Passing by this building multiple times every day, I always took notice of the fossil imprints on this building. After touring Ireland for a few months now, I begun to notice how this building is made from 2 different types limestones instead of just one.

LIMESTONE

Limestone is a sedimentary rock, meaning it is formed layer by layer as the main components, usually calcite or aragonite that are crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) deposits over millions of years and eventually cements together. Calcium carbonate is also the main component of pearls and shells from clams, snails and even eggs. 

Here in Ireland, the majority of the limestone is formed during 2 distinct geological time scales - Cretaceous and Carboniferous. Cretaceous limestone is lighter in color whereas Carboniferous limestone is grey-black. A pure form of limestone commonly found from the Cretaceous is called chalk.

FOSSILIFEROUS

Fossiliferous limestone is a classification for limestone that have a significant amount of fossil imprints on it. Generally, only sedimentary rocks have fossils. Here, you can see 6 major fossils.

Ammonites - These sea creatures appeared during the Devonion period, before dying out in the Creataceous-Paleogene extinction event. The ammonite fossils can be determined by spiral imprints.

Belemnites - Belemnites were squid-like creatures that lived during the Mesozoic era, from the early Jurassic to late Cretaceous. The fossils can be distinguished by round elongated shapes.

Corals and Crinoids - Both sea creatures have many feeding arms. However, corals are generally stuck to a rock whereas crinoids are mobile. The fossils can be seen from clumps of circles.

Bivalves and Brachiopods - These shelled creatures can be recognised via rings, half rings or crescents.

LOGGING TASKS

You may have noticed a lack of photos from this listing - that's why a primary goal is to determine all 6 fossils you can see here by answering the questions below. Determine the fossils from the listing description and answer the questions below:

1) This bulding is made from the aforementioned types of limestone. Is the building primarily made from Cretaceous Limestone or Carboniferous Limestone? Explain.

2) Answer Carboniferous Limestone or Cretaceous Limestone. In which limestone can you find:

• Ammonites
• Belemnites
• Corals/Crinoids
• Brachiopods/Bivalves

3) Optional: walk around town and look around: where can you find carboniferous and cretaceous limestone?

You can log a found it once the answers have been sent. I will get back to you if there are any unsatisfactory answers