous limestone. It is typically oolitic, by grey fissile mudstones and siltstones, but thin
often sandy or conglomeratic, and generally beds of shelly limestone occur in the middle of
is highly fossiliferous. Where it is closely the formation, and siderite concretions are
associated with overlying condensed Toarcian prominent towards the top of the formation. It
limestones, as in the Beacon Limestone is confined to the Cleveland Basin, and has been
Formation of Dorset, the Marlstone Rock subdivided into four members: the Calcareous
Formation is reduced to member status. It has Shale, Siliceous Shale, Pyritous Shale and
long been recognized as marking the top of the Ironstone Shale members. It encompasses
Pliensbachian Stage, and of the Middle Lias, but much of the Lower Lias from the Hettangian
in many places it extends into the basal Toarcian Stage through to the upper part of the Lower
Stage. The base generally is sharply defined Pliensbachian Substage, and as such can be
but it may be continuous with indurated sands correlated with the Blue Lias and Charmouth
of the upper part of the Dyrham Formation. Mudstone formations of southern England.
Whitehead (1952), Edmonds et al. (1965), Facies within this formation have been described
Hallam (1967a), Simms (1990a) and the unpub- by van Buchem and McCave (1989) and Hesslbo
lished thesis of Chidlaw (1987) all give good and Jenkyns (1995).
descriptions of lithologies in the Marlstone Rock
Formation. Scunthorpe Mudstone Formation

Northern England The Scunthorpe Mudstone Formation is domi-

nated by grey mudstones with thin argillaceous
Blea Wyke Sandstone Formation limestones and calcareous siltstones. It is
confined to the northern part of the East
The Blea Wyke Sandstone Formation consists of Midlands Shelf, south of the Market Weighton
grey- or yellow-weathering argillaceous to silty High. In Humberside, the upper part of the
sands and is confined to a restricted area of formation consists of an ooidal and richly
the Cleveland Basin, having been removed by bioclastic ironstone, more than 10 m thick
pre-Aalenian erosion elsewhere in northern called the ‘Frodingham Ironstone Member’. It
England. It encompasses only the uppermost is succeeded abruptly by the Charmouth
part of the Toarcian Stage, with a gradational Mudstone Formation. The Scunthorpe
boundary with the Whitby Mudstone Formation Mudstone Formation encompasses the
below. Knox (1984) and Hesselbo and Jenkyns Hettangian (and ‘Pre-Planorbis Beds’ below)
(1995) give the only recent accounts of this and much of the Sinemurian (up to the
formation. Obtusum or Oxynotum zones) stages. The
Frodingham Ironstone Member was described in
Cleveland Ironstone Formation considerable detail by Young et al. (1990b), but
other parts of the Scunthorpe Mudstone
The Cleveland Ironstone Formation is Formation have more rarely been exposed and
characterized by rhythmic sequences of dark received only passing mention (e.g. Hallam,
argillaceous siltstone and silty sandstone capped 1968a).
by relatively thin, but laterally persistent, beds of
ooidal ironstone. It is confined to the Cleveland Staithes Sandstone Formation
Basin, and encompasses a large part of the
Upper Pliensbachian Substage. The lower The Staithes Sandstone Formation is dominated
boundary of the Cleveland Ironstone Formation by argillaceous silty sandstones, often intensely
is gradational from the Staithes Sandstone bioturbated and with a range of small-scale
Formation below, and the upper boundary is sedimentary structures, with several metre-scale
sharply defined by the incoming of dark beds of laminated cleaner-washed sandstone in
mudstones at the base of the Whitby Mudstone the upper part. It is confined to the Cleveland
Formation. It was described in detail by Young Basin, and both the upper and lower boundaries
et al. (1990a). are gradational. The formation encompasses the

26
From:
Simms, M.J., Chidlaw, N., Morton, N. & Page, K.N., (2004), British Lower Jurassic Stratigraphy, Geological Conservation Review Series,
No. 30, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 458 pages, illustrations, A4 hardback, ISBN 1 86107 495 6
For more information see: [Link]
 Lower Jurassic lithostratigraphical framework

upper part of the Lower Pliensbachian Substage Bearreraig Sandstone Formation

and lower part of the Upper Pliensbachian
Substage. Lithological descriptions of this The Bearreraig Sandstone Formation falls largely
formation can be found in Brenchley et al. in the Middle Jurassic Series but its lowermost
(1991). unit, the Dun Caan Shale Member, consists of
bioturbated mudstones and is of uppermost
Whitby Mudstone Formation Toarcian age (Morton and Hudson, 1995).

The Whitby Mudstone Formation is dominated Blue Lias Formation

overwhelmingly by dark-grey mudstones that are
commonly laminated. Diagenetic carbonate, or The Blue Lias Formation consists of alternating
less commonly, siderite or pyrite, nodules are mudstones and limestones. It is of identical facies
common at certain levels. It broadly corres- to the Blue Lias Formation of south-west England
ponds to the ‘Upper Lias Clay’ of many earlier and so the same name has generally also been
accounts. It encompasses most or all of the used in Scotland. This succession, found in Mull
Lower Toarcian Substage and a varying amount and Movern, encompasses the Hettangian Stage
of the Upper Toarcian Substage, passing and Lower Sinemurian Substage. The formation
upwards into the sandier facies of the Blea Wyke passes laterally, through intermediate sandy
Sandstone Formation or, in the Severn Basin, limestones and shales, into the more lithologi-
the Bridport Sand Formation. In the Wessex cally varied Breakish Formation. Hesselbo et al.
Basin it is replaced by the highly condensed (1998) provide a summary of lithologies.
Beacon Limestone Formation. Many published
accounts exist of the lithologies and diagenesis Breakish Formation
of this formation in its type area. Good
summaries and references to more detailed The Breakish Formation is dominated by lime-
descriptions can be found in Hesselbo stones, often richly bioclastic and with corals and
and Jenkyns (1995) and Rawson and Wright oolites at some levels. Mudstones and coarser
(1995). clastic material form only a minor component.
The formation corresponds to the lower part of
Scotland (Hebrides Basin only) the Broadford Beds of early accounts, and the
‘Broadford Formation’ of Hesselbo et al. (1998),
Ardnish Formation and can be correlated with the lower part of the
Blue Lias, Redcar Mudstone or Scunthorpe
The Ardnish Formation is dominated by sand- Mudstone formations of other regions. Good
stones and sandy siltstones that are often highly summaries of the facies are given by Morton and
micaceous and ferruginous. The formation Hudson (1995) and by Hesselbo et al. (1998).
corresponds to the upper part of the succession
formerly included within the Broadford Beds of Pabay Shale Formation
earlier accounts, and the lower part of an
expanded Pabay Shale Formation as was defined The Pabay Shale Formation is dominated by silty
by Hesselbo et al. (1998). Hence it can be and sandy mudstones, siltstones, and some
correlated with the upper part of the Blue Lias sandstone, with the two main developments of
Formation and lower part of the Charmouth sandstone recognized as distinct members with-
Mudstone Formation, the lower part of the in the formation. It largely corresponds to the
Frodingham Ironstone Member of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation farther south.
Scunthorpe Mudstone Formation, or part of Lithologies are described in Morton and Hudson
the Redcar Mudstone Formation. Morton (1995) and in Hesselbo et al. (1998).
(1999a) separated it as a lithologically distinct
formation between the traditional ‘Pabba Shales’ Portree Shale Formation
and the upper unit of his more restricted
‘Broadford Beds’, now re-named the Breakish The Portree Shale Formation consists of
Formation. The lithologies are described by dark-grey, or black, laminated to organic-rich
Morton and Hudson (1995) and Hesselbo et mudstones, much like its correlative the
al. (1998). Whitby Mudstone Formation farther south. It

27
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

corresponds to part of the Lower Toarcian Sub- easy to collect; and they must be readily identi-
stage. The formation was described by Morton fiable to species level. Within the British Lower
and Hudson (1995), but is rarely exposed. Jurassic succession various macrofossil taxa,
particularly ammonites, have been used for this
Raasay Ironstone Formation purpose since the earliest days of geology
(Smith, 1797, MSS). Other macrofossil groups
The Raasay Ironstone Formation comprises a have also been shown to have some strati-
chamositic or sideritic, often oolitic, ironstone graphical use in the Lower Jurassic Series,
no more than a few metres thick in the middle of especially where their stratigraphical distribution
the Lower Toarcian Substage, and gradational can be tied in to the ammonite biostratigraphy.
from shaly limestones with chamosite ooliths Neaverson (1955) summarized the strati-
seen in the upper part of the Portree Shale graphical ranges of some of the more important
Formation. There is a brief description in non-ammonite taxa. Range charts or zone/
Morton and Hudson (1995) subzone specific lists for various taxonomic
groups or stratigraphical intervals have also
Scalpay Sandstone Formation been published, and can provide a useful source
of information, particularly for groups that
The Scalpay Sandstone Formation consists of an have received no recent taxonomic treatment
upward-coarsening sequence of siltstones to (Melville, 1956; Hallam, 1961, 1987a; Whittaker
massive fine-grained sandstones. It extends and Ivimey-Cook, 1972; Ivimey-Cook, 1978,
from the middle of the Lower Pliensbachian 1982; Hauff and Hauff, 1981; Dommergues,
Substage through to the basal Toarcian Stage, 1997).
and hence encompasses the Dyrham and Over the last few decades the needs of the
Marlstone Rock formations and Staithes hydrocarbon-exploration industry have led to the
Sandstone and Cleveland Ironstone formations development and refinement of a range of bio-
of other regions. Descriptions can be found in stratigraphical schemes based on microfossils.
Morton and Hudson (1995). Most commercial boreholes produce only rock
chips rather than cores and hence macrofossils
Stornoway Formation of any sort are seldom identifiable. Under such
circumstances biostratigraphical correlation is
The Stornoway Formation encompasses achieved through the use of various microfossil
continental red-beds of late Triassic to earliest groups, each with particular advantages and
Jurassic age in some areas. The facies drawbacks. None of the microfossil biostrati-
represented are described by Morton and graphical schemes has attained a resolution
Hudson (1995). comparable to that provided by ammonites, and
the criteria used to define microfossil zones and
subzones commonly are less rigorous than those
BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF for ammonites. However, used together these
INVERTEBRATE MACROFOSSILS microfossil zonal schemes can provide a reason-
AND MICROFOSSILS able level of stratigraphical precision.

