Upper Greensand Formation

Upper Greensand Formation
Stratigraphic range: AlbianCenomanian 113–94 Ma
Sandstones of the Upper Greensand Formation above Blackgang, Isle of Wight
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofSelborne Group
UnderliesChalk Group
OverliesGault Clay
AreaWessex Basin, Weald Basin
Thickness0–75 m
Lithology
PrimarySandstone
OtherSiltstone
Location
CountryEngland

The Upper Greensand Formation is a Cretaceous formation of Albian to Cenomanian in age, found within the Wessex Basin and parts of the Weald Basin in southern England.[1] It overlies the Gault Clay and underlies the Chalk Group. It varies in thickness from zero to 75 m. It is predominantly a glauconitic fine-grained sandstone, locally becoming silty. Fragmentary dinosaur remains, such as those assigned to Iuticosaurus, have been recovered from this formation. It has been quarried as a building stone from Roman times, and used in London and the area of its outcrop from Devon to East Sussex.

  1. ^ "Upper Greensand Formation". The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units. British Geological Survey.