The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units — Result Details

Ben Nevis Volcanic Formation

Computer Code: BNVO Preferred Map Code: BNVO
Status Code: Full
Age range: Pridoli Epoch (SO) — Early Devonian Epoch (DL)
Lithological Description: Massive unsorted volcanic breccias and agglomerates, some andesitic, with hornblende-bearing andesitic lavas and sheets.
Definition of Lower Boundary: The base of the predominantly volcanic rocks above the Allt a' Mhuilinn Mudstone Formation.
Definition of Upper Boundary: The top of the volcanic succession on Ben Nevis, partly removed by erosion.
Thickness: About 630 m presently exposed.
Geographical Limits: The Ben Nevis area of Scotland.
Parent Unit: Not Applicable (-)
Previous Name(s): Ben Nevis Volcanic Series [Obsolete Name And Code: See BNVO] (BNV)
Alternative Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Stratotypes:
Type Section  Outcrop near the summit of Ben Nevis, south-west of Fort William McGarvie, 1999. 
Reference(s):
Browne, M A E, Smith, R A and Aitken, A M. 2001. A lithostratigraphical framework for the Devonian (Old Red Sandstone) rocks of Scotland south of a line from Fort William to Aberdeen. Version 3. British Geological Survey Research Report RR/01/04. 
Burt, R M. 1994. The geology of Ben Nevis, south-west Highlands, Scotland. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of St Andrews. 
McGarvie, D. W. 1999. Ben Nevis and Allt a' Mhuilinn. In: Caledonian igneous rocks of Great Britain. (Geological Conservation Review Series No. 17). Stephenson, D, and six others (editors). (Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee). 
1:50K maps on which the lithostratigraphical unit is found, and map code used:
S053 S053