Hornsleasow Quarry facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
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| Coordinates | 51°59′19″N 1°48′36″W / 51.98855°N 1.809915°W |
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 3.5 hectare |
| Notification | 1974 |
Hornsleasow Quarry is a special place in Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 3.5 hectares, which is like 5 football fields! This quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing geology. It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1974.
This site is also known as a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS). This means it's super important for understanding the Earth's history in this area.
Contents
Exploring Hornsleasow Quarry's Location and Rocks
Hornsleasow Quarry, also called Snowshill Hill, is located in the beautiful Cotswolds. This area is famous for its natural beauty and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
What Kind of Rocks Are Here?
The quarry shows off many layers of rock. These rocks are mostly a type of limestone called oolitic limestone. This means they are made of tiny, round grains that look like fish eggs! These rocks were formed during the Middle Jurassic period. That was about 170 million years ago!
How Were These Rocks Formed?
Scientists believe these rocks were laid down in a warm, shallow sea. This ancient sea covered much of what is now Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. The conditions back then were similar to the Bahama Banks in the Caribbean today. Imagine a clear, warm sea with lots of tiny sea creatures!
Clues from the Past: Fossils and Sediments
The rocks at Hornsleasow Quarry contain well-preserved fossils. They also have special patterns called sedimentary structures. These clues help scientists figure out how old the rocks are. They also help us understand what the ancient sea was like. Hornsleasow Quarry is a key place for piecing together the story of this ancient sea.
