Reference
Benton, Michael J. and Taylor, Michael Alan (1984) Marine Reptiles from the Upper Lias (Lower Toarcian, Early Jurassic) of the Yorkshire Coast; Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society, 44, Part 4(29), pp.399-429
Marine Reptiles from the Upper Lias (Lower Toarcian, Early Jurassic) of the Yorkshire Coast
Principal Author
Michael J. Benton
Other Authors
Michael Alan Taylor
Header
Academic paper
Journal
Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society
Volume
44, Part 4
Issue
29
Pages
399-429
Abstract
Fossil Marine reptiles have been collected in some abundance from several sites along the Yorkshire coast over the last 225 years. Much of this material has remained unstudied and there is confusion over the provenance of most specimens. A detailed study of early collectors' reports has revealed the sources of some specimens and others have been dated by means of associated ammonites and matrix. A complete list of all specimens known to us is given, and these include 55 crocodiles, 69 ichthyosaurs 33 plesiosaurs and one pterosaur. Reptiles are rare in the Lower and Middle Lias of Yorkshire. The richest horizons are within the Upper Lias (Lower Toarcian, Whitbian) with 14 specimens from the Jet Rock Formation and 144 from the Alum Shales Formation (predominantly the main Alum Shales). Tue best localities have been the Whitby-Saltwick section (137 specimens) and the old Alum quarries at Kettleness (5 specimens) and Loftus (4 specimens). The faunas from these sites are unrivalled in the Upper Lias of Britain, and they show significant differences from the Upper Lias faunas of SW Germany (e.g. Holzmaden) and France.
Language
English