Overview
Identifiers
Inventory Number
3321BB11
Site Name
Holostratotype: Abrahamskraal Formation in Gamka River
Site Category
Geological
References
Date Retrieved
Reference Types
Book
Citation
SOUTH AFRICAN COMMITTEE FOR STRATIGRAPHY (1980). Stratigraphy of South Africa. Part 1: Lithostratigraphy of the Republic of South Africa, South West Africa/Namibia, and the Republics of Bophuthatswana, Transkei and Venda. Compiler: L.E. Kent. Handbook, Geological Survey of South Africa, No. 8, 690p.
Date Retrieved
Reference Types
Journal
Citation
COLE, D.I., JOHNSON, M.R. and DAY, M.O. (2016). Lithostratigraphy of the Abrahamskraal Formation (Karoo Supergroup), South Africa. South African Journal of Geology, vol. 119, pp. 415-424.
Reference Types
Other Publication
Citation
Geological Survey (1991). Geological map of Sheet 3320 Ladismith (scale 1:250 000). Publication, Geological Survey of South Africa.
Record Administration
Author
doug.cole
Post date
Monday, October 28, 2013 - 16:17
Last modified
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 18:19
Location
Location
Mapping
-33.026783, 21.99044
Western Cape
  • Central Karoo
  • Prince Albert
Grading
Autoid
Grading - 225393
Submitted by
Submitted by doug.cole on 29/10/2013 - 09:19.
Grading
Grade IIIb
Grading Date
GradingComment

Geological section along the eastern bank low cliff of the Gamka River, 28 km south of Leeu Gamka. This covers the steeply-dipping (45 - 85 degrees) Abrahamskraal Formation and forms the holostratotype. The site corresponds with the base of the formation where mudstone and subordinate sandstone conformably overlie the sandstone-dominated Waterford Formation. A holostratotype is an essential component of a defined stratigraphic unit and this locality 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 base of the Abrahamskraal Formation holostratotype is well-exposed. Mudstone containing calcareous nodules interbedded with sandstone showing fining-upward sequences and small symmetrical ripple marks overlies the Waterford Formation characterised by sandstone showing coarsening-upward sequences and large symmetrical ripple marks and less common mudstone. The boundary between the two formations represents a change from a subaqueous into a subaerial palaeoenvironment.

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