Loughermore Mountain ASSI

Loughermore Mountain is a special place because of its Earth Science interest. The area provides access to important geological features.

The exposures are found in the faces and spoil of an old quarry. The rocks date from the Precambrian period of Earth history and are around 600 million years old.

Originally, the rock was sand and mud deposited on the floor of an ancient sea. The location was probably between the shallow shore and the deep sea. Earth movements closed this sea during a mountain building event and deformed the rocks by heat and pressure. The mountain range formed is known as the Caledonides and was comparable in size to the modern Himalayas.

Evidence of stresses and strains of this event are found in structures seen at Loughermore. Some of the quartz (sand) grains show evidence of stretching. The structures help geologists work out the processes involved during the mountain building.

The rocks at the site are actually part of a great fold that is a major structure in the Sperrin Mountains.

Correct management is essential for special places like Loughermore Mountain.  For example, if vegetation were to grow unchecked, it may reduce access to and visibility of the exposures. Continued sensitive management will ensure the survival of the area’s geological features.