Country diary: treasures that were once beneath the Cambrian sea

Assynt, Sutherland, Highlands:The stromatolite fossils lie on the Eilean Dubh Formation, a geologic stratum often marked by coral and shell fossilsAs I climb up from the green-brown valley near Inchnadamph, the early spring countryside changes character. Snow patches appear and soon become abundant, then all seems white as the mountains ’ snow-blanketed slopes merge into silver-grey clouds. On this blustery day, when sleet and rain slash across the landscape and wind snatches at all things, it’s hard to believe the Highlands were ever anything but a cold, damp, mountainous place. But the curious circular rocks embedded in the f oothills are evidence that the earth beneath my feet once lay under shallow seas in a considerably warmer climate.Related:The natural wonder that holds the key to the origins of life – and warns of its destructionContinue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Fossils Environment Geology Evolution Biology Science Scotland UK news Source Type: news