Late glacial marine algae from Greenock and Renfrew

Abstract

Fossil algae attributable to Desmarestia aculeata, Sphacelaria pennata, Sphacelaria plumigera and Laminaria sp. from the late glacial beds of Greenock and Renfrew are described and illustrated. A fossil echinoderm identified as Strongylocentrotus dröbachiensis and found with the algae is also illustrated. The four species of algae are clearly inhabitants of cold seas although they occur through a wide latitudinal range. This is in accord with the view that the beds were laid down under Arctic conditions.