M.J. Simms and P. Hodges Macrofossils

The criteria for using particular fossil groups as Ammonites

biostratigraphical index fossils are well known.
Such fossil species must have existed for a K.N. Page
relatively short period of time, and hence be
found through only a limited vertical thickness Ammonite biostratigraphy and chronostrati-
of rock; they must have a wide geographical graphy and the British Lower Jurassic Series
distribution to allow correlation between The importance of ammonites in the biostrati-
widely separate sites; they must be relatively graphical subdivision of the British Lower
independent of facies, again to allow correlation Jurassic Series is unparalleled. They possess all
between widely separated sites and different of the essential attributes of ideal zonal index
palaeoenvironments; they must be common and fossils; genera and species typically have a wide

28
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

geographical distribution, are largely facies pp. 14–15). His work on the Middle and
independent, are often common and easily Upper Lias of North Yorkshire and Cleveland
identified, and evolved rapidly such that was based on the Boulby Quarries GCR site
successive taxa represent geologically short and, remarkably, remains the most detailed
periods of time. The stratigraphical range of published stratigraphical description of the
most of the ammonite genera found in Britain is latter locality. The significance of this work
summarized in Figures 1.3–1.8. The principal would not have been lost on one of Hunton’s
limitations of ammonites are that they are contemporaries, Martin Simpson, who was
exclusively marine and that their aragonitic based at Whitby Museum from 1837 and
shells are prone to dissolution in deep-water began to describe extensive ammonite collec-
environments or through diagenesis. Since tions from the district, including notes on their
Oppel (1858) first established his biozonal stratigraphical occurrence (Simpson, 1843,
scheme for the Jurassic System there has been 1868). These same Yorkshire sections, and
increasing refinement of the ammonite zonal their contained fossil faunas, had already been
scheme so that today we can recognize described by John Phillips (1829), a nephew of
successive Jurassic ammonite faunas with an William Smith who applied Smith’s undescribed
average duration of only 120 000 years stratigraphical methods. Throughout the 19th
(Callomon, 1995; Page 1995). With their great century these Yorkshire coast sections remained
reliability and superb potential for high- fundamental to the development of Lower
resolution correlation, ammonite-correlated Jurassic biostratigraphy in Britain (e.g. in Tate
zones are established as the backbone of Jurassic and Blake, 1876; Fox-Strangways, 1892) and
stratigraphy, providing a standard against certainly were more influential in this respect
which all other biostratigraphical schemes are than correlative sections in Dorset.
compared. Not surprisingly, therefore, their use It was work in Germany, however, by
in Jurassic correlation has meant that they have Quenstedt (1856–1858) and Oppel (1856–1858)
transcended biostratigraphical method and that refined that theory and method of
ammonite zones are now used as chronostrati- Jurassic biostratigraphy (Arkell, 1933, pp. 8–17).
graphical units to define the bases of actual Remarkably, Oppel’s basic Hettangian to
named units of geological time; namely the Pliensbachian zonal sequence is broadly the
Hettangian, Sinemurian, Pliensbachian and same as that used today, although zonation of
Toarcian stages of the Lower Jurassic Series. the Toarcian Stage has been significantly refined,
British successions and localities have a process contributed to by Thomas Wright
contributed significantly to the establishment of (1860a, 1878–1886) in his review and subse-
this role through the work both of British quent monograph of British Lower Jurassic
authors and visiting Europeans. For instance, ammonites. The latter work was the first
the seminal works of d’Orbigny (1842–1849) attempt to provide a systematic overview of
and Oppel (1856–1858), which established the ammonite taxonomy and faunal successions in
basic sequence of Jurassic stages and their Britain, although it must now be viewed in
mainly ammonite-correlated zones, were conjunction with Donovan’s synoptic supple-
primarily syntheses of information from ment of 1954.
France, Germany and Britain. Indeed, five of The next major advance was based on
d’Orbigny’s étages and four of Oppel’s Étagen, detailed bed-by-bed, layer-by-layer documen-
though none of them from the Lower Jurassic tation of British strata and marked a major
Series, were named after English locations conceptual leap in the use of ammonites as
(Arkell, 1933, pp. 8–17). stratigraphical guide fossils, the full significance
William Smith’s work in England began the of which has only really been appreciated in the
process of establishing the sequence of last 30 years or so. S.S. Buckman’s early work
guide fossils for the Jurassic System for Britain, concentrated on determining the sequence of
culminating in his Stratigraphical System of ammonite faunas in the mainly Aalenian–
Organised Fossils of 1817. A remarkably early, Bajocian Inferior Oolite Group of his home
and long-forgotten, study showing the value of a district of Dorset and Somerset. He soon
bed-by-bed approach to sampling and the realized that the existing ammonite zones
correlation potential of ammonites, was that could be subdivided further into many
of Louis Hunton (Hunton, 1836; Arkell, 1933, distinctive horizons, each with its own unique

29
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

and correlatable ammonite fauna. He coined the standard zonal framework for the entire
the term ‘hemera’ for these subdivisions and, Lower Jurassic Series of north-west Europe
through his thoughtful analysis of geochronology (Dean et al., 1961). Ammonite faunas from the
and biostratigraphical theory, the science of remainder of the Sinemurian Stage and the
‘high-resolution’ stratigraphy was born (e.g. Lower Pliensbachian Substage have received
Buckman, 1887–1907, 1902; Arkell, 1933, pp. rather less coverage although monographic
17–25). He even established the concept of treatments of some taxa have been published,
biozones (Buckman, 1902). However, except such as the Juraphyllitidae (Howarth and
for the uppermost Toarcian Stage, which was Donovan, 1964) and the Echioceratidae (Getty,
encompassed by his work on the Inferior Oolite 1972, 1973) to name but two.
Group (Buckman, 1887–1907), his interpreta- Subsequent refinement of the ammonite
tion of Lower Jurassic ammonite faunas was stratigraphy of the British Lower Jurassic Series
more theoretical. Although he created many has concentrated largely on establishing
hemerae for the subsystem (e.g. in 1909–1930), rigorously defined, high-resolution, correlation
not all were based on actual field observation of schemes using ‘horizons’, including ‘faunal
specimens in situ. Inevitably stratigraphical horizons’ or biohorizons, as pioneered by
sequencing errors crept in, providing Callomon in the Middle and Upper Jurassic
ammunition for the critics of his method and series (e.g. Callomon, 1985a,b) or zonules
even forcing him to publish some of his results (sensu Phelps, 1985), the ‘horizons’ of French
privately. Nonetheless, the value of many of authors (Page, 1995). These are incorporated
the units he established can be judged from the into Figures 1.3–1.8 of this volume. Biohorizon
use of many of the same index ammonite taxa schemes have been proposed for the British
for the ammonite biohorizons of Page (1992, Hettangian Stage (Page and Bloos, 1998; Bloos
2003). and Page, 2000a,b), for the Sinemurian Stage
The meticulous bed-by-bed collecting of (Page, 1992; Dommergues et al., 1994; Bloos
ammonites by Lang, largely identified by Spath, and Page, 2000a) and for the Lower Toarcian
from the Lower Lias of the Dorset coast (Lang, Substage (Page, 2003). A system of zonules for
1914, 1917, 1924, 1932, 1936; Lang et al., 1923, the British Lower Pliensbachian Substage was
1928; Lang and Spath, 1926) complemented the proposed by Phelps (1985) while zonule
largely theoretical chronology of Buckman schemes for the Upper Pliensbachian and Upper
(1898) by establishing high-resolution sequences Toarcian substages follow Page (2003), based on
of zones in the field, mainly in the Sinemurian Dommergues et al. (1997) and Elmi et al.
and Pliensbachian stages. As with Buckman’s (1997), respectively.
hemera, however, these units were largely Despite the numerous revisions, compilations
overlooked in later generalized syntheses and refinements of the last 150 years or so, the
of Lower Jurassic ammonite zones. Spath ammonite-based zonation for the north-west
continued to contribute to the understanding European Lower Jurassic Series is still heavily
of the British Lower Jurassic Series himself, dependent on British reference sections. At
through various important works (Spath, 1924, least 9 of the 22 zones, and around 35 of the
1925a–h, 1926a–d, 1942, 1956). 61 subzones still use an index fossil based on a
In the 1950s and 1960s major advances were type specimen from a British or Northern Irish
made in documenting Lower Jurassic ammonite locality. Inevitably, therefore, these sections will
sequences in other areas in Britain. Howarth continue to play a key role in Lower Jurassic
investigated the Upper Pliensbachian Substage stratigraphy on a global scale as stratotypes for
of Yorkshire, Dorset and north-west Scotland each unit are proposed and internationally
(Howarth, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958) and the agreed.
Lower Toarcian Substage of Yorkshire and
Northamptonshire (Howarth, 1962a, 1973, Ammonoid provincialism in the
1978, 1992), while Donovan worked on the Lower Jurassic Series of Europe
Hettangian and basal Sinemurian stages of the Like any group of organisms, ammonoids show
Bristol–Bath area (Donovan, 1952a,b, 1956). It distinctive geographical distribution patterns,
was their work in the 1950s that ultimately led to reflecting ecological and physical controls on
the publication of the then-definitive work on individuals and populations. These patterns are

