Allt Penycoed Stream Section facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Carmarthen & Dinefwr |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°50′24″N 4°15′38″W / 51.840123°N 4.2605862°W |
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 1.62 ha |
| Notification | 1985 |
Allt Penycoed Stream Section is a special place in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (or SSSI). This means it's protected by law because it has rare or unique natural features.
This site became an SSSI in April 1985. Its main purpose is to protect important geological features. The area covers about 1.62 hectares, which is roughly the size of two football fields. Natural Resources Wales helps manage and look after this special site.
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What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, is an area that has special plants, animals, or geological features. These sites are very important for nature and science. The law protects them to make sure they stay healthy and safe for the future.
Why is Allt Penycoed Stream Section Special?
This particular SSSI is special because of its geology. Geology is the study of Earth's physical structure and history. In Wales, geological SSSIs can be anything from old quarries to rocky cliffs by the sea. About 30% of all SSSIs in Wales are protected for their geological importance.
Uncovering Earth's Past at Allt Penycoed
The stream section at Allt Penycoed is like a window into Earth's ancient past. It shows layers of rock called turbidite and shale. These rocks formed from mud and sand that settled at the bottom of an ancient sea.
Underneath these layers are older rocks called Pibwr mudstones. These mudstones contain amazing clues about what the world was like around 500 million years ago.
The Story of Trilobites
One of the most exciting discoveries at this site is the presence of trilobite fossils. Trilobites were a group of sea creatures that lived a very long time ago. They are now extinct, meaning they no longer exist on Earth.
Trilobites were a type of arthropod, similar to modern-day crabs or insects. Their fossilized remains help scientists understand the conditions of the ancient seabed. They show how the sea changed over time, including how deep it was and how much oxygen was in the water.
Comparing Rocks Across the British Isles
The many fossils found at Allt Penycoed Stream Section are very useful. Geologists can compare these fossils and rock layers with similar ones found in other parts of South Wales and the rest of the British Isles. This helps them piece together a bigger picture of Earth's history and how different areas were connected millions of years ago.
