Beacon Limestone Formation

The Beacon Limestone Formation, historically known as the Junction Bed, is a formation of the early Jurassic age (Pliensbachian–Toarcian). It lies above the Dyrham Formation and below the Bridport Sand Formation. It forms part of the Lias Group. It is found within the Wessex Basin and parts of Somerset, in England. It is well known for the Strawberry Bank Lagerstätte, which contains the 3-dimensionally preserved remains of vertebrates, including marine crocodyliformes, ichthyosaurs and fish, as well as insect compression fossils.

Beacon Limestone Formation
Stratigraphic range: Upper Pliensbachian–Toarcian Spinatum-lowermost Thouarsense
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Cliff exposure at Thorncombe Beacon
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofLias Group
Sub-unitsMarlstone Rock, Barrington & Eype Mouth Limestone Members
UnderliesBridport Sand Formation
OverliesDyrham Formation
ThicknessUp to 5 metres (16 ft)
Averaging <1.5 metres (4.9 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryLimestone
Location
Coordinates50.9°N 2.8°W / 50.9; -2.8
Approximate paleocoordinates38.4°N 7.4°E / 38.4; 7.4
RegionSomerset, Dorset
Country England
ExtentWessex Basin
Type section
Named forThorncombe Beacon
LocationCliff exposure beneath Thorncombe Beacon
Beacon Limestone Formation (England)
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