Kelloway Rock, also known as the Kelloway Formation, is a geological unit that refers to a specific group of sedimentary rocks. Named after Kellaway, a village in Gloucestershire, England, where the formation was first studied, Kelloway Rock is primarily composed of fine-grained sandstones, siltstones, and claystones. It is dated to the Early Jurassic period, roughly 196 million years ago.
The Kelloway Rock is known for its rich fossil content, particularly marine invertebrates such as ammonites and bivalves, which offer valuable insights into the ancient marine ecosystems of the period. The formation is often associated with the Kimmeridge Clay, which sits above it and shares some similar characteristics.
Due to its distinctive lithology and fossil assemblage, the Kelloway Rock plays a crucial role in stratigraphic and paleontological studies. Its wide distribution across the United Kingdom and parts of Western Europe has allowed for extensive research regarding ancient environmental conditions and the evolution of marine life during the Early Jurassic.
Moreover, the Kelloway Rock often acts as an important marker for dating and correlating other sedimentary rock units, enabling geologists to reconstruct the geological history of the region. Despite its historical significance and scientific relevance, the Kelloway Rock is not a term commonly used outside the field of geology.
