Grimsby Formation at Albion Falls, Hamilton, ONT

[JUAN EMMANUEL]

I made a trip today to Albion Falls in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada by public transportation. Albion Falls is a classical waterfall that cascades over the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Ontario and is 19 metres high. The waters flow north along the Redhill Valley as Redhill Creek to empty to Lake Ontario. Once a popular tourist destination, climbing up the waterfall is not allowed anymore due to paramedics having to rescue irresponsible tourists who have hurt and died from slipping and falling.

I mostly ended up checking out the Grimsby Formation which is nicely exposed near the waterfall. There are walls of exposure as the water meanders down from the falls, revealing nice explorable spots. The Grimsby Formation is part of the Cataract Group and dates to the early Silurian period. The Grimsby Formation is not popular as it is not fossiliferous. I’ve had better luck finding fossil animals in the Manitoulin and Cabot Head Formations at the Devil’s Punchbowl in Hamilton, Ontario.

 

The reddish maroon bottom part of the exposure is the Grimsby Formation. It is mostly red/purple shale mixed with the same coloured sandstones. 

Here is a pic showing how the Cabot Head Formation of the Cataract Group progresses into the Grimsby Formation. 

 

[JUAN EMMANUEL]

I mostly was able to find that the formation has a lot of trace fossils. There many fragments of bryozoans, but none that are easily discernible. 

I have yet to assign names to these ichnofossils. I have added a dime as a size reference. I believe there is a Lingulichnus in the last two specimens. 

[JUAN EMMANUEL]

Can someone please tell me if these are microbial mats? 

I have included a dime for reference. These two are both on sandstone. 

I took at least three samples with me. Just in case.

[JUAN EMMANUEL]

I have also found what appears to be pelycopod internal molds. I recall there are mostly pelycopods found in the Grimsby Formation instead of brachiopods. 

Another exposure pic.

 

[JUAN EMMANUEL]

A rock with some unidentified traces on it. 

More site pics. 

Thanks for popping. 

[Monica]

I can't help with identification of your specimens, but I wanted to say that the matrix colour is really nice, as is the scenery - thanks for sharing!

[Al Tahan]

Love the scenery and some nice trace fossils!

[Mark Kmiecik]

Thanks for the tour. I enjoyed it.

[JohnBrian]

Beautiful area! Be sure to wear a hardhat!

[sharkdoctor]

Great site photos!

[FossilNerd]

Very beautiful place! Nice looking trace fossils as well. Wish I could help with identification, but alas I am clueless.