Joggins Formation | |
---|---|
Stratigraphic range: Westphalian or Moscovian ~ | |
Type | Formation |
Unit of | Cumberland Group |
Underlies | Polly Brook Formation |
Overlies | Grand Anse & Little River Formations |
Lithology | |
Primary | Sandstone, coal |
Other | Claystone, shale |
Location | |
Coordinates | 45°42′N 64°30′W / 45.7°N 64.5°W |
Approximate paleocoordinates | 8°00′S 7°12′W / 8.0°S 7.2°W |
Region | Nova Scotia |
Country | Canada |
Extent | Cumberland Basin |
Type section | |
Named for | Joggins, Nova Scotia |
Named by | Walter A. Bell |
Year defined | 1914 |
The Joggins Formation is a geologic formation in Nova Scotia. It preserves fossils dating back to the Westphalian stage or Moscovian stage of the Upper Carboniferous period or Pennsylvanian period, including Hylonomus, the earliest known reptile. In addition to fossils, the Joggins Formation was a valuable source of coal from the 17th century until the mid-20th century.
The Joggins Formation's spectacular coastal exposure, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs at Coal Mine Point, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.[1]