The Harlech Dome is a geological dome in southern Snowdonia in north Wales. It extends approximately from Blaenau Ffestiniog in the north to Tywyn in the south, and includes Harlech, The Rhinogydd,[1] Barmouth and Cadair Idris.[2]

The geological layer structure comprises Cambrian sedimentary, volcanic and intrusive rocks from the lower Paleozoic age[2] approximately 4.5 km thick.[3] The geology contains the Harlech Grits Group, Mawddach Group, Rhobell Volcanic Group and Aran Volcanic Group.[2]

The area contains a wide range of metallic minerals and has been mined for (copper,[4] silver,[4] zinc,[4] manganese,[5] gold[4][6][7]) in the past.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Rhinogydd". The Snowdonial. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d "Mineral Reconnaissance Programme Report No 74 - "A reconnaissance geochemical drainage survey of the Harlech Dome, North Wales" (1985 PDF - mineralogical report, 113pp)]". British Geological Survey, Natural Environment Research Council. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  3. ^ "Cambrian rocks in Wales". Countryside Council for Wales. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d "Mineral exploration in the Harlech Dome, North Wales". NERC Open Resesarch Archive. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  5. ^ "Geology - Harlech Dome". Merioneth Manganese. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  6. ^ "The Geology of the Barmouth and Arthog area". Bernard O’Connor. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  7. ^ "Chasing ancient microcontinents in North Wales - the Megumia project". Geology Wales. Retrieved 16 November 2014.

52°52′N 3°55′W / 52.86°N 3.91°W / 52.86; -3.91