Untitled Document

Cow's Head Peninsula

 

Bedrock geology
The bedrock geology here is similar to that of Green Point, only the limestone conglomerate layers are much thicker (approximately 20 meters compared to approximately 1 meter at Green Point). In addition, the clasts that make up the conglomerate are much larger (see pictures below). Like at Green Point, there are also interbedded layers of shale, but they are much thinner. These rocks are also underlain by Grenville basement and were brought to the surface during the Taconic Orogeny. Essentially, it is the same bedrock, but in different proportions, that is present at Green Point.

=> Photographs above and to the right show the large clasts of limestone present in the conglomerate.

 

If the Bedrock is so Similar, Why Does it Look Different?
The rocks at Cow's Head formed at the same time and in the same manner as the rocks at Green Point. The only difference is the location of deposition. This rock formed very close to, or directly at the interface between, the slope of the continental shelf and the deep ocean floor (see diagram to the right). This is evidenced by the boulder size chunks of limestone present in the limestone conglomerate that could not have traveled far on the flat ocean floor. The greater thickness of the limestone at Cow's Head is additional evidence for formation at the slope/floor interface.
George
One the way to the beach where we looked at the bedrock, we saw this very friendly Newfoundland Retriever that was probably bigger than almost all of us.

 

 

 

Kate and George

George and Alisha

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