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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1997; v. 120; p. 67-94;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1997.120.01.06
© 1997 Geological Society of London

Europe

Palaeosurface palynofloras of the Skye lava field and the age of the British Tertiary volcanic province

David W. Jolley

Centre for Palynological Studies, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK

Collection and palynological analysis of intratrappean boles, mudstones, sands, conglomerates and coals from the Skye lava field has allowed the reconstruction of geomorphological features and vegetation distribution on five palaeosurfaces. These palaeosurfaces show a changing pattern of streamside, swamp and upland vegetation which fall into three forest types: mixed mesophytic, upland Taxodiaceae and montane conifer forest. Comparisons of the Skye palynofloras with others analysed from the intra and intertrappean beds of the Antrim, Mull and Small Isles lavas, gives evidence of three (possibly four) main phases of British Tertiary volcanic province extrusive activity. In comparison to complete palynological records from the Faeroe-Shetland Basin, Skye and Antrim palynofloras can be dated as ranging from 58.23 Ma to 57.99 Ma, while those of the Mull Lavas, and coals below the Faeroe Islands Middle/Upper Basalts indicate initiation and resumption of extrusion after 55.00 Ma. Evidence of the age of palynofloras from the intratrappean beds of Eigg and Muck is limited, and does not dispute the Chron 27r age suggested by isotopic analysis (c. 62 Ma). Finally palynological evidence is presented showing two major subsidence phases, and one uplift phase during the 0.24 Ma existence of the Skye Lava field. It is suggested that altitudes in excess of 1200 m were experienced during thermal doming related to the emplacement of the Cuillin centre. The relative timing of this and other volcanic events is compared to subsidence patterns in the marine sedimentary record.





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