The Ceiswyn Formation (also known as the Ceiswyn Beds) is an Ordovician lithostratigraphic group (a sequence of rock strata) in Mid Wales.[1] The rock of the formation is made up of interleaved beds of silty mudstones and siltstones with some sandstones and tuffs also present in small amounts. The formation runs diagonally across Mid Wales from close by Bala Lake to Cardigan Bay near Tywyn.[2]

Ceiswyn Formation
Stratigraphic range: Hirnantian
The cliffs of Graig Goch which expose the Ceiswyn Formation
TypeGroup
Unit ofOgwen Group
UnderliesNod Glas Formation
OverliesCraig-y-Llam Formation
ThicknessTypically 1,400 m (4,600 ft), up to 1,550 m (5,090 ft) at the western end
Lithology
PrimaryMudstone
OtherSiltstone
Location
Coordinates52°39′39″N 3°53′57″W / 52.6608°N 3.8993°W / 52.6608; -3.8993
RegionMid Wales
Country Wales

Outcrops

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The formation is exposed in a number of locations in Mid Wales where glacial valleys cut across it. It is especially visible in the cliffs of Graig Goch.

Fossil content

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Harnagian-Soudleyan trilobites have been found in the rocks of the Ceiswyn Formation near Dinas Mawddwy.[3]

References

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  1. ^ W. T. Pratt; D. G. Woodhall; Malcolm Fletcher Howells; M. J. Leng (1995). Geology of the Country Around Cadair Idris. H.M. Stationery Office. ISBN 978-0-11-884509-0.
  2. ^ "Ceiswyn Formation". BGS on-line lexicon of rock units. British Geological Survey. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  3. ^ Richard A. Fortey; D. A. T. Harper (2000). A Revised Correlation of Ordovician Rocks in the British Isles. Geological Society of London. pp. 23–. ISBN 978-1-86239-069-0.