Aust Cliff facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Avon |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°36′06″N 2°37′46″W / 51.60175°N 2.62947°W |
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 13.1 acres (0.053 km2; 0.0205 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1954 |
Aust Cliff is a special place for geology in South Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 5.3 hectares (which is like 13 football fields). This cliff is right next to the Severn Estuary, near the village of Aust. It was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1954 because of its unique rocks and fossils. The famous Severn Bridge even crosses right over this cliff!
This site is very important because it has amazing fossil beds. It's especially known for a layer of rock called the Rhaetic bone bed. This bone bed contains many fossils from the Rhaetian age, which was a time period long ago. Aust Cliff is also the best place in Britain to find fossils of Triassic insects. The Triassic period was even earlier than the Rhaetian, a time when dinosaurs were just starting to appear.
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What Makes Aust Cliff Special?
Aust Cliff is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area in the UK because it has rare wildlife, plants, or geological features. For Aust Cliff, its special status comes from its geology and the fossils found there.
Layers of Rock at Aust Cliff
The cliff is made up of different layers of rock, like a giant sandwich. Each layer tells a story about Earth's past.
- The bottom part of the cliff is made of red mudstone. This mudstone also has bands of pinkish-white alabaster nodules. Alabaster is a soft, often white stone.
- Above the red mudstone, you'll find green mudstone.
- Next comes the famous Rhaetic bone bed. This layer is at the bottom of a band of black shale. Shale is a type of rock that splits easily into thin layers.
- Finally, above the black shale, there are layers of cream-colored limestone. Limestone is a common rock often formed from the shells of ancient sea creatures.
Ancient Animals Found Here
Aust Cliff is famous for the fossils it holds. Scientists have found many ancient creatures here, especially from the Triassic and Rhaetian periods.
Pterosaurs of Aust Cliff
One of the most exciting finds at Aust Cliff are fossils of pterosaurs. Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs. They were not dinosaurs themselves, but close relatives.
- Dimorphodon: A type of pterosaur called Dimorphodon macronyx has been found here. This creature had a large head and a long tail.