30
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

characterized as biogeographical provinces and turn up occasionally, mainly in the Pliens-

the inevitable consequence of using ammonites bachian and Toarcian stages, interestingly
for correlation purposes is that every province, associated with both Submediterranean
almost by definition, will have a different and Subboreal faunas.
scheme of standard zones. These differences
inevitably make inter-provincial correlations at Belemnites
zonal, and especially subzonal and horizon, level
difficult. M.J. Simms
Representatives from up to three contempo-
raneous faunal provinces can be recognized at Belemnites are the only nektonic group of inver-
various levels in the Lower Jurassic Series of tebrate macrofossils, other than ammonites, that
Britain (Page, 1996) and are summarized have been proposed as biostratigraphical index
below: fossils for the Lower Jurassic Series. Records of
belemnites from the Carboniferous Period are
1. North-west European Province: The questionable, the first definite appearance
province is typical of much of the shelf seas being in upper Triassic or lower Jurassic strata of
of Europe from Hettangian to Early Pliensba- Europe. However, their potential as biostrati-
chian times and again in Late Toarcian graphical index fossils in the Lower Jurassic
times, when great faunal uniformity charac- sequence is limited by several factors. They are
terized most of the region. Faunal affinities rare in the Hettangian Stage and do not become
are almost entirely from southern or abundant until the mid-Sinemurian Stage. They
Tethyan areas (i.e. from a Mediterranean may have been facies-dependent to some extent,
Province) and direct connection to an Arctic with several species apparently affected by
or Boreal Sea is lacking (except perhaps in benthic anoxia in early Toarcian times (Simms,
earlier Late Toarcian times). Zonal schemes 1986; Doyle, 1990–1992); and the identification
of the North-west European Province are of individual species can be difficult, being based
well developed reflecting the long history largely on subtle variations in guard morpho-
of research on the area. logy. However, belemnites have the advantage
2. Subboreal Province: The establishment that they are abundant at some stratigraphical
of direct marine connections with the circum- levels and their tough calcitic guards have a very
polar Boreal Sea in Late Pliensbachian and high preservation potential, even in environ-
Toarcian times enabled some mixing of Arctic ments where the aragonitic shells of ammonites
Province faunas and the previously separated are destroyed or poorly preserved.
faunas of north-west Europe (Figure 1.9). The belemnite biostratigraphy of the Lower
The abundance of Boreal taxa alongside Jurassic Series of north-west Europe was
forms with more southerly affinities distin- reviewed by Doyle and Bennett (1995), incor-
guishes the province in northern Britain. A porating earlier work by Stoyanova-Vergilova
standard zonation is well established and (1977) and Doyle (1990–1992). In a more
correlates fairly well with more southerly recent study, Combémorel (1997) attempted
areas as a result of faunal overlap. direct correlation between the established
3. Submediterranean Province: The ammonite zonation and a series of proposed
province developed in parallel with the belemnite zones and subzones (Figure 1.12).
Subboreal Province in late Pliensbachian The Hettangian Stage is characterized by the rare
times in regions between the former and genus Schwegleria, although in Combémorel’s
the southern European Mediterranean scheme this genus is confined to the Planorbis
Province. Boreal taxa usually are infre- Zone. The Sinemurian Stage is dominated by
quent and an independent zonation is used species of Nannobelus, a genus first appearing
in the Lower Toarcian Substage, but with in latest Hettangian times. Combémorel (1997)
significant links to that of Subboreal areas. includes the entire Sinemurian Stage in his
Typical Mediterranean Province faunas are Nannobelus acutus Zone. Only the index
never developed in Britain, although a few species is present in the Lower Sinemurian
genera and species typical of the province sequence but Nannobelus oppeli and N. alveo-
(e.g. Phylloceratina and Lytoceratina) do latus appear in the Upper Sinemurian sequence

31
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Figure 1.12 Proposed belemnite biozonation schemes for the Lower Jurassic Series of north-west Europe.
Based on Doyle (1990–1992), Doyle and Bennett (1995) and Combémorel (1997).

and allow division of this zone into two sub- al., 1928) demonstrated the biostratigraphical
zones. Belemnites are abundant in the Upper resolution that could be achieved within the
Sinemurian sequence and particularly from the Lower Pliensbachian Substage, listing the strati-
Pliensbachian Stage onwards. Lang (in Lang et graphical range (by bed number) of 26 nominal

32
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

species found within the Belemnite Marl Bivalves

Member of the Pinhay Bay to Fault Corner
GCR site. Although some of these nominal P. Hodges and M.J. Simms
taxa must be no more than ecophenotypic,
ontogenetic or sexual variants, nonetheless, Bivalves occur in large numbers throughout the
there does appear to be some stratigraphical Lias and dominate the shelf fauna of the early
significance at the generic level. Thus slender Jurassic seas. Most bivalve species in the early
elongate forms of Pseudohastites are particularly Jurassic Period have relatively long strati-
abundant in the lower part of the Jamesoni graphical ranges compared to ammonite
Zone (Taylori and Polymorphus subzones), species, and consequently they do not generally
Clastoteuthis in the upper Polymorphus give the same degree of resolution. Further-
Subzone, Angeloteuthis in the top Jamesoni more, most bivalves are benthic and strongly
and lower Ibex zones (Jamesoni to Valdani facies dependent, which detracts from potential
subzones) and Hastites in the Ibex and Davoei use in correlation between different facies.
zones. However, both Hastites and slender However, use can be made of the first and last
forms of Pseudohastites are known to extend occurrences of many bivalve species in the strati-
higher in the succession while the robust forms graphical column, correlated with known
of Pseudohastites, such as Pseudohastites apici- ammonite zones. Some species are known to
curvata itself, range throughout the Lower extend virtually unchanged through several
Pliensbachian Substage. Combémorel (1997) zones, or even stages, of the Lower Jurassic
recognized a single zone of Hastites clavatus Series (Hallam, 1987a) although certain bivalve
in the Lower Pliensbachian sequence, divisible groups do show distinct and well-documented
into two subzones. Typical species additional evolutionary changes through early Jurassic
to the zonal/subzonal index fossils include times and hence do have a limited biostrati-
Nannobelus armatus, Passaloteuthis elongatus graphical significance. Of these the most
and, in the Davoei Zone, Hastites charmouth- notable is the ostreid genus Gryphaea, which
ensis. Doyle (1990–1992) considered the Trueman (1922a) was the first to use in bio-
Passalotheuthis bisulcata Biozone to corre- stratigraphical correlation based on material
spond broadly to the Upper Pliensbachian from the Pant y Slade to Witches Point GCR
Substage and basal Toarcian Stage, but in site. Subsequent publications challenged his
Combémorel’s scheme this species is taken as conclusion that Gryphaea evolved from
the zonal index fossil only for the Tenuicostatum Liostrea, proposing instead an origin from
Zone and the Upper Pliensbachian Substage is late Triassic gryphaeate oysters. Nonetheless
encompassed by the zone of Parapassaloteuthis Gryphaea does exhibit distinct morphological
zieteni, with Pseudohastites longiformis also changes through early Jurassic times, with three
characteristic. distinct species recognized (Figure 1.13);
Belemnite diversity is higher for the Toarcian Gryphaea arcuata from the (upper Hettangian
Stage than for earlier stages, allowing for greater to lower Sinemurian) Angulata Zone to
refinement of belemnite biozonation. By mid- Semicostatum Zone, Gryphaea mccullochi from
Toarcian times the Belemnitinae were replaced the (lower Sinemurian to basal Lower
by the more diverse Megateuthidinae. Doyle Pliensbachian) upper Semicostatum Zone to
(1990–1992) proposed five belemnite biozones lower Jamesoni Zone, and Gryphaea gigantea
for the Toarcian Stage, based on a combination from the (Lower Pliensbachian to upper
of the ranges of the biozonal index fossils and Toarcian) Ibex Zone to Pseudoradiosa Zone.
of other species, and provided an indication of The lineage exhibits not only a clear paedomor-
their correlation with the standard ammonite phocline but also an overall size increase
zones. Combémorel (1997) recognized four through early Jurassic times (Hallam, 1968b,
zones and three subzones but there is a reason- 1982; Johnson, 1994). Other bivalve taxa
able correspondence between the two schemes. (Entolium lunare and Pseudopecten equivalvis)
Combémorel (1997) cites characteristic species documented by Johnson (1994) also show
for each of his zones and subzones whereas similar size increases through time, though with-
Doyle (1990–1992) provides range charts for all out significant change in shape comparable to
species of belemnite found in the British that seen in the Gryphaea lineage. Hence it is
Toarcian Stage. the morphometric changes associated with the

33
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Figure 1.13 The Gryphaea evolutionary lineage, showing pronounced paedomorphosis and size increase. All
specimens are from the Severn Basin. From left to right: Gryphaea arcuata, Bucklandi Subzone, Hock Cliff
GCR site; G. mccullochi, Oxynotum Subzone, Bishops Cleeve; G. gigantea, Spinatum Zone, Bredon Hill.
G. gigantea is 11.5 cm across.

