Waterloo Bay

Waterloo Bay

Tilted mudstones at Waterloo Bay, Larne
Map showing the location of Waterloo Bay

Location in Northern Ireland

Location County Antrim, Northern Ireland
OSI/OSNI grid D408037
Coordinates 54°51′07″N 5°49′48″W / 54.852°N 5.83°W / 54.852; -5.83Coordinates: 54°51′07″N 5°49′48″W / 54.852°N 5.83°W / 54.852; -5.83
Elevation 0 m
Geology Mercia Mudstone Group, Lias Group
Age Jurassic, Triassic
Topo map OSNI Discoverer 9

Waterloo Bay is an area of foreshore in Larne, Northern Ireland.

The site is of interest to geologists because it provides an unusually clear, complete and accessible example of the sequences from Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic, when the rock types changed from land to marine.[1]

Protected Status

In 1995, Waterloo Bay was designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest for its geological importance.[1]

In 2007, it was a candidate for Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (also known as a GSSP, or 'golden spike') to mark the base of the Jurassic system and Hettangian stage.[2][3][4] although the Kujoch in Austria was chosen instead.

Early investigation

Joseph Ellison Portlock studied the Triassic and Jurassic rocks of Ireland in 1843 as part of his engagement by Ordnance Survey Ireland.[3]

In 1864 Ralph Tate made an investigation of the Triassic rocks of Co Antrim, which he reported to the Geological Society of London.[3]

The 'Larne Sea Dragon'

In 1999, an ichthyosaur, also popularly known as the 'Larne Sea Dragon' or 'Minnis Monster'[5] was found in the Langport Member strata by Brian McGee. Remains were found of the backbone and rib cage, scattered pieces of the front limbs, the lower jaw, and several teeth. These were uncovered by fossil preparator Andy Cowap and put on display in the Ulster Museum.[6]

From 2007-9, while the Ulster Museum was undergoing refurbishment, the ichthyosaur was exhibited in Larne Tourist Information Centre.[7]

Public right of way

The promenade, a footpath between the foreshore and the low cliffs at Waterloo, is a public right of way.[8]

See also

Geology of Northern Ireland
List of rock formations in the United Kingdom

References

  1. 1 2 Department of the Environment NI, Waterloo ASSI
  2. ↑ International Commission on Stratigraphy
  3. 1 2 3 Simms, M J and Jeram, A J (2007) Waterloo Bay, Larne, Northern Ireland: A potential Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Jurassic System, National Museums Northern Ireland
  4. ↑ Marina Plan Could Be 'Golden-Spiked' (15 May 2007) Larne Times
  5. ↑ BBC Attic
  6. ↑ Unearthing the Larne Sea Dragon (2007) National Museums Northern Ireland
  7. ↑ McIlwaine Biggins, Fiona (15 Nov 2007) 200m year old resident returns home to Larne, Belfast Telegraph
  8. ↑ Council Papers Confirm Members Labelled Marina Minute Erroneous (1 Dec 2005) Larne Times
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