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Introduction to Other British Fossil Ammonites

In addition to the well-known fossil sites of Dorset, Somerset, and Yorkshire, the British Isles offer a wide range of fossil-rich locations that yield remarkable ammonite specimens. These other fossil sites, located across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of England beyond the famous fossil-hunting regions, contribute significantly to our understanding of ammonite evolution, diversity, and paleoenvironments during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

Fossil ammonites found across these locations provide key biostratigraphic markers, helping paleontologists date rock formations and reconstruct ancient marine ecosystems. This article highlights some of these lesser-known British fossil ammonite sites, detailing their geological significance, species, and contribution to paleontological research.

Geological Occurrences of Other British Fossil Ammonites
Fossil ammonites can be found across the British Isles, from Scotland to Northern Ireland and various parts of England and Wales. These sites contain rich Jurassic and Cretaceous rock formations that are known for their fossil content. Key locations include:

Isle of Skye (Scotland)

Great Estuarine Group (Middle Jurassic): The Isle of Skye in Scotland is known for its impressive Middle Jurassic fossil record. Ammonites from this region are often found in marine sediments that were deposited in shallow seas and lagoons. The fossils found here include ammonite species such as *Cadoceras* and *Sonninia*, which provide valuable insights into the paleobiogeography of the Middle Jurassic seas.

Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea (Wales)

Lias Group (Lower Jurassic): The cliffs at Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea in South Wales expose rocks from the Lias Group, which date back to the Early Jurassic. Ammonites found here, such as *Arietites* and *Oxynoticeras*, are often preserved in limestone and are crucial for dating the Sinemurian and Pliensbachian stages.

Antrim Coast (Northern Ireland)

Hibernian Greensands Formation (Cretaceous): The Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland is famous for its Cretaceous rock formations, particularly the Hibernian Greensands Formation. Ammonites like *Schloenbachia* and *Mantelliceras* are found in these rocks, often preserved in excellent condition. These ammonites are important for understanding marine life in the Cretaceous period.

Isle of Wight (England)

Vectis Formation (Lower Cretaceous): The Isle of Wight is well-known for its Cretaceous fossils, including a wide variety of ammonites. The Vectis Formation contains ammonites such as *Deshayesites* and *Douvilleiceras*, which are significant for studying the transition from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous.

Detailed Information about Other British Fossil Ammonites
The fossil ammonites found across these British fossil sites represent a wide variety of species, each offering insights into different periods of geological time. Below is a detailed exploration of ammonite species from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Wight, highlighting their preservation, evolutionary significance, and ecological roles:

Isle of Skye Fossils

Ammonite Preservation: Fossils from the Isle of Skye are often found in marine sediments that were deposited in shallow seas and lagoons during the Middle Jurassic. The ammonites are typically well-preserved, with their ribbed and coiled shells visible in the sedimentary rock. Pyritization is also common in some areas, preserving fine details in golden hues.

Notable Species: Species such as *Cadoceras* and *Sonninia* are common in the Great Estuarine Group, providing important biostratigraphic markers for the Middle Jurassic. These ammonites are crucial for understanding the paleobiogeography and evolutionary trends of the time.

Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea Fossils

Ammonite Preservation: The ammonites found in the Lias Group rocks of Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea are often preserved in limestone. These fossils retain fine morphological details, including ribs, keels, and suture patterns, which help paleontologists identify different species and understand their evolutionary relationships.

Notable Species: Common ammonites found in South Wales include *Arietites* and *Oxynoticeras*, which are important for dating the Sinemurian and Pliensbachian stages of the Lower Jurassic. These species serve as index fossils for correlating rock layers across the region.

Antrim Coast Fossils

Ammonite Preservation: The Cretaceous ammonites found along the Antrim Coast are often well-preserved in the Hibernian Greensands Formation. These fossils are typically found as internal molds or impressions in the sandstone, with some specimens showing intricate suture patterns.

Notable Species: Ammonites like *Schloenbachia* and *Mantelliceras* are commonly found in Northern Ireland. These species are key indicators of the marine environments that existed during the Cretaceous period and provide valuable information for biostratigraphic studies.