Gryphaea paedomorphocline that are biostrati- last occurrence of Modiolus (M.) minimus,
graphically significant. A few papers dealing coincides with the first appearance of
with specific bivalve groups provide information Plagiostoma giganteum and indicates a marked
on their stratigraphical distribution (Cox, 1963; increase in water depth. This relationship can
Johnson, 1984), but many more taxa remain be demonstrated at the Pant y Slade to Witches
neglected. Lists and tables that give the strati- Point GCR site, in south Wales, where the Blue
graphical range of many bivalve taxa are Lias Formation shows an eastwards transition
included in the descriptions of several boreholes along the coast from shallow-water marginal
(Melville, 1956; Whittaker and Ivimey-Cook, facies to deeper water offshore facies. It is also
1972; Ivimey-Cook, 1978, 1982) and other possible to pick out the occurrence of various
general accounts of the Lower Jurassic Series bivalve species that coincide with these deepen-
(Hallam, 1960a, 1961). ing water conditions. In the immediate vicinity
Detailed investigation by Peter Hodges of the of the Carboniferous Limestone Jurassic ‘island’
bivalve faunas in several boreholes drilled by the at Ogmore-by-Sea large numbers of the oyster
British Geological Survey, and from coastal Terquemia difformis occur with Chlamys
exposures in south-west Britain, indicate that (Chlamys) valoniensis. In the deeper-water
some species are stratigraphically useful, facies east of Dunraven Bay these species
particularly where ammonites are absent. His disappear and are replaced by Plagiostoma
observations, summarized below, and in Figure giganteum and Pinna (Pinna) similis, which can
1.14, are published here for the first time. be seen on the limestone beds exposed at low
In south-west Britain the Pre-Planorbis tide.
Beds of the Lower Lias are dominated by Throughout south-west Britain, the first
the mussel Modiolus (Modiolus) minimus, occurrence of Plagiostoma giganteum precedes
which locally may cover the upper surfaces of the first occurrence of the ammonite genus
limestone beds. They suggest very shallow- Psiloceras (Hodges, 1994). In the absence of
water, possibly intertidal, conditions. The ammonites, it can be used as a biostratigraphical

34
Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

35
Figure 1.14 Range chart for 27 common species of Rhaetian to Pliensbachian bivalve. From data compiled by Peter Hodges. See text for details.
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

marker for the approximate base of the Raricostatum Zone while Cardinia nilssoni first
Planorbis Zone. In the BGS Burton Row occurs in the Sauzeanum Subzone and ranges
Borehole, Somerset (ST 3356 5208), Plagiostoma up to the Margaritatus Zone. The Angulata Zone
giganteum occurs 1.5 m below the first marks the first appearance of Grammatodon
appearance of Psiloceras and in the Elton Farm (Grammatodon) pullus and Camptonectes
Borehole, Dundry (ST 5636 6589) (Ivimey-Cook, jamoignensis, both of which range up to the
1978), it occurs 0.8 m below. The last occur- Jamesoni Zone, and Tutcheria heberti, which
rence of Plagiostoma giganteum is 4 m above ranges up to the Davoei Zone. The Complanata
the base of the Sauzeanum Subzone in the Subzone also marks the first appearance in
Burton Row Borehole, and 5 m above the base Britain of Gryphaea arcuata, probably one of
of this subzone in the Elton Farm Borehole. the most common and most intensely studied
These observations are confirmed in coastal bivalves in the Lower Jurassic Series. It ranges
sections of the Lias in south-west Britain. Other up to the Semicostatum Zone where it is
bivalve species that have their last occurrence in succeeded by Gryphaea mccullochi, which in
the Semicostatum Zone are Pinna (P.) similis, turn ranges up to the Jamesoni Zone, where it is
Oxytoma (O.) sinemuriensis, Entolium (E.) succeeded by Gryphaea gigantea, which extends
liasinum, Camptonectes subulatus, Eopecten into the upper Toarcian Stage (Hallam, 1968b).
angularis, Atreta intusstriata, Antiquilima Bivalves often identified as Gryphaea below
antiquata, Pseudolimea dentata and Gresslya the Complanata Subzone are in fact usually
galathea. With the exception of Gresslya Liostrea hisingeri. This species first appears in
galathea, an infaunal burrowing bivalve, and the late Rhaetian Westbury Formation and is
Atreta intusstriata, an encrusting species, all recorded throughout the Lias of south-west
of the others are epifaunal, byssally attached, Britain ranging up to the Semicostatum Zone
species. The disappearance of all of these and beyond.
species coincides with a further transgression The palaeotaxodont infaunal bivalves are quite
and deepening of the Jurassic sea in north-west long-ranging, with Palaeonucula navis first
Europe during the Semicostatum Zone (Hallam, occurring in the Planorbis Zone, and ranging up
1981). to the Margaritatus Zone. Dacryomya heberti
Pteromya tatei is one of the very few short- ranges from the Angulata Zone to the Oxynotum
ranged bivalve species in the Lias of south-west Zone. Palaeoneilo elliptica ranges from the
Britain, and as such is another useful biostrati- Planorbis Zone to the Davoei Zone. Rollieria
graphical marker. First appearing 2.5 m below bronni ranges from the Pre-Planorbis Beds to
the first appearance of Psiloceras in the Burton the Davoei Zone. Ryderia texturata ranges from
Row Borehole, and 2 m below this level in the the Rhaetian Cotham Member up to the
Elton Farm Borehole. Its last occurrence in Margaritatus Zone, exhibiting a progressive size
both boreholes is approximately 3.5 m increase throughout its range. Ryderia doris
above the base of the Johnstoni Subzone. Other ranges from the Liasicus Zone to the Davoei
short-ranged species are Chlamys (C.) pollux, Zone. A few of the isofilobranch semi-infaunal
which first occurs in the Pre-Planorbis Beds bivalves are also long-ranging, with Myoconcha
and ranges up to the Johnstoni Subzone; (M.) psilonoti ranging from the upper Rhaetian
Ctenostreon philocles, ranging from the Langport Member to the Jamesoni Zone, and
Pre-Planorbis Beds to the Complanata Subzone; Myoconcha (Modiolina) decorata ranging from
Pholadomya (P.) glabra, ranging from the the Pre-Planorbis Beds to the Margaritatus Zone.
Pre-Planorbis Beds to the Rotiforme Subzone; The infaunal species Mactromya cardiodeum
and Camptonectes punctatissimus, which is also one of the longest-ranging of the Lias
ranges from the Planorbis Zone to the Bucklandi bivalves. It first appears in the Pre-Planorbis
Zone. Beds and ranges up to the Spinatum Zone. It is
In the Liasicus Zone Cardinia ovalis occurs in found in both shales and limestone beds and
large numbers and is by far the most common appears to be remarkably tolerant of water
bivalve. It ranges from the Pre-Planorbis Beds to depth and facies changes. Towards the latter
the Bucklandi Zone. Cardinia listeri first occurs part of its range it also exhibits a marked
in the Complanata Subzone and ranges up to the increase in overall size. Another long-ranging

36
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

infaunal species is Pleuromya liasina, which Series but discussed only selected taxa. They
ranges from the Planorbis Zone up to the noted that, in general, gastropod evolution was
Spinatum Zone. slow during early Jurassic times and hence did
The dominance of some species at certain not favour their use in biostratigraphy.
horizons can also be used locally as stratigraphi- However, they also commented that some
cal markers. This can be demonstrated by the species of the Procerithidae were found to
bivalve genus Posidonia, which can be picked characterize specific horizons, suggesting that
out as a distinct marker bed, owing to its further work might render these taxa useful in
abundance, in both the Burton Row and Elton correlation. There remains considerable scope
Farm boreholes. This Posidonia-dominated for research in this area.
shale occurs approximately 5 m above the base Scaphopods, although locally quite common,
of the Lyra Subzone in both boreholes. are an even more neglected group. Remarkably,
In conclusion, it can be seen that infaunal however, a tentative biostratigraphical scheme
bivalves are relatively tolerant of changes in water was established almost a century ago
depth, and are quite long-ranging stratigraphi- (Richardson, 1906a). This encompassed 16
cally. However, the epifaunal bivalve species, nominal taxa of ‘Dentalium’ whose distribution
particularly the byssally attached species, are was depicted in a range chart spanning the
more susceptible to changes in water depth. entire Lower Jurassic Series. Engeser and Riedel
The first and last recorded occurrences of (1992) briefly reviewed Richardson’s work,
bivalve species that are water-depth dependant discussing the generic affinities of each taxon
can, therefore, be useful as chronostratigraphi- (Dentalium sensu stricto is a Miocene to
cal event markers over a wide area of western Recent genus) and replacing several pre-
Europe during the early part of the Jurassic occupied species names. Palmer (2001) has
Period. since demonstrated that Dentalium giganteum
is an annelid tube allied to the genus Ditrupa.
Gastropods and scaphopods A stratigraphically and taxonomically updated
version of Richardon’s (1906a) chart is shown
M.J. Simms in Figure 1.15. A significant proportion of
the species appear to have quite restricted
Gastropods are locally common in the Lower stratigraphical ranges but, since several of
Jurassic Series but they have never been an these species are based on collections from only
intensively studied group and no substantial a few sites, this may be an artifact of collection
work has been published in several decades. failure.
Hudleston and Wilson (1892) published a
census of Jurassic gastropods but more than Brachiopods
40 years ago this was described as suffering
from outdated nomenclature and a lack of M.J. Simms
stratigraphical precision (Wilson et al., 1958).
Melville (1956) published distribution tables for Although benthic in habit and therefore facies
gastropod taxa recorded from the Sinemurian, dependent, the morphological distinctiveness
Pliensbachian and Toarcian stages of the Stowell of certain brachiopod taxa, their relative
Park Borehole, also describing several new taxa abundance in the Lower Jurassic Series, and
from there, but recognized that their signifi- the existence of monographic studies,
cance for correlation remained to be assessed. notably by Ager (1956–1967, 1956b, 1990),
Hallam (1961) commented that species lends brachiopods some biostratigraphical
appeared to be long-ranging, citing as examples significance. Derek Ager’s rhynchonellid
Pleurotomaria anglica and Cryptaenia monograph (Ager, 1956–1967) is the standard
expansa, which are found from at least the reference work for this group in the Lias and
Lower Sinemurian to the Upper Pliensbachian provides data on the stratigraphical range of
substages. McDonald and Trueman (1921) each species. However, he was able to
specifically addressed the biostratigraphical complete only Part 1 of the terebratulid
potential of gastropods in the Lower Jurassic monograph (Ager, 1990) before his death,

