Jackdaw Quarry facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°58′37″N 1°53′19″W / 51.976963°N 1.88858°W |
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 4.78 hectare |
| Notification | 1985 |
Jackdaw Quarry is a special place in Gloucestershire, England. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing geology. This means it has very important rocks and landforms that scientists study. The quarry covers about 4.78 hectares, which is like the size of almost seven football fields! It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1985.
Exploring Jackdaw Quarry's Rocks
Jackdaw Quarry is found in the beautiful Cotswolds area, which is famous for its rolling hills. This quarry is super important because it shows us clear layers of rock from a time called the Middle Jurassic period. These rock layers are part of something called the Inferior Oolite. They are unique to the northern Cotswolds region.
Understanding the Jurassic Period
The rocks at Jackdaw Quarry help scientists understand a specific time in Earth's history. These layers show the change between two parts of the Middle Jurassic period: the Aalenian and Bajocian Stages. Studying these layers helps us learn how the Earth changed millions of years ago.
The Moreton Swell Mystery
Evidence from the quarry shows that this area was once part of a large raised landmass called the Moreton Swell. This land was pushed upwards during the early Bajocian Stage. Jackdaw Quarry is very important for geological research. It helps scientists piece together what the geography of the Middle Jurassic period looked like.
