BARNANORAUN FORMATION Meaning and
Definition
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The Barnanoraun Formation is a geological formation located in County Clare, Ireland. It primarily consists of sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the late Carboniferous and early Permian periods, approximately 318 to 295 million years ago.
The formation is characterized by its composition and lithology. It is composed of a variety of rock types including sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones. These rocks were formed in a marine environment, indicating that the area was once covered by a shallow sea. Fossils of marine organisms such as brachiopods and bivalves are commonly found within the Barnanoraun Formation, providing valuable insight into the ancient ecosystem and environmental conditions.
In terms of its stratigraphy, the Barnanoraun Formation is part of the Clare Group, a larger sequence of Carboniferous and Permian rocks found in western Ireland. It lies above the overlying Kilkee Formation and is overlain by the younger Ross Formation.
The Barnanoraun Formation has significant geological importance as it represents a crucial time period in Earth's history when major events such as the Carboniferous-Permian transition and mass extinction events occurred. It provides valuable insights into the geological processes that shaped the earth millions of years ago and the environmental changes that influenced the evolution and extinction of various life forms. The formation has also attracted the attention of geologists and paleontologists due to its accessibility and the rich abundance of fossils found within it.
Etymology of BARNANORAUN FORMATION
The word "Barnanoraun Formation" is a geological term, specifically referring to a rock unit or geological formation. Therefore, its etymology is related to the location or name of the place where it was first studied or identified.
In this case, the Barnanoraun Formation is named after Barnanoraun, a townland located in County Mayo, Ireland. The term "formation" indicates that this rock unit is a distinct and identifiable geological unit with specific characteristics. It is common for geologists to name rock formations after the locations where they were first described or extensively studied.