Isle of Wight Fossils

Ammonite Preservation: Ammonites from the Vectis Formation on the Isle of Wight are often found preserved in limestone and sandstone. These fossils provide excellent examples of Cretaceous ammonite species, with their coiled shells and intricate suture patterns preserved in detail.

Notable Species: The Isle of Wight is home to ammonites such as *Deshayesites* and *Douvilleiceras*. These fossils are significant for understanding the evolutionary transition from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous and help to correlate rock layers across the region.

Key Species of Other British Fossil Ammonites
Fossils from these sites represent a wide variety of ammonite species from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Some of the key ammonite species found across these locations include:

Isle of Skye Ammonites

*Cadoceras calyx* (Middle Jurassic, Isle of Skye): This species is known for its robust, ribbed shell and serves as a key biostratigraphic marker for the Middle Jurassic. *Cadoceras* is commonly found in the marine sediments of the Isle of Skye.

*Sonninia propinquans* (Middle Jurassic, Isle of Skye): Another important ammonite genus from the Isle of Skye, *Sonninia* is notable for its ornate suture patterns and well-preserved shell features.

Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea Ammonites

*Arietites bucklandi* (Sinemurian, South Wales): *Arietites* is a large ammonite with thick ribs and a prominent keel. Its fossils are commonly found in the Lower Jurassic rocks of South Wales and are significant for dating Sinemurian-aged rock formations.

*Oxynoticeras oxynotum* (Sinemurian, South Wales): This small ammonite species is commonly found in the Lias Group rocks of Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea. Its slender, coiled shell and fine ribs are characteristic of ammonites from the Early Jurassic.

Antrim Coast Ammonites

*Schloenbachia varians* (Cretaceous, Northern Ireland): This species is a key index fossil for dating Cretaceous rock layers in Northern Ireland. Its well-preserved shell is often found as an internal mold in the Hibernian Greensands Formation.

*Mantelliceras mantelli* (Cretaceous, Northern Ireland): *Mantelliceras* is a large ammonite genus with robust, coiled shells. Fossils of this species are commonly found along the Antrim Coast and provide important information for biostratigraphic studies.

Isle of Wight Ammonites

*Deshayesites deshayesi* (Lower Cretaceous, Isle of Wight): *Deshayesites* is a key ammonite species from the Vectis Formation, known for its ribbed shell and intricate suture patterns. This species is crucial for dating Lower Cretaceous rock formations on the Isle of Wight.

*Douvilleiceras mammillatum* (Lower Cretaceous, Isle of Wight): This ammonite genus is found in the Cretaceous rocks of the Isle of Wight and is notable for its large, ribbed shell. Its fossils are significant for understanding the marine environments of the Cretaceous period.

Significance of Other British Fossil Ammonites

The ammonites found in these regions across Britain are of great scientific importance due to their diversity, preservation, and biostratigraphic value. They play a crucial role in understanding the evolution of marine life during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Key areas of significance include:

Scientific Importance: Fossils from the Isle of Skye, South Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Wight provide crucial insights into the evolution and adaptation of ammonites during the Mesozoic era. These fossils help paleontologists reconstruct ancient marine ecosystems and track the changes in ammonite populations over millions of years.

Biostratigraphy and Geological Correlation: Ammonites from these British sites serve as important index fossils for dating rock layers and correlating them with other fossil sites across Europe. Their rapid evolution and widespread distribution make them essential tools for studying Jurassic and Cretaceous rock formations.

Paleobiogeography: The ammonites found in these regions offer valuable clues about the distribution of marine life during the Mesozoic era. Their presence in different rock formations across Britain helps scientists understand the paleogeography of ancient seas and the environmental changes that affected ammonite populations.

Conclusion

Fossil ammonites from other British locations, including the Isle of Skye, South Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Wight, represent significant scientific and historical discoveries. These fossils provide valuable insights into ammonite evolution, paleobiogeography, and the ecological conditions of the Jurassic and Cretaceous seas.

By studying these ammonites, paleontologists gain a better understanding of ancient marine ecosystems, the biostratigraphy of rock formations, and the evolutionary adaptations of ammonites to different environmental conditions. These lesser-known fossil sites across Britain continue to be important resources for both scientific research and fossil collectors.