Heavy mineral analyses and facies interpretations of part of the calciferous sandstone measures, Pittenweem, E. Fife, Scotland

Abstract

A vertical section of fluvio - deltaic sediments of Dinantian age is exposed along the coast in Fife. These sediments form a series of cycles and cycle types evolving by progradation into a shallow bay area at the eastern end of the Midland Valley. Analysis of the heavy fraction indicates provenance from a variety of rock types comprising the Caledonian Massif. Although certain suites can be identified it is impossible to determine absolutely the origin of the sediment due to transport and deposition effects. The analysis of the delta cycle patterns shows an increased importance of marine influences towards the top of the section resulting in limestone formation. The measured section shows five distinctive environments of deposition - swamp, splay, channel, overbank interdistributary and lagoon each with their own distinctive types of sediment, structure and sedimentation pattern. The overlying form is of a birdfoot lobate type delta similar to that of the Guadalupe Delta of Texas.