Commune: Miedziana Góra (pow. kielecki, woj. świętokrzyskie)
Framework element or context represented:
Eolian and fluvial structures in sandstones of the complex C (Tumlin Beds) of the Lower Triassic in the Permian-Mesozoic cover of the Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross) Mts.
Primary geological/geomorphological interest:
Eolian sedimentary structures.
Comparative assessment justification:
Tumlin-Gród quarry is a type locality of the sedimentary structures of eolian dunes and interdune flats of European importance; it is the best studied and most illustrative site among several other ones situated in the area about 10 km long.
Protection status and accessibility:
Partly protected since 1994 in nature reserve “Kręgi Kamienne” (12, 75 ha), partly in active quarry – well accessible, located near touristic trail.
Character of site: Quaries (partly abandoned and partly active).
Area: 15 ha
Altitude: 370-390 m a.s.l.
Lithology: sandstones
Discipline: Palaeobiology, Palaeoenvironment
Process Age: Triassic, *all periods
Bedrock Age: Triassic, *all periods
Description of primary interest:
The Tumlin-Gród partially active quarry is the outcrop of the Buntsandstein sandstones of complex C (Tumlin Beds), which represent deposits of mainly eolian origin. Their sedimentary structures can be observed (and were studied) in cross sections and on the bedding planes. The fossil dunes are characterised by large-scale cross lamination and aeolian ripples. Structures of ephemeral water flows and ponds as well as interdune flats occur among the dunes. They are characterised by wave (subaqueous) ripples, erosional channels filled with lenses of structureless sandstones as well as desiccation cracks and mud flakes (developed due to mud drying). In the quarry also footprints of reptiles have been found. Sandstones of the complex C represent sediments of extremely dry climatic period in the terrestrial, clastic-argillaceous sequence of Bundsandstein of the Permian-Mesozoic cover of the Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross) Mts, which developed in the south-eastern segment of the Danish-Polish through (beeing almost continuously depressed from Permian to the Uppermost Cretaceous). The red “Tumlin sandstones” represent building stones traditionally used in the region and in the whole country (for churches, state and other representative buildings). Thus the Tumlin quarry has been developed for 140 years in this place and represents monument of historical quarrying.
Literature:
FIJAŁKOWSKA A. 1994–Palynostratigraphy of the Lower and Middle Buntsandstein in northwestern part of the Holy Cross Mts. Geol. Quaterly 38, 1: 59-96. GĄGOL J. 1976–Punkt III B-2 – kamieniołom Tumlin-Gród – piaskowce tumlińskie (in Polish only). In: Pożaryski W., Głazek J. (eds), Przew. 48 Zjazdu Pol. Tow. Geol., Starachowice 24-26.09.1976. Wyd. Geol. Warszawa: 232-235. GRADZIŃSKI R. 1992–Deep blowout depressions in the eolian Tumlin sandstones (Lower Triassic) of the Holy Cross Mts., Central Poland. Sediment. Geol., 81: 231-242. GRADZIŃSKI R., GĄGOL J., ŚLĄCZKA A. 1979–The Tumlin sandstone (Holy Cross Mts, Central Poland): Lower Triassic deposits of aeolian dunes and interdune areas. Acta Geol. Pol., 29: 151- 175. KULETA M., NAWROCKI J. 2002–Litostratygrafia i magnetostratygrafia pstrego piaskowca w północnym obrzeżeniu Gór Świętokrzyskich (in Polish only). Posiedz. Nauk. PIG 58 (10): 109-111. KUTEK J., GŁAZEK J. 1972–The Holy Cross Area, Central Poland in the Alpine cycle. Acta Geol. Pol., 22: 603-654. URBAN J., WRÓBLEWSKI T. 1999–Representative geosites of the Góry Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross Mts.) and the Nida Basin, Central Poland. Pol. Geol. Inst., Special Papers, 2: 61-70. WRÓBLEWSKI T. 2001–Geodiversity conservation in the Góry Świętokrzyskie region (English sum.). Min. Środ., Państw. Inst. Geol., Warszawa, 88 pp.