37
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Figure 1.15 Range chart for Lower Jurassic scaphopods. Data from Richardson (1906a); with taxonomy revised
by Engeser and Riedel (1992).

whilst a proposed monograph on the genus The biostratigraphical potential of other

Spiriferina never came to fruition. Nonetheless, brachiopod taxa is poorly known, though some
in the terebratulid monograph and an earlier have been discussed in earlier publications.
publication (Ager, 1978) he provided a valuable Davidson (1851–1852, 1876–1878) described a
overview of Lower Jurassic brachiopod diverse range of Lower Jurassic species and
biostratigraphy, based both on his own provided a table showing the stratigraphical
work and that of others. He concluded that distribution of all of the taxa in his monograph,
rhynchonellids were the most useful group on although the stratigraphical resolution of this
account of their greater diversity and more rapid was low and divided only into the Lower, Middle
evolution, though, with few exceptions, and Upper Lias, and the ‘Passage beds, Midford
individual species ranges extend through Sands’. Neaverson (1955) briefly described
several ammonite zones (Figure 1.16). For the the application of species of terebratulid,
terebratulids Ager (1990) noted that they were rhynchonellid and Spiriferina in Lower
extremely facies-restricted and he attempted Jurassic biostratigraphy, and Revert and
subdivision only to stage level. Tchoumatchenco (1973) included Spiriferina

38
Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

39
Figure 1.16 Stratigraphical distribution of rhynchonellid brachiopods in the Lower Jurassic Series of Britain. Data mainly from Ager (1956–1967).
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

quenstedti as one of their brachiopod zonal established two parallel zonation schemes
index fossils for the Sinemurian Stage, though for the Lower Jurassic succession of
other zones were based on rhynchonellid or France, covering the North Tethyan and
terebratulid species. North-west European provinces respectively.
The brachiopod biozonal scheme for the Index species from both schemes are
Lower Jurassic succession of Britain proposed by encountered in the British Lower Jurassic
Ager (1978, 1990) has a low resolution, except at sequence and hence both are shown in
certain levels (see Table 1.1). Figure 1.17. There are some discrepancies
The stratigraphical distribution of terebra- between stratigraphical ranges of certain
tulids in the British Lower Jurassic succession is taxa recorded by Ager (see Figure 1.16) and
still less precise and was summarized by Ager their use as index species in the french
(1990) as in Table 1.2. scheme, although this may be a reflection of
Recent work in the field of brachiopod facies control rather than true stratigraphical
biostratigraphy (Alméras et al., 1997) has range.

Table 1.1 Brachiopod biozonal scheme for the Lower Jurassic Series of Great Britain. After Ager
(1978, 1990).

Chronostratigraphy Brachiopod Biozones Ammonite zone equivalents

Upper Toarcian none
Lower Toarcian Stolmorhynchia (?) Serpentinum–Bifrons
bouchardii Tenuicostatum
Nannirhynchia pygmaea
Pliensbachian Prionorhynchia serrata Spinatum
Homoeorhynchia acuta Spinatum
Gibbirhynchia curviceps Jamesoni–Margaritatus
Sinemurian Cuneirhynchia oxynoti Semicostatum–Raricostatum
Piarorhynchia juvensis Semicostatum
Hettangian Calcirhynchia calcaria Planorbis–Bucklandi

Table 1.2 Terebratulid stratigraphical distribution in the Lower Jurassic Series of Great Britain. After
Ager (1990).

Chronostratigraphy Terebratulid Biozones

Upper Toarcian Lobothyris haresfieldensis
Zeilleria lycetti
Lower Toarcian Orthotoma globulina
Upper Pliensbachian Zeilleria quadrifida
Aulacothyris resupinata
Lobothyris punctata
Lower Pliensbachian Cincta numismalis
Zeilleria darwini
Upper Sinemurian Cincta cor
Lower Sinemurian Zeilleria vicinalis
Hettangian Zeilleria perforata

40
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

Figure 1.17 Brachiopod zonation for the Lower Jurassic Series of France. After Alméras et al. (1997).

41
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

Crinoids Jurassic Series, corresponding roughly to the

Turneri Zone of the modern schemes (Dean et
M.J. Simms al., 1961). Crinoids have not otherwise been
used in Lower Jurassic biostratigraphy but the
Lower Jurassic crinoids are, for the most part, monographic treatment of this group by Simms
strongly facies dependent and hence are poorly (1989) provides all of the data necessary to
suited for use as biostratigraphical index establish a crinoid biostratigraphy in parallel
fossils. However, individual species within with that for ammonites and other groups
the order Isocrinida are widely distributed, (Figure 1.18). Representatives of the order
often common and sufficiently distinctive for Millericrinida generally are very rare within the
identification of fragmentary material. This led British Lower Jurassic succession and restricted
Oppel (1856–1858) to use one species, to hardground environments. At present the
Isocrinus (= ‘Pentacrinus’) tuberculatus in his known geographical and stratigraphical distri-
biostratigraphical subdivision of the Lower bution of this group reflects little more than the

Figure 1.18 Stratigraphical range chart for Lower Jurassic isocrinid crinoids. After Simms (1989).

42
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

occurrence of such environments rather than affinities can seldom be determined easily.
any underlying phylogenetic pattern that might Indeed, frequently it is not even clear that a
provide the basis for a biostratigraphical particular sclerite morphospecies actually
scheme. Furthermore, the shape and articula- originated from a holothurian! Knowledge of
tion surfaces of isolated columnals, even within Lower Jurassic holothurians has increased
local populations, appear highly polymorphic through the work of Gilliland (1992, 1993) but
(Simms, 1989) and this provides a further this also highlighted the limitations inherent in
hindrance to identification. However, repre- any biostratigraphical scheme using this group.
sentatives of the order Isocrinida are, for the Rioult (1961) published a subdivision of the
most part, considerably more abundant than Lower Jurassic Series based on holothurian
millericrinids, far less environmentally restricted sclerites in which he recognized three morpho-
and easier to identify to species level using even species associations that defined the Hettangian
fragmentary material. and Sinemurian stages, the Pliensbachian and
Isocrinus tuberculatus has a stratigraphical lowermost Toarcian (Tenuicostatum Zone)
range substantially greater than the Turneri stages, and the remainder of the Toarcian Stage.
Zone, spanning the Semicostatum to Oxynotum Gilliland (1992) concluded that only the lower
zones. Several common species provide a two sclerite assemblage zones of Rioult (1961)
similar biostratigraphical resolution, though were still recognizable, in modified form, as
others, such as Hispidocrinus schlumbergeri, below. The biostratigraphical resolution that
extend through several stages and hence are of can be achieved using holothurian sclerites is
limited use. Most species of each lineage appear poor by comparison with many other fossil
suddenly in the fossil record, without forms groups, and likely to remain so.
transitional from their presumed ancestors; this
is particularly evident in the genus Balanocrinus Hettangian–Sinemurian stages: Binoculites
(Simms, 1985, 1988). However, transitional terquemi, Cucumarites mortenseni and
morphotypes between Isocrinus psilonoti and Mortensenites circularis
I. tuberculatus, and between I. tuberculatus and Pliensbachian–lowermost Toarcian stages; Theelia
I. robustus are known and provide a slightly crassidentata, T. mortenseni, T. rigauda,
enhanced level of biostratigraphical resolution, Myriotrochites (= Stueria)? costifera,
since they occupy relatively restricted strati- Ambulacrites (= Stichopites) terquemi and
graphical ranges in the Bucklandi and A. (S.) polymorpha. Also characterized by a
Semicostatum zones and the Oxynotum and predominance of wide-armed Staurocu-
Raricostatum zones respectively. mites bartensteini and early growth stages
Although most Lower Jurassic crinoid species of Binoculites jurassica.
are exclusively benthic, two genera of the
Pentacrinitidae, Pentacrinites and Seirocrinus, Other echinoderms
were pseudoplanktonic in habit and hence are
facies independent. Other attributes that render M.J. Simms
them potentially useful as biostratigraphical
index fossils are an exceptionally wide Articulated specimens of the three other echino-
geographical distribution (Simms, 1986) and derm classes represented in the Lower Jurassic
a distinctive morphology (Simms, 1989). Series are rare but fragmentary material often is
However, although abundant at certain localized common and frequently is morphologically
horizons, they are in general extremely rare and distinctive. However, there have been no
have a highly disjunct distribution even within detailed monographic investigations since the
their known stratigraphical range. publications of Thomas Wright (1857–1880) and
the lack of modern taxonomic treatments is a
Holothurians major hindrance to identification. Coupled with
this they exhibit strong facies dependence,
M.J. Simms and so clearly have a very limited application in
biostratigraphy.
With rare exceptions fossil holothurians are Asteroids are poorly known and intact speci-
found only as disarticulated, usually micro- mens are very rare, although isolated ossicles are
scopic, sclerites whose precise taxonomic not uncommon in washed mudstones. Little can

