Drummond Quarry ASSI
| Site No. | ASSI 373 |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.44ha. |
| Declared Date | 29/03/2011 |
| Confirmed Date | |
| County | Tyrone |
| Council(s) | Dungannon and South Tyrone Council |
| Keywords | Earth Science |
Drummond Quarry is a special place because of its earth science interest. The rocks at this site date from the Carboniferous period, when this area was part of a seabed experiencing warm, sub-tropical conditions. The area supported a diverse ecosystem, represented by the fossil remains which can be seen in the rocks today.
The rock unit present at Drummond Quarry belongs to the group known as the Bundoran Shale Formation and is around 330 million years old. The site offers the best exposure of Carboniferous rocks in the Aughnacloy area.
The rocks here are dominated by fossil rich mudstones with occasional thin limestones. Fossils are abundant and include a range of solitary and colonial corals with lampshells (brachiopods) also present. The range of fossils allows the site to be linked with an important and well known site in Cumbria hosting what is known as the 'Arnside Fauna'.
Drummond Quarry shows that the Bundoran Shale Formation extends further east than previously thought. The rocks here probably represent the edge of the shallow marine basin that occupied this area during this part of the Carboniferous period.
Correct management is essential for special places like Drummond Quarry. For example sections of the former quarry should be kept clear of vegetation to allow the rocks and fossils to be accessed. Continued sensitive management will ensure the survival of the site’s important geology.
Site Related Documents
Site map (.PDF 1.9Mb)
, Citation and Views about Management document (.PDF 179Kb) and Colour Leaflet (.PDF 2.5Mb).
