Glossary of geological terms
ABCDEFGHI J KL
MN OP QRSTU VW X Y Z
Late Devensian Glaciation / Rhewlifiant Defensaidd Diwethaf
The cold period between 26,000 years ago and about 15,000 years ago which marked the height of the last Ice Age. Otherwise known as the Dimlington Stadial.
Laurasia / Lawrasia
A former continent comprised of the modern-day continents of North America, Europe and Asia.
Laurentia / Lawrensia
A former continent during Cambrian and Ordovician times which comprised much of modern-day North America and Greenland. Laurentia subsequently collided with Baltica to form Laurussia.
Laurussia / Lawrwsia
See ‘Old Red Sandstone Continent’
limestone / calchfaen
Any rocks composed largely of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate (dolomitic limestone). Limestones are highly variable in nature.
limestone pavement / palmant calchfaen
Generally flat-lying exposure of limestone bedrock which has, to a greater or lesser degree, been weathered into distinct blocks (clints) separated by fissures (grikes). The grikes often afford shelter to a diverse range of plants. A pavement is formed by the action of weakly acidic water dissolving the rock along lines of weakness.
Little Ice Age / Oes Ia Fach
Period from the 16th to the 19th century when the climate of NW Europe was notably colder.
Llandeilan or Llandeilo Series / Cyfres Llandeilo
Epoch of the Silurian Period. See geological timescale.
Llandoverian or Llandovery Series / Cyfres Llanymddyfri
Epoch of the Silurian Period comprising the Rhuddanian, Aeronian and Telychian stages. See geological timescale.
Llandyfan Limestone / Calchfaen Llandyfan
One of the limestones comprising the main Carboniferous Limestone.
Llanelly Formation / Ffurfiant Llanelli
Dolomitic limestone found between the Abercriban Oolite and the Dowlais Limestone within the main Carboniferous Limestone.
Llangammarch Formation / Ffurfiant Llangamarch
Set of mudstones of Wenlock age within Silurian Period.
Llanvirnian or Llanvirn Series / Cyfres Llan-fyrn
Epoch of the Ordovician Period. See geological timescale.
Llety Beds / Gwelyau Llety
Succession of rocks laid down during the Ludlow Epoch of the Silurian Period.
Loch Lomond Stadial / Is-gyfnod Rhewlifol Loch Lomond
The cold period which marked the end of the Pleistocene Epoch and occurred between 11,500 and 10,000 years ago after several thousand years of warming climate and during which glaciers briefly returned to Fforest Fawr.
Lower Coal Measures / Cystradau Glo Isaf
Traditional subdivision of the Carboniferous Period. See geological timescale.
Lower Devonian / Defonaidd Isaf
Lower Limestone Shale(s) / Sial(au) Calchfaen Isaf
Set of limestones and mudstones which occur at the base of the main Carboniferous Limestone. Now known as the Avon Group.
Ludlovian or Ludlow Series / Cyfres Llwydlo
Epoch of the Silurian Period during which the sandstones, mudstones and siltstones of the Cae’r Mynach, the Hafod Fawr, Cwm Craig Ddu and other formations were laid down. See geological timescale.