The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units — Result Details

Aberdeen Formation

Computer Code: ABDN Preferred Map Code: litho
Status Code: Full
Age range: Neoproterozoic Era (AZ) — Neoproterozoic Era (AZ)
Lithological Description: Interlayered psammite and semipelite, with subsidiary pelite and sporadic minor calcareous horizons.
Definition of Lower Boundary: Not seen: there is probably a major antiform running through the centre of the area of outcrop.
Definition of Upper Boundary: Incoming of coarse, gritty psammite in area to north of Oldmeldrum. Elsewhere upper contact is obscured by lateral transition to Ellon Formation.
Thickness: Several kilometres, but not measureable due to intense folding and migmatisation over most of the outcrop.
Geographical Limits: Occupies most of Sheet 77 and much of the eastern part of sheet 76E, together with small parts of sheets 86E and 87W. Probable extension into Sheet 67.
Parent Unit: Argyll Group (ARGY)
Previous Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Alternative Name(s): Aberdeen Division
Stratotypes:
Type Area  For Sheet 76E: Exposures in stream and beside ruins of Balquhain Castle, and in disused quarry 250m north-north-east of Netherton Smithy. 
Type Area  For Sheet 77: Coast section from south side of Cove Harbour to headland east of Crawpeel Shore. 
Reference(s):
Harris, A L and Pitcher, W S, 1975. The Dalradian Supergroup. "In" Harris, A L, Shackleton, R M, Watson, J, Downie, C, Harland, W B and Moorbath, S. A correlation of the Precambrian rocks in the British Isles. Geological Society Special Report, No.6. p.52-75. Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh. 
Munro, M, 1986. Geology of the country around Aberdeen. Memoir of the British Geological Survey, Sheet 77 (Scotland). 
1:50K maps on which the lithostratigraphical unit is found, and map code used:
S087 S077 S076 S086 S067 S066