Tomintoul
Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #1247 | Quaternary Geology | Quaternary of Scotland
Scotland's geosites are chosen because of their local, national or international importance. Take only photos, leave only footprints: avoid causing any damage to this site. You can walk almost anywhere in Scotland without the need to ask permission or keep to paths, but you have a responsibility to care for your own safety, to respect people's privacy and peace of mind and to cause no damage.
This site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage the protected natural features of a SSSI, and this includes unauthorised sample collection.
The right of access does not extend to quarries, building sites or any land where public access is prohibited, or to the collection of geological samples.
Summary
TUFA
A site showing a 6m tufa deposit laid down by the Marl Burn. Six soil horizons occur within the tufa, one of which contains charcoal which is being radiocarbon dated. At this horizon shade-loving molluscs take over from the ecologically tolerant species typical of the lower 3.5m of the section. Notable species occurring include Vertigo genesii (an arctic-alpine species) below and V. alpestris in the upper levels, the only fossil occurrence of the latter in Scotland. A unique site in Scotland contrasting strongly with English localities and their mollusc diagrams.
Site information
Further information
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309269317_Tufa_dep…
Faulkner, T. and Brazier Kirkbride, V., Tufa Deposits at Inchrory and Glen Suie, Moray Scotland, Jan 2016, Cave and Karst Science 43(1):17-20. This paper has excellent information and colour images on the Inchrory Tufa deposit. Location and access is clear.
Related geosites
Overlaps with:
Don Stewart
Sept. 6, 2024
View northwards from Inchrory Lodge. The main tufa deposit is the light-coloured alluvial fan in the middle distance, running down to the estate road. Other exposures in the vicinity are reachable by scrambling up the burn valley.
Don Stewart
Aug. 22, 2023
Some plant remains in the tufa.