The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units — Result Details

Kinghorn Volcanic Formation

Computer Code: KNV Preferred Map Code: KNV
Status Code: Full
Age range: Asbian Substage (CR) — Brigantian Substage (CX)
Lithological Description: Basaltic lava flows, mostly subaerial but some subaqueous with associated hyaloclastite and pillows, interbedded with tuffs, sandstones, mudstones and limestones.
Definition of Lower Boundary: Conformable; at base of lowest basaltic lava flow. Locally the base is complex as a result of interdigitation with the uppermost part of the Sandy Craig Formation.
Definition of Upper Boundary: Conformable; at top of highest basaltic lava on tuff in transition to sediments of Pathhead or Lower Limestone Formation.
Thickness: 400-500 m.
Geographical Limits: Around Kinghom on 1:10k sheet NT28NE, north of Burntisland on sheet NT28NW; extending northwards onto the southernmost parts of NT29SW and SE and westwards onto the easternmost part of NT18NE.
Parent Unit: Bathgate Group (BATH)
Previous Name(s): Burntisland Lavas [Obsolete Name and Code: Use KNV] (-3503)
Alternative Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Stratotypes:
Type Section  Coastal section between Pettycur Harbour (Kinghorn) and Seafield Tower (between Kinghon and Kirkcaldy). 
Reference(s):
Gelkie, A, 1900. The geology of central and western Fife and Kinross. Memoir of the Geological Survey of Scotland, p.53-76. 
Dean, M T, Browne, M A E, Waters, C N and Powell, J H. 2011. A lithostratigraphical framework for the Carboniferous successions of northern Great Britain (onshore). British Geological Survey Research Report, RR/10/007. 165pp. 
MacGregor, A R, 1968. Fife and Angus Geology, an excursion guide. Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh, p.248-253. 
1:50K maps on which the lithostratigraphical unit is found, and map code used:
S040 S032 S040