At Blackhall Rocks, just south of the Gin Cave, we find the Ford Formation at the base of the sequence, marking Zechstein Cycle 1. Here, we are at the edge of the reef rampart, where Boulder conglomerate forms due to former high-energy wave impact on the reef. The reef has been disturbed, breaking up into rubble that moves into deeper waters.
The large boulders indicate the rubble, while subtle layers suggest carbonate activity, with limey muds and microbial activity trying to bind the reef rubble back together.
The boundary between Zechstein Cycle 1 and Zechstein Cycle 2 marks the start of the evolution of Zechstein Cycle 2. Quiet water lagoonal sediments form behind the reef, creating the crinkly beds. These beds indicate the development of microbial mats and biofilms in the tranquil lagoon, leading to millimeter-scale laminae and the formation of stromatolites within the Roker Formation.
360 Degree Interactive Panorama
