The moler formation in Limfjorden in
northern Denmark is a clay formation rich in diatoms that formed during
the Eocene period. It is exposed along cliffs, particularly on the island of
Mors, and in quarries on Mors. Volcanoes that were once located near the Faroe
Islands erupted volcanic ash that fell into the sea, creating a suffocating
layer that blocked out oxygen and buried the marine animals at the sea bottom.
Fish, crabs, and many other smaller creatures can be found fossilized in the
clay layers. Concretions known as cementsten (cement stone) can be spotted cropping out of cliffs such as at Hanklit. These concretions
contain high concentrations of calcium and may have insect fossils. Many of the softer
layers of clay in the moler are heavily bioturbated, disturbed by living
organisms prior to the consolidation of the layers. Unfortunately, the
burrowing creatures did not leave their fossils behind.
Most seabeds become uplifted due to the raising
of the land by tectonic action. The molar formation, with its layers of clay
and volcanic ash, can clearly be seen as intensely folded layers forming anticlines
and synclines. Some of the most dramatic folds can be seen at the Skarrehage
quarry. These folded sedimentary layers were not crumpled by tectonic activity
but rather by the force of several glacial advances. Each glacial period saw
ice sheets moving south from Norway and Sweden and as they ploughed south, they
pushed and folded the soft seabed like a carpet.
The clay layers are quarried for their use
as cat litter or making lightweight bricks; however, the quarry workers are on the
lookout for rare fossils which are delivered to the museum across the road from
the Skarrehage quarry. Fossil hunting is encouraged in Denmark and finds of
minor consequence can be taken home. Unusual or rare finds should be turned in
to the museum which offers some remuneration for the find. Both the Skarrehage and the Ejerslev quarries permit fossil hunters on weekends or in areas where the machines are not working.
For more information read the detailed and excellent article below:
This site has photos and a map.
And the Strahlen Foundation site has some good photos too.
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