Runswick Bay, Yorkshire Coast: The Whitby Mudstone and Associated Fauna
led by Richard Maddra
Meet at Bank Bottom car park [NZ 809 159] at 9:30am. Alternative parking is available
at Bank Top car park [NZ 807 161]; the relevant postcode is YO21 3TG. Aim to finish by
~3.30pm. Please bring packed lunches and we recommend hard hats (if you have one) and
sturdy footwear.
(image Jed Atkinson)
A walk from Runswick Bay towards Kettleness to examine the stratigraphy and ammonite fauna of the Grey Shale, Mulgrave Shale and Alum Shale Members of the Whitby Mudstone Formation. The Main Seam of the Cleveland Ironstone Formation can also be seen. Evidence of warming and ocean anoxia can be observed. The ammonite fauna includes members of the Dactylioceratidae and Hildoceratidae as well as isolated specimens of Cornaptychus.
At the start of the visit, examples of hand specimens will be shown and discussed. The itinerary covers about 4 miles altogether and involves some scrambling over boulders. If tidal conditions allow, there is the option to extend the walk to view the Top Jet Dogger at Topman Steel and view the mining archaeology at Wrack Hills.
Please wear appropriate footwear, outdoor clothing and a packed lunch.
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
