The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units — Result Details

Pittenweem Formation

Computer Code: PMB Preferred Map Code: PMB
Status Code: Full
Age range: Asbian Substage (CR) — Asbian Substage (CR)
Lithological Description: Mudstone and siltstone with thin beds of limestone and dolomite; sandstone is subordinate; pattern of sedimentation cyclic with non-marine origin dominant over marine.
Definition of Lower Boundary: The conformable base of the Formation lies in a transitional sequence up from the Anstruther Formation and is drawn at the base of the Cuniger Rock Marine Band.
Definition of Upper Boundary: The conformable top of the Formation lies in a transitional sequence to the Sandy Craig Formation and is taken at the top of the St. Andrews Castle Marine Band.
Thickness: Maximum thickness is 220m+ in East Fife
Geographical Limits: Central and East Fife.
Parent Unit: Strathclyde Group (SYG)
Previous Name(s): Pittenweem Beds [Obsolete Name and Code: Use PMB] (-457)
Alternative Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Stratotypes:
Partial Type Section  (Basal contact) Cuniger Rock on the Fife coast. 
Partial Type Section  (Top contact) Kilconquhar Mains Borehole (BGS Ref.No. NO40SE/26) from 700m to 830m. 
Reference Section  Shore at St. Andrews, Fife. 
Reference(s):
Forsyth, I H and Chisholm, J I, 1977. The geology of east Fife. Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Great Britain. 
Browne, M A E, 1986. The Classification of the Lower Carboniferous in Fife and Lothian. Scottish Journal of Geology, Vol.22, p.422-425. 
1:50K maps on which the lithostratigraphical unit is found, and map code used:
S040 S032 S032 S049 S041