The Upper Carboniferous (Namurian) Central Clare Group is widely exposed on the Atlantic coast of County Clare, western Ireland. The Central Clare Group is composed of clastic sedimentary rocks deposited in fluvio-deltaic systems. The Cliffs of Moher, which are part of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, are well-known vista points for observing the Central Clare Group; nonetheless, the vertical cliffs are not ideal for checking individual beds up close. Along the coast of Spanish Point at low tide, in contrast, we can easily observe interbedded sandstone and mudstone that gently dip 10 to 20 degrees. Due to wave erosion, numerous sedimentary structures, such as cross stratification and ripple marks, appear on exposed bedding surfaces. Many tourists, including non-geologist Japanese, visit the small village of Spanish Point every year, as it is located near Milltown Malbay, the well-known site of the Willie Clancy Summer School (one of Ireland's major summer schools for traditional music and dance).
(Photograph & Explanation: Tomonori NAYA;
Photographed on July, 13, 2014)
