The Early Jurassic Sequence of Lyme Regis, Dorset, England and Its Significance to the History of Geology and Paleontology

The Early Jurassic sequence of Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, reveals a 146-meter-thick marine sedimentary record spanning the Hettangian to Pliensbachian stages. This sequence, part of the Blue Lias and Charmouth Mudstone formations, is renowned for its rich fossil assemblages, including ammonites, belemnites, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and pterosaurs. Notably, Mary Anning's discoveries from this site in the early 19th century provided foundational contributions to paleontology, including the first scientifically described ichthyosaur, the first complete plesiosaur, and the first British pterosaur. Her work also advanced understanding of fossil feces (bezoar stones), crinoid ecology, and cephalopod ink sacs. The site's historical significance is further underscored by its association with prominent geologists like William Buckland, William Conybeare, and Henry De la Beche, whose paleoenvironmental reconstructions, such as Duria Antiquior, helped popularize Lyme Regis' geological importance. Today, this coastal section lies within the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sharpe, T. (2021). THE EARLY JURASSIC SEQUENCE OF LYME REGIS, DORSET, ENGLAND AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO THE HISTORY OF GEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2021am-366662