43
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

be said about the stratigraphical distribution of has been no modern monographic treatment of
species or even genera until a thorough investi- the group since that of Duncan (1867a) and the
gation of such disarticulated material has been tabulated data of Negus (1991) provides only a
undertaken. Intact ophiuroids are similarly rare tripartite division of the Lower Jurassic Series
and generally confined to particular horizons, into Lower, Middle and Upper Lias. Even with
the Starfish Bed in the Stokesi Subzone of the more precise information on the stratigraphical
Pinhay Bay to Fault Corner GCR site being distribution of coral species in the Lower
perhaps the best-known example (Goldring and Jurassic Series it is unlikely that their value as
Stephenson, 1972). In a study of disarticulated biostratigraphical index fossils would be signifi-
ophiuroid ossicles from Jurassic clays, Hess cant owing to the overwhelming facies control
(1960, 1962, 1964) described various Lower that they suffer, their relatively slow rate of
Jurassic taxa and their approximate strati- evolution, and difficulties of identification for
graphical ranges. These studies may provide many species. However, certain coral-bearing
a basis for the future development of an horizons do have a value as local marker bands
ophiuroid biostratigraphy for the Lower Jurassic that in some instances can be traced over
but the current state of knowledge is inadequate distances of several tens of kilometres; examples
to draw any firm conclusions about the include the Coral Band containing abundant
stratigraphical distribution of this group. Stylophyllopsis rugosa in the Raricostatum
Echinoids are also rare as intact specimens in Zone of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire
the British Lower Jurassic Series, though (Richardson, 1918), and a limestone bed (Bed
significantly less so than either of the other two 28 of Trueman, 1930) containing profuse
echinoderm groups. Disarticulated echinoid Montlivaltia guettardi in the Conybeari
plates and spines are common but little has Subzone of the Pant y Slade to Witches Point
been published on this group in recent years. GCR site in south Wales (Wobber, 1968a).
Unpublished observations (Simms, 1987)
suggest that most taxa are fairly long-ranging. Microfossils
For instance Miocidaris lobatum ranges at least
from the Planorbis Zone to the Semicostatum M.J. Simms
Zone, whereas higher in the succession
Eodiadema minuta extends from the Oxynotum Foraminifera
Zone to at least the Davoei Zone. Thierry et al.
(1997) tabulated the stratigraphical distribution All Early Jurassic foraminifera were benthic in
of 32 echinoid species in the Lower Jurassic habit and hence facies controlled. Nonetheless,
succession of France, but only a small they are often abundant and diverse in Lower
proportion of these are taxa known to occur in Jurassic mudstones and many species have
the British Lias. Most of the species included in limited stratigraphical ranges. They also have
their table have poor stratigraphical resolution; been documented and described for more
most precision is no better than stage or than a century and a half (Strickland, 1846),
substage level and only four species are confined substantially longer than any other microfossil
to individual ammonite zones. group known from the Jurassic Period. Several
GCR sites have been important sources of
Corals material from these earliest papers right up to
the present time (e.g. Tate and Blake, 1876;
M.J. Simms Richardson, 1908; Macfadyen, 1941; Barnard,
1950; Hylton, 1998). Lower Jurassic foramini-
The predominantly argillaceous sediments of feral assemblages comparable with those found
the Lower Jurassic succession in Britain do in Britain have been studied in many other parts
not favour the growth of hermatypic colonial of Europe. Bartenstein and Brand (1937) were
corals, and even solitary corals, presumably the first to appreciate the stratigraphical signifi-
ahermatypic, generally are far from common. cance of foraminifera in the Lower Jurassic
They occur in abundance at only a few sites, Series and paved the way for all subsequent
such as on the Ob Lusa to Ardnish Coast GCR zonation schemes. Various regional zonal
site on the Isle of Skye, and the Pant y Slade to schemes have been proposed, reflecting facies
Witches Point GCR site in south Wales. There control and/or provincialism, most recently that

44
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

by Ainsworth et al. (1998a) who recognized are acute but at others, notably the Hettangian
10 foraminifera zones within the Lower Jurassic and Toarcian intervals, the correspondence is
Series in the southern part of the Wessex Basin, much closer. The difficulty of establishing a
spanning the interval from late Rhaetian to single ostracod biozonation for the whole of
earliest Bajocian times. Copestake and Johnson north-west Europe is evident from the diversity
(1989) summarized the stratigraphical ranges of of zonal schemes that have been proposed
62 taxa, based on samples that included many for different areas across the region and
of the Lower Jurassic GCR sites, and defined undoubtedly reflects the strong facies
16 foraminifera zones (JF1–JF16) for the Lower dependence of this group and perhaps also a
Jurassic Series (Figure 1.19); the boundaries of certain degree of endemism. Within the Lower
these were defined by a combination of first and Jurassic Series, biostratigraphical resolution
last appearances and by other foraminiferal using ostracods typically is of the order of two
‘events’, such as flood occurrences. They noted to three ammonite zones. The Hettangian to
that, in general, new appearances were asso- lowermost Toarcian interval is dominated by
ciated with transgressions while extinctions the Metacopina, Cypridacea, Cytheracea and
were associated with regressions. As expected Bairdiacea. The Metacopina are important in
from their benthic habit, foraminifera were Hettangian, late Sinemurian, late Pliensbachian
largely absent from anoxic facies, with the and earliest Toarcian times, while the Cypridacea
prolonged and widespread Toarcian anoxic and Cytheracea assume dominance during
event causing a major turnover among this mid-Sinemurian and early Pliensbachian times.
group. Widespread anoxia in the Serpentinum Zone
caused the extinction of the Metacopina, with
Ostracods the remainder of the Toarcian Age being domi-
nated by the Cytheracea, with the Platycopina
Most early Jurassic ostracods were benthic in also important locally. There is a progressive
habit and hence strongly influenced by facies. increase in ostracod diversity through early
However, they are often abundant and appear to Jurassic times following the onset of marine
have evolved rapidly. In consequence, biostrati- conditions across much of Britain in the late
graphical ostracod zonation schemes for the Triassic Period, with some 50–60 species
Lower Jurassic Series of north-west Europe have recorded for the late Toarcian Age (Boomer,
been widely used. Very few publications on 1991). Minor fluctuations in abundance,
Lower Jurassic ostracods pre-date 1960 and it diversity and taxonomic composition can, in
was not until 1975 that any attempt was made to many cases, be linked directly to facies changes
establish a biozonation scheme, with Michelsen associated with eustatic change or the develop-
(1975) subdividing the Hettangian to ment of anaerobic/dysaerobic conditions
Pliensbachian interval of the offshore Danish (Boomer and Whatley, 1992).
Embayment while Bate and Coleman (1975)
established a biozonation for part of the Dinoflagellates
Toarcian Stage of the east Midlands. The zona-
tion for the Hettangian to Lower Pliensbachian The diversity of dinoflagellates is low in the
interval was further refined by Park (1987) based Rhaetian and Lower Jurassic succession, with
on records from the southern North Sea Basin. fewer than 20 species recognized in total. Their
More recent biozonation schemes include use in biostratigraphical correlation of the
those established by Boomer (1991), based on Jurassic System has been discussed particularly
material from the exceptionally thick succession by Woollam and Riding (1983), Riding (1984a),
in the Mochras Borehole, and by Ainsworth Riding and Thomas (1992) and Ainsworth et al.
et al. (1998a) for the southern part of the (1998a). Because of their low diversity in the
Wessex Basin (Figure 1.19). These schemes Lower Jurassic Series, biostratigraphical resolu-
extend through all or much of the Lower Jurassic tion is rather poor, with each dinoflagellate cyst
interval although Boomer (1991) noted that a subzone corresponding to between two and
direct comparison between ostracod faunas of four ammonite zones (Figure 1.19). Woollam
the Mochras Borehole and those from elsewhere and Riding (1983) recognized four dinocyst
in north-west Europe was not always possible. zones within the Lower Jurassic Series; the
At certain stratigraphical levels these differences Dapcodinium priscum Zone (Pre-Planorbis

45
British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

46
Figure 1.19 Microfaunal and microfloral biostratigraphy for the British Lower Jurassic Series. Foraminifera after Copestake (1989); ostracods after Ainsworth
et al. (1998a); dinoflagellates after Riding and Thomas (1992); miospores after Koppelhus and Batten (1996); calcareous nannofossils after Bown (1987).
 Biostratigraphy of invertebrate macrofossils and microfossils

