Ash Layers
More than 200 layers of volcanic ash of predominantly basaltic composition have been found within the Mo-clay of the Fur Formation. 179 of the most prominent ash layers have been numbered. Comparison with volcanic ash layers in oil wells in the North Sea indicates that the Mo-clay is coeval with the Sele Formation and Balder Formation in the North Sea. The ash layers have also been found at other sites in Denmark, England, Austria and the Bay of Biscay.
The total eruption volume of this series have been calculated as 21,000 km3, which occurred in 600,000 years. The most powerful single eruption of this series took place 54.0 million years ago (Ma) and ejected ca. 1,200 km3 of ash material, which makes it one of the largest basaltic pyroclastic eruptions in geological history.
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Image showing the distinct geological layers.
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An inland location.
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These cliffs of Fur have been a rich source of fossils.
Read more about this topic: Fur Formation
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