The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units — Result Details

Little Whin Sill

Computer Code: LWHIN Preferred Map Code: notEntered
Status Code: Full
Age range: Late Mississippian Epoch (CMIL) — Cisuralian Epoch (PLC)
Lithological Description: A very fine to fine-grained porphyritic dolerite, with finer grained 'chilled' contact rock. Sills are typically columnar jointed, and emplaced into the Three Yard Limestone. The literature on this sill is listed, referred to and discussed in Stephenson et al., 2003.
Definition of Lower Boundary: Taken at the sharp intrusive contact of the sill, where it is in contact with sedimentary strata below.
Definition of Upper Boundary: Taken at the sharp intrusive contact with the strata overlying the sill.
Thickness: Up to 13 m thick.
Geographical Limits: Weardale, County Durham.
Parent Unit: Whin Sill Complex (WHINS)
Previous Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Alternative Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Stratotypes:
Type Area  Greenfoot Quarry, near Stanhope, Weardale, County Durham. Stephenson et al., 2003. 
Reference(s):
Stephenson, D, Loughlin, S C, Millward, D, Waters, C N and Williamson, I. 2003. Carboniferous and Permian igneous rocks of Great Britain, north of the Variscan Front. Geological Conservation Review Volume 27. Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Peterborough. 374 pp. 
1:50K maps on which the lithostratigraphical unit is found, and map code used:
E025 E026