Beds to Turneri Zone), Liasidium variabile abundant macrofossil dating evidence, mio-
Zone (Obtusum to Davoei zones), Luehndea spores have proven important for correlation
spinosa Zone (Margaritatus and Spinatum with non-marine successions, such as those of
zones), and the Mancodinium semitabulatum the Newark Supergroup of eastern North
Zone (Tenuicostatum Zone to top Aalenian). America, and in helping to identify the
Ainsworth et al. (1998a) recognized only two provenance of important fossil material for
zones within the Lower Jurassic Series but sub- which original collection data are lacking (e.g.
divided them into 11 distinct biostratigraphical Martill et al., 2000). Koppelhus and Batten
units (subzones and ‘zonules’). However, the (1996) reviewed the stratigraphical distribution
‘zonules’ were based largely on changes in of miospores for the Lower Jurassic interval and
abundance of particular species recorded from listed the ranges for many taxa in north-west
boreholes in the English Channel, events that Europe on which miospore zonation schemes
remain unproven outside of the southern have been based (Figure 1.19). The upper
Wessex Basin. Nonetheless, the index species Rhaetian Stage is commonly characterized by an
are common throughout Britain and hence abundance of Corollina spp., which may
potentially have much wider application. comprise more than 90% of assemblages near
Fenton and Fisher (1978) claimed that the the Triassic–Jurassic boundary. The lower
ranges of some Middle Jurassic taxa might be Hettangian Stage typically contains a mixed
discordant between different areas, although assemblage with forms more common in
this is perhaps less likely in the generally more Rhaetian strata, and soon to disappear
open-marine conditions that prevailed during altogether, alongside long-ranging forms. These
early Jurassic times. latter taxa continue into upper Hettangian and
Lower Sinemurian successions, which otherwise
Pollen and spores are distinguished from the lower Hettangian
strata only by the absence of the Rhaetian relics.
Pollen and spores comprise just two elements The Upper Sinemurian and Lower Pliensbachian
of the larger collective termed ‘palynomorph’, succession yields a rather restricted flora, often
which encompasses a range of chitinous micro- with abundant Corollina spp. again, and the
fossil material of which dinoflagellages are Pliensbachian Stage especially appears to be
another important group (see Batten, 1996a, characterized over much of north-west Europe
for a full discussion of palynomorphs and by an impoverished assemblage. The mid-
palynofacies). They are of enormous value in Pliensbachian to earliest Toarcian succession is
biostratigraphy since potentially they allow characterized by Ceratosporites spinosus, one of
correlation between non-marine environments only a few short-ranging Lower Jurassic
in which they originate, and in which often they miospore taxa. Lower Toarcian palynomorph
are the only biostratigraphically useful fossils, assemblages across much of north-west Europe
and marine sequences, which commonly are are typically rich in amorphous organic matter
much better dated using a variety of fossil and marine algae but associated miospores,
groups. However, palynomorphs are subject to such as Chasmatosporites, are mostly gymno-
latitudinal zonation and provincialism, and may spermous and of little biostratigraphical value. A
have diachronous ranges, so correlation over range of taxa appear for the first time in the
long distances may be unreliable. Some upper Toarcian Stage, allowing lower and upper
proposed miospore zones are applicable only Toarcian strata to be distinguished.
within individual sedimentary basins, limiting
any wider application, while they are often Calcareous Nannofossils
difficult to identify. Batten (1996b) has high-
lighted the need to consider palynofacies in all Coccolithophorid algae are the dominant
such biostratigraphical investigations since this calcareous nannofossil in the Jurassic System.
reflects the proximity of terrestrial vegetation, The Early Jurassic Epoch was a time of major
the sedimentary environment, and subsequent diversification for the group, from their first
diagenesis. appearance in the fossil record in the Upper
Although the Lower Jurassic succession across Triassic Series to six major families by the
virtually the entire United Kingdom is marine Pliensbachian Stage and more than 50
almost throughout, and hence commonly yields described species in the Toarcian Stage. In

47
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

a comprehensive review of Lower Jurassic tectonic activity, rhythmic or cyclic sedimentary

calcareous nannofossils in north-west Europe, sequences caused by climate change linked to
Bown (1987) standardized the biostratigraphical Milankovitch cyclicity (House, 1985, 1986;
zonation scheme for the group (Figure 1.19) and Weedon, 1986; Weedon and Jenkyns, 1990,
summarized the ranges of individual species. He 1999; Weedon et al., 1999) and sea-level change
proposed eight zones, three of them being (Hallam, 1981, 1988; Haq et al., 1988). Of
further subdivided into two subzones each, these, most have only limited, if any, application
defined by first appearances of particular taxa within the British Lower Jurassic Series.
though a few are tied to last occurrences. Radiometric dating is, of course, crucial to
Biostratigraphical resolution is, in most cases, of defining the absolute dates for stratigraphical
the order of two to three ammonite zones but boundaries at stage level and above, but this has
may be significantly less than one ammonite not been possible for any British site and hence
zone. stage boundary dates have been defined else-
where. Analysis of strontium isotope ratios
Other groups has been employed as just one of a suite of
techniques used to define proposed GSSPs in
Several other fossil groups have not been the British Lower Jurassic Series (Hesselbo et al.,
considered here since they form only minor or 2000) but otherwise it has little general strati-
low-diversity components of most described graphical application at this level of resolution.
faunas and their distributions are relatively Ejecta from bolide impacts, such as are well
poorly documented. They include benthic documented for the Cretaceous–Tertiary
invertebrate groups such as bryozoa, annelids boundary (Smit, 1999) have not been found at
and arthropods, the nektobenthic nautiloids, any level in the British Lower Jurassic sequence,
vertebrates (fish and reptiles) and trace fossils. although an iridium anomaly has been reported
Ultimately some may prove to be of limited from the terrestrial Triassic–Jurassic boundary in
stratigraphical use, or at least display well- the Newark Supergroup of eastern North
defined stratigraphical distributions. There is America and cited as tentative evidence for
some evidence for this among vertebrates bolide impact at the end of the Triassic Period
(Benton and Spencer, 1995) but the data is (Olsen et al., 2002). The most recent dating of
insufficient to establish any meaningful ‘zonal’ the Manicouagan impact crater at 214 ± 1 Ma
scheme at present. The rarity of intact material (Hodych and Dunning, 1992) places it almost
and the difficulty of identifying isolated bones within the range of the Triassic–Jurassic
and teeth would render any such schemes of boundary as defined by Harland et al. (1990),
limited use, although further work on isolated but re-dating of the boundary close to 200 Ma
fish teeth may eventually establish them as of (Pálfy et al., 2000a) eliminates any possible link
some value in stratigraphy. between this impact and events at the Triassic–
Jurassic boundary. Volcanic ejecta also have not
be found in the British Lower Jurassic sequence
EVENT STRATIGRAPHY IN THE despite the presence of extensive flood basalts in
BRITISH LOWER JURASSIC SERIES the Hettangian Stage of the Newark Supergroup
on the eastern seaboard of North America
M.J. Simms (Tankard and Balkwill, 1989; Hesselbo et al.,
2002), although this apparent absence may
Recent decades have seen the emergence of merely reflect a lack of intensive searching.
various techniques for refining the chronostrati- Major tectonic events might be anticipated to
graphy of sedimentary sequences independently show up in the sedimentary record but although
of any fossil biota they might contain, or of there is clear evidence for local influence of
identifying specific events within the succession. tectonic activity on adjacent sediments (e.g.
These include the use of stable isotopes, Jenkyns and Senior, 1991), more widespread
particularly of strontium (Jones et al., 1994) or event horizons of this type have yet to be found
carbon (Hesselbo et al., 2002), radiometric in the British Lower Jurassic Series. However,
techniques (Pálfy et al., 2000a–c), identification a major, uniquely extensive horizon of soft-
of ejecta from bolide impacts or volcanic sediment deformation occurs in the Cotham
eruptions, sedimentary events associated with Member of the Penarth Group, a little below the

