Loch Monar
Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #2265 | Structural and Metamorphic Geology | Moine
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.
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
World-famous outcrop of superposed folding and the resultant interference patterns - where the methods for analysing and describing complex structures were first developed.
The recognition that small-scale tectonic structures bear a direct relationship to larger scale, regional structures greatly advanced structural interpretation and understanding of the relative timing of tectonic events. These small-scale structures exposed along the shores of Loch Monar were first recognised as refolded folds by John Ramsay in the late 1950s. Later folds refold the limbs and axial planes of earlier folds producing classical crooked finger type 3 interference patterns developed within finely banded, migmatised biotite gneiss. The recognition and appreciation of the nature of interference patterns was a major contribution to geological science. These important structures are particularly well-displayed here allowing a very detailed structural investigation. They are amongst the finest refolds to be found anywhere.
Site information
Access
It is possible to drive a car up Glen Strathfarrar from 2 April to the end of October, though permission from the gatekeeper at Struy is required. Overnight parking is not permitted, and the glen is closed on certain days and overnight. Opening / closing times change throughout the year. See https://www.mountaineering.scot/access/special-arrangements/strathfarrar for up to date information.
Rob Butler
So-called "type 3" fold interference pattern.
Rob Butler
So-called "type 2" fold interference pattern
Rob Butler
The classic example of "dome and basin" interference (so-called "type 1")- caused by two distinct folding episodes, orthogonal to one another.
Rob Butler
Classic folding at Loch Monar