Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
Some 880 m of grey, green and purple argillites are estimated to be present in complexly deformed Upper Devonian successions which occur in several overlapping coastal sections. Four lithostratigraphical formations are formally defined, in order of decreasing age: the Marble Cliff Limestone; Longcarrow Cove Slate; Harbour Cove Slate; and Polzeath Slate Formations. Improved correlation and biostratigraphical control is available for the two younger formations which are studied in detail. The formations range in age from lowest Frasnian to mid Famennian. Despite the intense deformation there are no major structural breaks in the successions.