Folkestone Formation

Folkestone Formation
Stratigraphic range: Albian 110 Ma
Cliffs at Folkestone
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofLower Greensand Group
UnderliesGault Formation
OverliesSandgate Formation
AreaWeald Basin
ThicknessBetween 0.5 and 80m.
Lithology
PrimarySand, Sandstone
Location
RegionEurope
Country UK
ExtentSouthern England
Type section
Named forFolkestone
LocationEast Cliff, Folkestone

The Folkestone Formation is a geological formation in the United Kingdom. It forms part of the Lower Greensand Group, and dates to the early part of the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous. It primarily consists of medium to coarsed grained unconsolidated sand and weakly cemented sandstone.[1] It was likely deposited in a shallow beach setting. Dinosaur tracks have been reported from the formation, including those of theropods, ornithopods, and possibly ankylosaurs.[2]

  1. ^ "Folkestone Formation". BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  2. ^ Hadland, Philip T.; Friedrich, Steve; Lagnaoui, Abdelouahed; Martill, David M. (17 June 2021). "The youngest dinosaur footprints from England and their palaeoenvironmental implications". Proceedings of the Geologists' Association. 132 (4): 479–490. doi:10.1016/j.pgeola.2021.04.005.