Local Rocks

Within easy reach of Glasgow there lies a rich variety of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. These rocks were laid down during a period of over 500 million years, starting in the Neoproterozoic period (1000 to 541 Ma) and finishing in the Triassic period (252 Ma to 201 Ma).

(A chronostratigraphic chart describing the internationally agreed geological time scale can be found on the International Commission on Stratigraphy website.)

The map shows the varied geology of the extended Glasgow area with a key to the colours and numbering used. You can use the markers on the map to find out about each of twelve selected sites in the area. The site information is also accessible from the links in the sites list at the bottom of the page.

Selected Sites

Greater Glasgow Area

Sedimentary and volcanic rocks of Lower Carboniferous age and evidence for the Campsie Fault.

Beautifully preserved fossil tree stumps and roots from the Carboniferous period in Glasgow’s Victoria park.

Sedimentary rocks from the Carboniferous period and evidence of the Quaternary glaciation.

Loch Lomond Area

The relationships between the Dalradian block and the Midland Valley; details of the structure and stratigraphy of the Highland Border Complex; recumbent folding in Upper Dalradian rocks.

Stratigraphy and sedimentation of the Lower and Upper Devonian; the angular unconformity which separates them.

The Highland Boundary Fault separates the Highlands from the Lowlands with metamorphic rocks to the north and sedimentary rocks to the south.

A basalt plug which is the only remaining evidence of the volcano which existed on this site 330-340 million years ago.

Ayrshire & Arran

An association of serpentenite, chert and pillow lavas that represents an ophiolite suite.

Succession of Carboniferous rock types and junctions of the Carboniferous with the Devonian and the Permian.

A Palaeogene quartz-feldspar-porphyry sill displaying massive columnar jointing, with members of the Palaeogene dyke swarm.

A large deeply-eroded volcanic vent of Lower Carboniferous age.

Dalradian schists, Hutton's classic unconformity and Permian sandstones and breccias.