48
 Event stratigraphy

base of the Lias Group. This deformation, discussed elsewhere in this volume, changes in
ascribed to seismic activity (Mayall, 1983) can be relative sea level, as interpreted from the sedi-
traced at the same level across the entire UK and mentary sequence at a particular site, can be
appears to represent a seismic event of unique under the control of several factors. However,
magnitude for the British Phanerozoic, possibly global or eustatic sea-level changes should be
attributable to bolide impact (Simms, 2003a). traceable across many sites over a very wide
The only factors that appear to have had area and, as such, offer the potential for useful
widespread, frequent and easily discernable event horizons, if these can be identified.
effects on the sedimentary sequence are climate Consideration of the effects of rising or falling
and sea level, although it can often be sea level on the style of deposition in the Lower
difficult to distinguish between the effects of Jurassic Series has been a subject of investigation
the two. The link between orbitally induced for many decades. For instance Arkell (1933)
climatic fluctuations and small-scale sedimentary wrote widely of the evidence for transgressions
cyclicity in the British Lower Jurassic sequence and regressions in the British Jurassic System
is now fairly well-established, with well- while in a series of papers Hallam (1961, 1964b,
documented case studies from several GCR sites 1978) discussed the patterns of cyclic sequences
(House, 1986; Weedon, 1986; Weedon and produced by eustatic changes. These lines of
Jenkyns, 1990, 1999; van Buchem et al., 1994; investigation led ultimately to the development
Weedon et al., 1999). Direct correlation of of the concept of ‘sequence stratigraphy’
individual decimetre-scale units between Dorset (e.g. Haq et al., 1987; Vail et al., 1991), with
and Yorkshire, a distance of more than 400 km, several orders of cycles discernable under ideal
has even been attempted (Hesselbo and conditions. Critical to applying the sequence
Jenkyns, 1995). However, although these stratigraphy concept in the field is the identifica-
Milankovitch-scale sedimentary rhythms may be tion of key surfaces within a given sedimentary
common and widespread, they are by no means cycle, of which there are three main types;
ubiquitous and other factors may effectively sequence boundaries, transgressive surfaces,
mask the climatic signal. Furthermore, although and maximum flooding surfaces. The precise
broad-scale correlation of the larger units may sedimentary expression of any one of these
be relatively straightforward, correlation of varies according to position along a proximal–
individual beds in isolation from these larger distal transect but the following criteria were
units is greatly hampered by the presence of used by Hesslbo and Jenkyns (1998) for their
other, essentially indistinguishable, beds in close analysis of the British Lower Jurassic Series.
stratigraphical proximity. Essentially, these They diagnosed a sequence boundary as an
small-scale, climatically induced, sedimentary erosional unconformity or an abrupt basinward
rhythms do represent extremely widespread facies shift inferred to be its conformable
event horizons. However, they appear to be correlative; a transgressive surface was indicated
preserved only in certain parts of the Lower by an abrupt juxtaposition of deep-water facies
Jurassic succession where their stratigraphical over shallow; and a maximum flooding surface
frequency is too high for individual beds to be was indicated by stratigraphical condensation.
especially useful as marker horizons. Although Within the British Lower Jurassic sequence
there have been claims that these climatically Hesselbo and Jenkyns (1998) were able to
controlled sedimentary sequences offer identify key surfaces for several second-order,
potential for establishing a high-resolution or transgressive–regressive facies cycles, and a
absolute timescale (House, 1985), in truth the large number of third-order, or sequence cycles,
stratigraphical distribution of such sequences with a significant number of the latter being
is far too disjunct for this to be realized at correlatable across Britain. Second-order cycles
present. are of durations comparable with stratigraphical
That changes in sea level can effect the Lower stages or substages while third-order cycles are
Jurassic sedimentary sequences has been broadly comparable in duration to ammonite
recognized for far longer than has the influence zones or subzones. The overall implication of
of climate change, being exemplified by sites the technique is that if these cycles are primarily
such as Pant y Slade to Witches Point, south under eustatic control then the key surfaces
Wales, where there is a clear upward, and lateral, are effectively synchronous and, in geological
transition from marginal to ‘offshore’ facies. As terms, instantaneous. Consequently they can be

49
 British Lower Jurassic stratigraphy: an introduction

considered to represent event horizons that (d) is the site of historical significance in the
potentially can be correlated over very large development of the science? There is also a
areas. However, a significant constraint is that it stated philosophy in site selection that within
is dependent on individual interpretation of the list for a particular stratigraphical interval
sedimentary sequences in the field and it is quite (such as the Lower Jurassic Series), the site
possible for the same, apparently quite straight- should be the best-available example and should
forward, feature to give rise to quite different encompass a minimum of duplication with
interpretations, with consequent significance for features seen at other GCR sites. Ideally it
broader-scale correlation (e.g. Hesselbo and should also be accessible and not obviously
Palmer, 1992; Hallam, 1999). vulnerable to any threat that might compromise
Morton (1993) contends that within indivi- its scientific importance.
dual basins or broader regions the influence of Following these basic guidelines an initial
tectonics may be greater than eustatic changes. selection of Lower Jurassic GCR sites was under-
Hence major sequence boundaries may be taken in the early 1980s through consultation
diachronous, in marked contrast to what is with appropriate Earth scientists with relevant
implied by eustatically determined sequence experience, and preliminary reports were
boundaries. This is ‘genetic stratigraphy’, in prepared. Inevitably the list that was compiled
which gradationally changing packages of sedi- reflected, to some extent, the personal
ment are bounded by major abrupt changes of preferences and knowledge of those consulted
facies that often correspond to hiatuses or so that a number of important or poorly
unconformities. These genetic sequences documented sites were excluded. In the inter-
represent a record of the dynamic development vening two decades some of the selected sites
and infill by sediment of a basin and hence have become degraded through weathering and
are the basic unit for analysis of basin growth of vegetation, although this does not
evolution. Inevitably these genetic stratigra- necessarily detract from their ultimate scientific
phical sequences are not synonymous with importance if they still remain recoverable with
stratigraphical sequences defined by eustatic only a little excavation. Other important new
events (e.g. Haq et al., 1987; Vail et al., 1991; sites have become available but, with the
Hesselbo and Jenkyns, 1998) but eustatic events increasing reluctance of many journal editors to
may be superimposed upon the genetic strati- publish descriptive accounts of such sites, they
graphy. often remain poorly known. However, with only
one or two additions and deletions from the
original list the selection of Lower Jurassic GCR
GCR SITE SELECTION sites has remained largely unchanged, although
undoubtedly there are sites that others will feel
M.J. Simms should have been included.
Although the title of this volume is ‘British
The rationale, methodology and history behind Lower Jurassic Stratigraphy’, the site accounts
the selection of sites for inclusion within the are not confined only to the description and
Geological Conservation Review programme interpretation of that particular aspect of their
was discussed in detail by Wimbledon et al. geology. Many sites are justly important for
(1995) and much of this has been re-iterated in their fossil biotas or have been the subject
the introductory GCR volume (Ellis et al., 1996). of palaeoenvironmental, diagenetic or other
The main factors considered during the selec- investigations. The scientific value of any site
tion process for the stratigraphy GCR sites are: is increased by the breadth of research under-
(a) is the site of importance to the international taken there and hence the site accounts have
Earth scientist community on account of the site attempted to be as comprehensive as possible in
being the type locality for a particular time inter- their coverage. For some there has been little
val, boundary or fossil species? (b) does the site modern research and hence description and
encompass exceptional geological features? (c) interpretation is correspondingly brief but for
is the site nationally important because features others a great deal more has been published and
there are representative of geological events so much fuller accounts have been compiled.
or processes that are fundamental to under- Hopefully one outcome of this review is that
standing the geological history of Britain? and long-neglected sites may be looked at afresh and

50
 GCR site selection

act as a spur to further research on the British measured sections and new interpretations of
Lower Jurassic Series as a whole. old sites that otherwise would never receive the
Within this GCR volume the sites are arranged attention they deserve. Furthermore it attempts
broadly in terms of the depositional basin in to take a holistic view, with even the smallest,
which they are located, moving northwards seemingly insignificant, site contributing to an
through the Wessex Basin, Mendip High, Severn understanding of the whole picture of Lower
Basin, East Midlands Shelf, Cleveland Basin Jurassic events in Great Britain.
and the Scottish localities, with all but one of
the latter located in the Hebrides Basin. Within Invertebrate fossils and GCR site
this framework the sites are then arranged selection
in approximate stratigraphical order, where
applicable, following a brief overview of each Although the relatively common invertebrate
depocentre. fossils do not have a separate selection category
Although some of the GCR sites have been the in the GCR in their own right, the scientific
subject of intensive research for many decades, importance of many stratigraphy sites lies in
and hence are well documented, many other their fossil content. Invertebrate fossils are
sites have long been neglected. Some are important in stratigraphy because they help to
represented by little more than a general characterize stratal units. In practice, strati-
account of the stratigraphy, often published in a graphy is at its most secure where adequate
local journal a century or more ago and with fossils are found. One of the main tasks of
little interpretation relevant to the present stratigraphers is to determine the relative ages
account. The situation now is little better and of strata and to compare or correlate them
indeed quite possibly worse than in the past. with strata of the same age elsewhere. Fossils
Although basic stratigraphical investigations have long provided one of the most reliable
of sites must form the basis for larger-scale and accurate means of approaching these
geological and palaeoenvironmental inter- problems.
pretations, such research is seldom supported Therefore, some ‘stratigraphy’ GCR sites are
by academic institutions today and many journals selected specifically for their faunal content,
are reluctant to publish the results. As a result which facilitates stratal correlation and enables
new exposures, which may have significant the interpretation of the environments in which
implications for palaeogeography, facies analysis the animals lived. Other ‘stratigraphy’ GCR sites
or basin history, often remain unknown to are of crucial importance palaeontologically and
geologists active in those fields of research. palaeobiologically, because they yield significant
Journal editors, PhD supervisors and research assemblages of invertebrates that provide
students, must strive to ensure that this basic evidence for past ecosystems and the evolution
stratigraphical data enters the public realm of life. Moreover, some sites have international
before published interpretations become too significance because they have yielded fossils
distant from the actual field exposures on that are the ‘type’ material for a species.
which, ultimately, they are based. With the In contrast to the manner in which most
ever increasing pressure on journal space, these invertebrate fossils are represented in the
GCR stratigraphy volumes therefore serve an GCR, fossils of vertebrates, arthropods (except
invaluable function. Unconstrained by the trilobites) and terrestrial plants do have their
research ‘fashions’ of the day, they provide a own dedicated selection categories, owing to the
vehicle for the publication of reviews, newly relative rarity of the fossil material.

51
From:
Simms, M.J., Chidlaw, N., Morton, N. & Page, K.N., (2004), British Lower Jurassic Stratigraphy, Geological Conservation Review Series,
No. 30, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 458 pages, illustrations, A4 hardback, ISBN 1 86107 495 6
For more information see: [Link]