Sequence and Structure in the Silurian Rocks of Kirkcudbrightshire

Abstract

The generally accepted interpretation of the structure of the Southern Uplands has been that of an anticlinorium to the north-west flanked by a synclinorium to the south-east. This structure, however, has always been illustrated as one large anticlinorium since the Hawick rocks in the core of the synclinorium have been considered to be older than the Riccarton (Wenlockian) Beds which lie to the south. In Kirkcudbrightshire, a reverse age relationship is demonstrated with the result that the beds could in fact form the southern limb of the synclinorium. When this is shown to be the case doubts are thrown on the validity of the fold and two alternative interpretations are given.