Overview
Identifiers
Inventory Number
3220CA3
Site Name
Geosite: Blouheuwel turbidite sandstone
Site Category
Geological
References
Date Retrieved
Reference Types
Other Publication
Citation
Cole, D.I. and Wickens, H. de V. (1998). Lower Karoo Supergroup: glacial, basinal and terrestrial environments in the southwestern part of the main Karoo basin. Guidebook 10th Gondwana Conference, University of Cape Town, South Africa, No. Pr 1, 77p.
Reference Types
Other Publication
Citation
Geological Survey (1983). Geological map of Sheet 3220 Sutherland (scale 1:250 000). Publication, Geological Survey of South Africa.
Record Administration
Author
doug.cole
Post date
Monday, October 28, 2013 - 09:56
Last modified
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 18:19
Location
Location
Mapping
-32.502587, 20.233752
Northern Cape
  • Namakwa
  • Karoo Hoogland
Grading
Autoid
Grading - 225403
Submitted by
Submitted by doug.cole on 28/10/2013 - 10:19.
Grading
Grade IIIb
Grading Date
GradingComment

Geosite covering a 6 metre-thick sandstone capping the low southern cliff of the Agterste River. This sandstone displays a variety of sedimentary structures characterising turbidite deposition. The geosite is easily accessible and should be classified as a local heritage site. Grading by: DOUG COLE

Significance criteria
Significance Categories
Understanding Natural or Cultural Heritage
Sphere of Significance
Local
Level
Medium
Significance Categories
Research, Teaching or Benchmark Site
Sphere of Significance
Local
Level
Medium
Statement of Significance

The sandstone contains diagnostic sedimentary features of deep water turbidite deposition and forms the fourth submarine fan of the Permian Skoorsteenberg Formation. Although similar features can be seen in the same formation in other parts of the Tanqua Karoo, this geosite is easily accessible lying close to the roads to Sutherland via Ouberg and Verlatenkloof Passes. Modern day turbidites are only deposited in the ocean at depths greater than about 500 metres and this geosite enables one to see such deposits in the geological record.

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