Tilted mudstones at Waterloo Bay, Larne
|Location||County Antrim, Northern Ireland|
|Geology||Mercia Mudstone Group, Lias Group|
|Topo map||OSNI Discoverer 9|
The site is of interest to geologists because it provides an unusually clear, complete and accessible example of the sequences from Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic, when the rock types changed from land to marine.
In 2007, it was a candidate for Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (also known as a GSSP, or 'golden spike') to mark the base of the Jurassic system and Hettangian stage. although the Kujoch in Austria was chosen instead.
The 'Larne Sea Dragon'
In 1999, an ichthyosaur, also popularly known as the 'Larne Sea Dragon' or 'Minnis Monster' was found in the Langport Member strata by Brian McGee. Remains were found of the backbone and rib cage, scattered pieces of the front limbs, the lower jaw, and several teeth. These were uncovered by fossil preparator Andy Cowap and put on display in the Ulster Museum.
From 2007-9, while the Ulster Museum was undergoing refurbishment, the ichthyosaur was exhibited in Larne Tourist Information Centre.
Public right of way
The promenade, a footpath between the foreshore and the low cliffs at Waterloo, is a public right of way.
Synaeresis cracks in the mudstone
- Department of the Environment NI, Waterloo ASSI
- International Commission on Stratigraphy
- Simms, M J and Jeram, A J (2007) Waterloo Bay, Larne, Northern Ireland: A potential Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Jurassic System, National Museums Northern Ireland
- Marina Plan Could Be 'Golden-Spiked' (15 May 2007) Larne Times
- BBC Attic
- Unearthing the Larne Sea Dragon (2007) National Museums Northern Ireland
- McIlwaine Biggins, Fiona (15 Nov 2007) 200m year old resident returns home to Larne, Belfast Telegraph
- Council Papers Confirm Members Labelled Marina Minute Erroneous (1 Dec 2005) Larne Times