Marnes de Dives | |
---|---|
Stratigraphic range: Late | |
Type | Geological formation |
Underlies | Marnes de Villers |
Thickness | 8–10 metres (30–30 ft) |
Lithology | |
Primary | Marl |
Other | Limestone |
Location | |
Region | Normandy |
Country | France |
Extent | Paris Basin |
Type section | |
Named for | Dives-sur-Mer |
The Marnes de Dives is a geological formation in Normandy, France. It dates back to the upper part of the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic.[1] And is partially equivalent to the Oxford Clay in England. It predominantly consists of ooidal marl, rich in pyrite and lignite, interbedded with thin limestone horizons.[2] It is best exposed at the base of the Falaises des Vaches Noires (Cliffs of Black Cows) as well as the foreshore at low tide. It is known for its fossils, notably those of ammonites, marine crocodiles and fragmentary remains of dinosaurs, mostly theropods.