Sedimentary affiliations and stratigraphic correlation of the Dalradian rocks in the South-west Highlands of Scotland

Abstract

The concept of sedimentary affiliations (cf. the sedimentary associations of Knill 1959) is introduced, and three such affiliations (the black slate, the graded quartzite, and the greywacke affiliations) are described from the Dalradian metasediments younger than the Easdale Slates. The stratigraphic distribution of these affiliations is the basis for the proposed stratigraphic correlations. The difficulties of correlation across the Cowal Antiform and along the Highland Border are discussed. Current directions and facies changes allow the palaeogeography to be outlined. The distinction between the graded quartzite and greywacke affiliations provides evidence on the ‘greywacke problem’.